Contemplative Bible Reading

Mark 14:29-31 (New Living Translation)

29 Peter said to him, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I never will.”

30 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.”

31 “No!” Peter declared emphatically. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the others vowed the same.

Peter proudly proclaims, “I will never desert you! I will never deny you!”

We know how the (hi)story ends. Jesus knew how the (hi)story would end. It was all predictable and predicted.

Yet, Jesus let Peter rant on and proclaim himself on the path to failure. Why did Jesus do this? Why didn’t Jesus step in and tell Peter, “Stop talking now. Otherwise you will make a fool of yourself.”

God allows us to do these foolish things, to proclaim ourselves on the path to failure. I hope that I always learn in hindsight. I hope that one day I will recognize my foolishness before I open my mouth or put my fingers to the keyboard.

How many of the others present on this occasion thought what Peter was saying but kept their mouths shut. And, oh, by the way, Jesus knew their thoughts. Ooops.