Lenten Devotional: March 17, 2026

by Isolyn Foster

Fear and Denial

Scripture: Mark 14:66-71 NIV

While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him. “You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” she said. But he denied it. “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about,” he said, and went out into the entryway. When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, “This fellow is one of them.” Again he denied it. After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.”

Reflection:

Three times Peter was confronted and asked whether he was a follower of Jesus. Three times he denied. 

Have you ever faced a moment when you were afraid to be identified as a follower of Jesus? Most likely we all have been. You may have been at a restaurant and unwilling to say your mealtime blessing because you were eating with others, whom you feared might think less of you. 

In a split second, we, like Peter, may have decided to hide our identity as a Christian. 

The story of Peter's denial is of fear and denial, but it is also a story of grace and restoration. If the Lord could restore Peter, surely he can do it for us, despite the many ways we have denied him by our words and actions. 

Prayer:

Lord, there have been moments when we, like Peter, have been torn between our desire for the acceptance of others and our desire to please you. Forgive us and help us boldly stand and be counted as one of your followers.