We all have blind spots, and one is the blind spot of overconfidence. We can set ourselves up for failure when overconfident because we don’t perceive the obstacles ahead. When Jesus warned Peter and the other disciples that they would fall away, they quickly replied they would not. Their overconfidence would soon be tested as Jesus was taken into captivity.
The Disciples Don’t Realize They Have a Blind Spot
Mark 14:27 On the way, Jesus told them, “All of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say, ‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ 28 But after I am raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.”
29 Peter said to him, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I never will.” 30 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” 31 “No!” Peter declared emphatically. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the others vowed the same. [1]
Relying on Jesus Helps us Avoid Overconfidence
We may not always understand what the Lord is doing or His timing, but we keep from being overconfident as we trust his plan, guidance, and warnings. Often the Lord places us in situations beyond us, erasing any sense of overconfidence.
As the Lord leads us, He wants us to learn to trust Him and look to His guidance. Earlier Jesus came to the disciples walking on water, and Peter asked the Lord if he could go to him. Matthew 14:29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. [2] When Peter took his focus off Jesus, he began to drop into the water. In the same way, Peter started to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus, and the same happens to us.
The Revealing of our Blind Spots Humbles Us
The disciples would soon run away just as Jesus foretold, revealing their overconfident blind spot. This would become a humbling experience for the disciples, who would learn and grow from this experience. John 9:39 Then Jesus told him, “I entered this world to render judgment—to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.” [3] The Lord can deliver us from our self-deceptions, blind spots, and hidden faults as we go to Him in prayer. He is always gentle as He brings correction into our lives as we seek Him.
To hear more about the blind spot of overconfidence, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/mark-gods-will-not-mine
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.