Fire Stories: Three Crows in the Courtyard | Mark 14:26-34, 66-72

Today we’re gonna remember a couple of things. We’re gonna remember how loved we are and how with Jesus, there’s always hope. We are gonna remember the great sacrifice that Jesus made for us so we could have peace with God here on earth, and eternal life in heaven with him in a perfect place. Today we remember the last supper where Jesus broke the bread, a symbol of his body, which would be broken for you and for me. And he poured the wine, a symbol of the blood that he would shed for you and for me for love’s sake. We are so thankful for those things today. Join us in Mark chapter 14. We’re gonna pick it up in verse 26.

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Transcription:

I’m so glad that you could be here today for the Bible for Busy People. I’m Erica, and today we’re gonna remember a couple of things. We’re gonna remember how loved we are and how with Jesus, there’s always hope. You and I are gonna remember the great sacrifice that Jesus made for you and me so we could have peace with God here on earth, and eternal life in heaven with him in a perfect place. Today we remember the last supper where Jesus broke the bread, a symbol of his body, which would be broken for you and for me. And he poured the wine, a symbol of the blood that he would shed for you and for me for love’s sake. And I am so thankful for those things today.

Join me in Mark chapter 14. We’re gonna pick it up in verse 26. “Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives. On the way, Jesus told them, ‘All of you will desert me. For the scriptures say, ‘God will strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I am raised from the dead,'” here’s our takeaway verse, verse 28, “‘I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.'” With Jesus, there is always hope. And even on the darkest night of his life, Jesus is shining the light of hope on the path for his disciples and dearest friends. “Peter said to him, ‘Even if everyone else deserts you, I never will.’ Jesus replied,” I believe with compassion in his eyes, “‘I tell you the truth, Peter, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.’ ‘No!’ Peter declared emphatically. ‘Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!’ And all the others vowed the same. They went to the Olive Grove called Gethsemane, and Jesus said, ‘Sit here a while I go and pray.’ He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he became deeply troubled and distressed. He told them, ‘My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’ And you probably know what happens next. Jesus is arrested and beaten and led before the counsel and declared guilty even though he had never committed, not even one sin.

We’re gonna pick it up in verse 66 of Mark chapter 14. “Meanwhile, while all this was happening, Peter was in the courtyard below. One of the servant girls who worked for the high priest came by and noticed Peter warming himself at the fire. She looked at him closely and said, ‘You were one of those with Jesus of Nazareth.’ But Peter denied it. ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’ He said, and he went out into the entryway. Just then a rooster crowed. When the servant girl saw him standing there, she began telling the others. ‘This man is definitely one of them.’ But Peter denied it again. A little later, some of the other bystanders confronted Peter and said, ‘You must be one of them because you are a Galilean.’ Peter swore, ‘A curse on me if I’m lying, I don’t know this man you’re talking about!’ And immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Suddenly Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: ‘Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.’ And Peter, he broke down and wept.”

You’re in the middle of a series called Fire Stories in the Bible, and this may be one of the saddest stories that takes place around a fire. There is Peter warming his hands, and yet the warmth can’t reach his heart. It’s gone cold with fear and dread. He’s worried about his Lord and he’s worried about his own skin. Rightfully so because Peter knew that it meant he could be killed and crucified. Peter was terrified. How many times have you been bit by the insect of fear, and suddenly it takes over you. It’s happened to me many times. But this Peter, who was so afraid of being killed and crucified, would one day ask to be crucified upside down because he didn’t wanna be crucified in the same manner as his Lord and his God. That fear melted into courage and strength and bravery, and Peter would rise up to be a leader. And there’s another fire story in his future, and you and I are gonna tell it next time on The Bible for Busy People. Please know today that if something is stirring in your heart, if you are feeling love that you’ve never felt before, please know that that’s the Holy Spirit speaking to you and calling you to God. I wanna pray for you right now if that’s okay. Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus, and I lift up my friend who’s listening right now. I pray that if you are stirring up belief in their heart, that you would meet them right where they are. Assure them that their sins can be forgiven and washed away by your blood. You wash us whiter than snow. Lord, thank you. Thank you so much for dying on the cross for our sins and making us new. And thank you for rising again, because this is not the end of the story, but it could be the beginning of my friend’s story who’s listening right now. Thank you, Lord. We cherish you and we love you. In Jesus name, Amen. All right. Until next time, please know you are really loved.

Thank you so much for listening to the Bible for Busy People. If you need prayer or you’re ready to go a little deeper in your faith, we’ve posted some resources for you in our show notes. We’d love for you to share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review. It helps us reach even more people with the hope of Jesus. This podcast is part of Purposely, a podcast network designed with practical podcasts to help you find and live in God’s purpose for your life. Find more podcasts that will recharge you at onpurposely.com.