Do You Deny Jesus?
READ: John 18:1-19, 42
Josh attended a Lutheran high school. When he would wear his letter jacket, people would often ask why he went to that school. Most of the time Josh would answer with either, “My parents make me.” or “I don’t know.”
“They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for doing anything good.” (Titus 1:16) Though it may not seem like it, Josh is denying Christ. By not telling others why he attends a Christian school, Josh is denying his faith. Maybe many of us can relate to Josh in this way. We claim to know God by attending church and a Christian school, but do our words and actions show that we know God?
God tells us that those who deny Him are disobedient and detestable. It is God’s command that we proclaim His message. By not telling others about our Savior, we are denying Him the way Peter did in John 18. We, as Christians, need to ask God for His help. We need the strength to proclaim His truth to all people.
If you are tempted to deny Jesus, ask God to give you the courage instead to proclaim Him. “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” (John 12:13)
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: How have you denied Christ in your life? What is something you can do to help others who deny Jesus? How can you overcome your fears and proclaim Jesus?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Ask God to give you strength to proclaim His Word and to glorify His name in your actions. Thank God for His love and mercy. Ask God to help those you know who deny Him.