Holy-Week-Thursday

This blog is a part of our Holy Week series.

Dr. Kelly Breen Boyce

Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”

“Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”

But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same. (Matthew 26:31-35)

In my profession as a clinical psychologist, there is much emphasis on self-awareness. Anyone who seriously attempts the pursuit of increased self-knowledge will ultimately realize the tendency toward self-deception. That is, we tend to deny, distort, and rationalize those less-than-virtuous parts of ourselves.

Leading up to his death, Jesus knew that Peter, one of his closest allies, would ultimately deny any association with him. When Jesus shared this prediction with Peter, Peter emphatically responded, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” However, as predicted, Peter disowned Christ three times that very night. Peter was unaware of his ability to betray his closest companion. However, Jesus knew Peter more intimately than he knew himself. Not only did Jesus forgive Peter, but he also ultimately appointed him as head of the church. Christ was eager to accept him and restore the relationship. In Christ, we have the invitation of being fully known and fully loved.

Dr. Kelly Breen Boyce is adjunct professor of counseling at Gordon-Conwell and co-founder of the psychological practice Central Psych Charlotte.

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This post first appeared in the devotional, Journey to the Resurrection, published by Gordon-Conwell, April 13 – 20, 2014.