I wonder what my response would be if I heard Jesus tell me what He told all the disciples: “Garris, you will desert me.” Even thinking about those words hits me in the pit of my soul. I know that whether in thought, word, or deed, I am capable of doing just that.

Like so many, I’ve lived a relatively insulated life of comfort and convenience. I don’t know what extenuating circumstance would cause me to deny Jesus. Like Peter, I know what I want to vow: “Jesus, even if I have to die for you, I will never deny you” (see Mark 14:27, 31, 50). But Peter denied Jesus, and all the disciples also deserted Him. At a time in my life, I also deserted Jesus.

Jesus said that we are His disciples if we dwell in His Word. We will know the truth, and the truth will set us free…and if He makes us free, we will surely be free (see John 8:31-36). 

Now I know the condition of the human heart. Now I know we can respond with a humble, contrite heart when we see the damage in our souls formed by sin—knowing our helplessness to please God in our own strength, by our self-works. Daily, we can acknowledge our failures and receive what Jesus did for us on the Cross. His grace is enough. His new mercies are fresh for each day.

As the lyrics of an old hymn declare: “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.”