Are There Any John Marks Out There?

Remnant Revelation #3 (Devotional) - Written by: H.C. Daniels

Overview: Denying Christ and being restored - Commentaries and sermons typically focus on Peter denying Christ only from the view of Him failing Jesus. But what if Jesus and Father God, allowed Peter to be tempted (Satan asked to sift him) and fail, as a way to protect him, grow him, humble him, and strengthen him to strengthen others?

Key verses: Luke 21:31-34, 54-62

Revelation #1 - In the text, one thing to remember is that Satan asked to sift Peter. 

Many times we look at people and assume things about their circumstances and life-happenings equating them to they must have done something wrong to have a certain outcome in their lives. This could very well be true but just like Job, the enemy asked to introduce a level of trial or tribulation into Peterʼs life. People, especially in the Church, have to remember we are to judge fruit (flesh vs. Spirit - Galatians 5:16-23) not circumstances (Matthew 7:15-20). A situation might look a certain way but people tend to fill in the gaps and make assumptions rather than asking God or praying for the person. There is always a story behind the story. 

Peter matured in his faith, picking up His cross and following Christ as opposed to going His own way, once he was restored by Jesus (John 21:18). This maturing put him in a position to strengthen others. Jesus stated to Peter that when he returns, not if he returns, to go and strengthen his brothers (Luke 22:31-34). Even though many focus on Peterʼs failings and shortcomings, we rarely consider Jesusʼ words to him. They are not condemning or full of disappointment, but encouraging with an assurance that Peter was going to be ok and return to him. Jesus also said he prayed for Peter to make it through. So even though Jesus knew and warned Peter he was going to have troubles for a little while (denying Christ and then dealing with the guilt of it), Jesus prayed for him and for his faith not to fail, and encouraged him in knowing, by Godʼs grace, Peter would come through it. 

Revelation #2 - The fact that Peter denied Christ doesn’t speak to his lack of love for Christ; it speaks to the reality of human frailty. 

We all have weak moments and should be encouraged to know we serve a King who knows we will fail Him from time to time due to our human and fallen state. But Jesus restores Peter with love and forgiveness like an older brother and dear friend. This is because He knows Peterʼs heart. Jesus knew Peter loved Him and why he was in the position to deny Christ in the first place. If we pay attention to the text, all the other disciples except for one other one and Peter departed. Peter followed Jesus from a distance once He was arrested and betrayed, like a ride-or-die. That speaks a lot to where his heart was in terms of loving our Lord. He wanted to show up in a way many others didnʼt even try. 

In life, sometimes we may overestimate our own abilities and we have to remember to lean on God and humble ourselves, acknowledging our short-comings. He promises to provide strength when we are weak (2 Corinthians 12:9). Jesus just wants to be with us through whatever we are facing and His guidance and Spirit will help us and strengthen us because He loves us. And when we experience His presence fully established in our lives, we will love having Him with us too. He loves to dwell amongst His people and wants us to lean and depend on Him to carry us through. Our weaknesses should draw us closer to Him where we allow Him to be the source of all our needs. He is the living water (John 7:37-38) and when we have His Spirit in our lives and remember Him even when we fall short, He fills our cup and we lack nothing. 

Revelation #3 - Lastly, Peter, in turn, helped bring restoration to John Mark (the author of the book Mark). 

Peter understood what it was like to fall short and fail when faced with standing for our Lord. John Mark volunteered to go with Paul and Barnabas out to minister and once they were to set sail for Asia Minor, John Mark decided he wanted to go back home (Acts 13:13). The next time Paul and Barnabas were sent out by the Spirit, they were torn on taking John Mark because he did not go with them the last time. Talk about embarrassing and adding salt to the wound. Paul did not want him to go and Paul and Barnabas got into an argument about it with Barnabas and Paul going separate ways (Acts 15:36-40). However, what many donʼt bring to light is that Peter eventually was one of the people who took John Mark under his wing and told him his accounts of Jesus. Capturing Peterʼs narrative, John Mark wrote the book of Mark. 

When people want to remind us of our shortcomings, be encouraged and remember what Peter went through and how his restoration not only allowed Him to get stronger but also led to him being a mentor, providing guidance to John Mark. Both Peter and John Mark had fallen short and were subject to human frailty and most commentaries focus from this angle. However, when we consider more deeply how Jesus responds to us when we have moments in which we are not our strongest in taking a stand for His glory or answering a call, we can be hopeful in His praying and pleading on our behalf. This is part of the beautiful reality of who Jesus is. I am so glad to know Him and in our experiences of falling short, God can turn them for our good in order to strengthen others in Him. 

Are there any John Marks out there that could be encouraged by our stories? I pray God opens our eyes to those who have fallen short as we have at times, and are in need of a Peter in their lives to remind them that Jesus still loves them, is rooting for them, and running to Him provides the best outcome always. They can still be mightily used for the upbuilding of Godʼs kingdom here on Earth, similar to John Mark. Even though he experienced a moment of weakness, once restored, the Holy Spirit inspired him to write a whole book in the Bible. Be encouraged in His love for us and His redeeming and restoring power!