Lenten Devotional...Maundy Thursday

Mark 14:26-31

“But he said vehemently, ‘Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.’ And all of them said the same.”

(Mark 14:31)

It has been said, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”  These cautionary words remind us that it is often easy to speak of commitment, but certainly more challenging to follow through.

Today’s focal verse features the words of Peter, whose good intentions are displayed in his declaration of allegiance after Jesus has spoken of the disciple’s betrayal.  “Not me,” Peter says.  His intention is to distance himself from his fellow disciples.  If we did not know the rest of the story, we would be impressed with his courage in standing firmly with Jesus.  However, we do know the rest of the story because, quite honestly, it is also our story.  How many times have we committed ourselves to walk with Christ and been unable to follow through?  The words of commitment come from willing hearts, but as Jesus said to his disciples, “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Marked by our failures, we carry a burden of guilt that hangs heavy, as did Peter’s betrayal.  One might assume that the resurrected Jesus would cast Peter aside as a worthless friend whose betrayal was the final act of infidelity.  But post resurrection, Jesus did a curious thing…he welcomed Peter as a friend, and called him to greater service…“feed my lambs.” 

The brokenness of betrayal, Peter’s and ours, is displayed in the events of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.  For that, the road to hell seems a likely destination.  Our faith, however, isn’t based on good intentions; indeed, it isn’t based on anything you or I can do.  The cross, an ugly and detestable instrument of punishment, becomes for us the beautiful symbol of God’s love.  Our good intentions aside, God’s grace overcomes. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord, we mark this as a day of betrayal…Maundy Thursday.  Our good intentions are exposed. So too, is your matchless love.  We humbly ask your forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Jim Abernathy