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READ: Mark 14:27-31
LISTEN: Mark 14

Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.” Mark 14:29–30

Jesus and his disciples are standing on the Mount of Olives when Jesus delivers some devastating news: “You will all fall away” (Mark 14:27). Jesus and the disciples had just shared a meal together when Jesus revealed that one of them would betray him. Now, Jesus makes plain that all of them would be unfaithful in following him. Though Peter and the other disciples are emphatic that they would never let Jesus down, time would unfortunately tell otherwise.

The disciples’ overconfidence was part of what led to their failure. The same is true for us. Overconfidence is not the posture of faithfulness. Humility is. Humility recognizes one’s frailty and fallenness and depends wholeheartedly on God. Pride leads to dependence upon self. Humility leads to dependence upon God. A humble posture will likely involve steps to protect oneself against unfaithfulness, such as setting up guardrails,  seeking accountability and being honest. Such steps are a recognition of one’s vulnerability and need for help in the fight for faithfulness. Humble people recognize they are capable of catastrophic failure and unfaithfulness and respond accordingly.

TODAY: Think about your own posture toward faithfulness. How might you be prone to overconfidence or pride? How could you live more humbly, recognizing your frailty and fallenness? Journal your reflections and commit to setting guardrails and seeking accountability to safeguard against unfaithfulness.