Slices
Prepare
Before you read, take a moment to quieten your heart. Breathe slowly, in and out, and perhaps whisper to yourself, ‘Jesus’ (in) and ‘Lord’ (out), or ‘Abba’ (in) and ‘Father’ (out). When you are calm, read the passage slowly.
Bible passage
Jesus predicts Peter’s denial
31 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.”
32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.’
33 Peter replied, ‘Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.’
34 ‘Truly I tell you,’ Jesus answered, ‘this very night, before the cock crows, you will disown me three times.’
35 But Peter declared, ‘Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.’ And all the other disciples said the same.
Explore
Jesus has already declared himself to be the ‘good shepherd’ (John 10:11), and with tenderness and compassion he has led the disciples as a shepherd leads his sheep. Now, however, in accordance with prophecy (Zechariah 13:7), he will be struck down by his enemies (a reference to his death on the cross) and in fear and sadness his disciples will be scattered (v 31).
Peter’s confidence that he would never do such a cowardly thing is misplaced (vs 33–35). He does not know his own weakness, or the pressure of Satan’s attack upon him. He will be sifted like wheat and found wanting (Luke 22:31,32). How easy it is to imagine we are stronger than we are and to underestimate our vulnerability to temptation and fragility under pressure.
Mercifully, Jesus knows and understands our humanity and prays for us in our times of challenge. Even when we have fallen, we can be forgiven and restored again. In the kingdom of grace, failure is never final.
Respond
Pray: ‘As the Good Shepherd, Lord, you know my capacity for self‑deception, and my tendency to wander away from you like a lost sheep. Guard me, daily, I pray, from temptation, and strengthen me in my trials. Be with me always. Amen.’
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Deuteronomy 21,22; Psalm 35
Pray for Scripture Union
Thousands of children in primary schools across Wales will have the opportunity to think about Jesus’ death and resurrection through Easter Cracked (or Cracio’r Pasg in Welsh). Thank God for these opportunities and pray that doors would continue to remain open.
Equipping the church to reach the next generation
Across England and Wales, increasing numbers of children and young people are asking big questions about life, faith and meaning. Many are more open than we might assume – curious, thoughtful, and ready for conversations about Jesus, even when church isn’t part of their everyday world. For churches who have a heart for the next generation, this presents a real and hopeful opportunity.
Many leaders carry a deep desire to help the next generation encounter Jesus, but with full diaries and many responsibilities, knowing how to respond – or where to begin – can feel uncertain. That’s why we’ve created the It’s Time to Act guide.
It’s a simple, encouraging resource designed to help churches take thoughtful, realistic steps towards revealing Jesus to the next generation. Rather than offering big programmes or quick fixes, the guide focuses on what’s possible now – small, achievable actions that can grow over time. Inside, you’ll find practical ideas shaped by real church life that work alongside busy schedules and varied contexts. So, whether your church is just beginning to explore this opportunity, or already taking steps, the guide aims to meet you where you are and help you discern what comes next.
Our hope is that It’s Time to Act feels less like another initiative, and more like an invitation – to notice where God is already at work, and to take a next step, one step at a time.
If you’d like to explore the guide and see whether it could support your church, you can order a copy here.
