John 18:25 (NIV) Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they asked him, "You are not one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it, saying, "I am not."
Ash Wednesday Service & Bible Study
For today's Wednesday gathering, we will have a simple Bible study along with the Ash Wednesday service. After considering the most effective approach, we have decided to keep it simple—just as we used to do—without PowerPoint slides, but with a printed order of service, the Bible, and hymnbooks in our hands. Since this is our first gathering and also Ash Wednesday, we will hold the service in the main sanctuary.
As I prepared for this gathering, I reflected deeply on the significance and expectation of coming together for worship and study during the week.
The Fear of New Beginnings
Whenever we start something new, there is always a mix of anticipation and concern about whether things will go well.
Today, Peter follows Jesus, trying his best to stay near Him despite his fear and uncertainty. He likely held onto a small hope—that Jesus would somehow break free from this suffering, gather the people again, proclaim the gospel, heal the sick, and once again walk with His disciples amid the cheers of the crowd.
But in the courtyard of the high priest's house, a servant girl recognizes him.
Yesterday's passage showed Peter cutting off the ear of the high priest's servant. And today, in the very same house, another servant girl spots Peter and says, "You are one of his disciples, aren't you?"
At this one question, Peter crumbles and replies, "I am not."
Peter's Three Denials
As the passage continues, Peter denies Jesus three times:
"I am not."
"I am not one of them."
(And then again, he denied it.)
And at that very moment, the rooster crowed.
Peter was undeniably the leader of the early church. If you visit historical Christian sites, you will often see his name listed as the first pope. Given Peter's prominence, John's Gospel could have omitted this humiliating story.
Yet, the early church recorded it in full detail. They did not erase Peter's failure but instead preserved it for all believers to see.
And in doing so, they sent a powerful message: "Even Peter, the great leader of the church, denied Jesus out of fear. But his story did not end there. God still used him as the first leader of the church. How amazing is the grace of God!"
Failure Does Not Define Us
Failure does not define a person's entire life.
Life can always change, and God can transform any situation.
Reflection
Have you ever felt discouraged due to failure, setbacks, or things that seem impossible to change?
How do you feel about them now?
Intercessory Prayer
Please pray for today's Wednesday gathering! May everyone who joins experience the grace and love of God as we begin this new weekly worship.
Please pray for the youth service today. May God's presence fill the worship, bringing His grace and love to all who attend.
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