And they all left him and fled.
Can there be a more gut wrenching verse in all of the New Testament? Those who had just sworn their eternal allegiance to Jesus with fire in their belly have turned their backs and run. They have forsaken Him as quickly and as completely as they had proclaimed their allegiance. I can empathize and relate. I also grow afraid when Jesus begins to be made public. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak – mine.
Holy Spirit give us strength to stand firmly beside my Lord and acknowledge Him at every opportunity.