Advent Devotional December 12, 2026

Scripture

Luke 22:31–38

31 “Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail, and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 33 And he said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!” 34 Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day until you have denied three times that you know me.”

35 He said to them, “When I sent you out without a purse, bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “No, not a thing.” 36 He said to them, “But now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. 37 For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me, ‘And he was counted among the lawless,’ and indeed what is written about me is being fulfilled.” 38 They said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” He replied, “It is enough.”

Devotion

The Rev. Dr. Andrew Tennant ’12/'25

The first part of this passage from Luke consists of a private conversation between Jesus and Peter. Throughout the Gospel, Peter comes across as someone filled with confidence and true to the faith, but in almost every story or conversation with Jesus, Peter talks a big game. In this particular passage, he tells Jesus that he will follow him to prison or even to death.

Imagine the gut-check moment that comes when Jesus tells Peter that even he will deny Christ three times before the rooster crows. Ouch! This conversation shows us exactly who Peter was up to this point: strong faith in word, but not fully committed in action.

This does not make Peter a bad disciple or a bad person but someone who demonstrates the human condition. We are often strong in our faith by the words we say, but when the opportunity comes to put our faith in action, it becomes more difficult, and our actions don’t always back up our words. This does not make us bad people, but it shows where we truly are in our faith. Our faith journey is a continual path of growth, and there will be times in our lives when the faith expressed by our words and our actions will be in sync. Over time and through our experiences in life, our faith and our actions will grow, just like Peter’s.

This leads to the second part of this passage from Luke, which talks about scripture being fulfilled through Jesus, and that he is enough for everyone. Our faith rests with him, and even in the midst of the chaos of life, Jesus is more than enough for all who truly believe in him. As Peter’s faith grew over time and through his experiences with Jesus, he would come to realize that Jesus is enough!

Prayer

Loving God, as we journey through this Advent season, teach us as Jesus taught His disciples that faith in Him is enough for all of humanity. Teach us to be patient, to be kind, to love, and to have renewed faith in Christ Jesus! In His name we pray, amen!

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