Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”

— Matthew 26:33

There’s wisdom in the saying “Never say never.” But when we are determined not to do something, we can easily say, “I’ll never do that!”

After the Last Supper, Peter passionately declared that he would never betray Jesus. But Jesus knew Peter better than Peter knew himself.

After the Passover meal they had shared, Jesus made a dramatic announcement: “This very night you will all fall away on account of me. . . .” But Peter asserted confidently that he would never leave Jesus. “No, Peter,” Jesus said, in effect, “before daybreak you will disown me three times.”

Though Peter’s heart was in the right place, Jesus knew Peter’s weakness. And, true to Jesus’ words, Peter failed miserably (see Matthew 26:69-75).

Yet there’s grace and hope in this story. Jesus prayed for Peter and the others, that they would be faithful and kept safe, despite the hardships and failures they would face. And did you know that Jesus prayed for us as well? (See John 17.)

I fail often. Even in my most determined moments, I stumble and fall. What about you? Jesus knows us and our weaknesses, and he still loves us. Though we sometimes fail to be faithful, Jesus—our faithful Savior—restores us and entrusts us with his work.

Thank you, Jesus, that you have promised never to leave us or forsake us, even though we will fail you in our weakness at times. Show us the way to follow and serve you. In your name, Amen.