◼︎Journey Stations of the Cross: Sunday, March 21 – Sunday, April 4 ◼︎

Our Stations of the Cross experience will take us on a journey following the footsteps of Christ, immersing us in the biblical account of the last hours and days of Jesus' life. Take a few minutes each day to watch a short video and to respond and reflect. Connect with Jesus and prepare your heart as we head into Good Friday and Easter.

The following is the script from the video. You may also follow along using the downloadable reflection booklet.

◼︎ Station 4: Denial ◼︎
Jesus is Denied by Peter
Matthew 26:69–75

Supplies: Piece of paper and pen or pencil

Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant-girl came to him and said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he denied it before all of them, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about.” When he went out to the porch, another servant-girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” Again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man.” After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you are also one of them, for your accent betrays you.” Then he began to curse, and he swore an oath, “I do not know the man!” At that moment the rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.

We can imagine Peter’s denial of Jesus breaks Jesus’ heart—we know it breaks Peter’s, too.

But it’s not the whole story.

Here, Peter says “no.” No, I don’t know him. No, he’s not my friend. No, I’m not part of what’s happening here. Peter denies Jesus, and when he does, he also denies himself.

Because before this, Peter has been saying “yes” to Jesus.

He’s been saying yes to the call to discipleship, yes to this journey toward the unknown, yes to trusting in the promises of God and the hope of God’s kingdom here on earth.

These “yeses” mean he’s also been saying “no” in other ways: no to despair, no to injustice, no to a community where not all are recognized as beloved.

Here, Peter’s fear gets the best of him. It convinces him to say no to what he’s been saying yes to for so long. It convinces him to deny what he trusts and who he is.

Think of a “yes” you’ve said that is central to your identity. Write it down. Fold up the paper, small enough to carry in your pocket.

When this video ends, carry it with you.

Whenever your fear threatens, unfold this paper. Let your rereading and remembering of this “yes” give you the courage to know who you are, even in the face of your fear.