It can be easy to criticize the disciples, to shake our heads at Peter's presumption in rebuking Jesus, to wonder at the audacity of James's and John's seeking positions of influence. We are tempted to think that if we had been there, we would never have acted like they did. Comparison and criticism are telltale indicators of pride. Each of us has areas where we seek to exalt ourselves, where we think we know better than Jesus. Rather than criticizing others, let's humbly acknowledge our own tendency to exalt ourselves, allow the Lord to correct others, and extend the grace of forgiveness in place of criticism.
Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”—Matthew 16:22
Prayer: Jesus, we confess our tendency to criticize out of pride, and we ask Your forgiveness. Remind us to exchange pride for humility by yielding ourselves—heart, head, hands, and habits—to You. In Your name we pray, amen.
