Day 23 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross.

Author & Voice: Becky Teixeira

After Peter’s denial, the rooster’s crow forces him to confront the painful truth of his failure—but Jesus had already spoken a deeper word over his life. Long before Peter fell, Christ had prayed for his faith and promised his restoration. This episode reminds us that our failures do not surprise the Savior; instead, they become the place where grace meets us, leading us from shame to repentance and from brokenness to worship.

Scripture

1. Matthew 26:75

Reflection Questions

1. How do I usually respondwhen I fail - do I run from God into shame? Or do I run to Him in humility?
2. Do I believe that God loves me not because of what I can do or what I can earn, but because Christ already made a way on the cross for my restoration?
3. How can I praise God when I’m faced with failure? What are some practical steps I can take to not let my failure speak to my identity, but allow the gospel to remind me of my identity?

Kid-Friendly Question

1. Have you ever made a mistake and felt really bad about it? What did you do next?
2. What does it show about Jesus that He still loved Peter even after Peter messed up?
3. What’s one way you can thank Jesus today for forgiving you?

Spiritual Practice - Sabbath

Spiritual Practice - Thankfulness & Worship

After fasting strips you bare, worship reorients your vision. You remember who sits on the throne—and it’s not you.

1. Begin with gratitude. List three ways Jesus has already met you in your weakness this week. Thank Him for praying for you. Let gratitude lead you into worship.
2. Name who God is. Pick a name of God and declare it out loud.
3. YHWH-Jireh, my Provider.
4. YHWH-Rapha, my Healer.
5. The Lord my Shepherd, who restores my soul.
6. As you speak these truths, let your heart realign with His authority and goodness.
7. Sing or speak your praise. Play a worship song orread apsalm aloud—Psalm 100, Psalm 103, or Psalm 145. Each declaration dethrones the idols of shame and self-reliance.
8. End in recognition, not performance. Sit quietly and whisper: “You are worthy.” Peter’s story didn’t end in silence—it ended in song. Let worship rise not from earning, but from beholding. Let your praise be the sound of a restored relationship. “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and Hiscourts with praise.” As you do, may your eyes lift from your failure to your faithful King—Jesus, the One who already planned your return.