How Jesus Responded to Overconfidence (Part 2 of 2)

Blog by Gem Fadling

Two weeks ago, I shared part 1 of this two-part article. If you missed it, you can read it HERE. You will definitely want to read my introduction from part 1 to get your bearings on what follows.

We are looking at Jesus’s interactions with others and how we might use these passages as a mirror into our own souls.

By way of reminder, here are the first two ideas from part 1 and their corresponding scripture passages. I’ll continue today with the dynamic of “Overconfidence in Self.”

Anxiety and Fear

“Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?’” (Mark 4:38)

Desire for Power and Recognition

“Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matthew 18:1)

Overconfidence in Self

“Even if all fall away, I will not.” (Mark 14:29)

In this passage, Jesus predicted that all his disciples would fall away. We know of Peter’s protest and that later he would deny Jesus three times. Peter believed in his own strength to stay the course. On my best days, I would likely proclaim the same intention of standing with Jesus. But when the rubber hit the road, might I have caved just like Peter? I think it’s likely.

It’s good to ponder this and to admit I’m a human being who might fall at a most inopportune time. Overconfidence came around and snagged Peter. What can I learn from this?

I don’t think Peter was swallowed up by pride. I think just maybe he was so passionate in his belief about who Jesus was, that his unchecked bluster came tumbling out. He likely believed what he said. And yet he was unable to follow through.

But Jesus’s own posture toward Peter came out later. He predicts Peter’s denial, yes, but he also points to his restoration: “When you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:32).

Jesus saw Peter’s failure and his future. This is a gift of grace. Jesus knew Peter’s weakness and didn’t turn his back on him. He knew Peter’s heart and what that meant for the true trajectory of his life.

I find a great deal of hope in this. Jesus sees me as I am, even my weaknesses, he accepts me, and he holds out hope for my eventual turn of heart. He would want to encourage me to keep on keeping on.

Closing Thoughts

When we connect these scenes from parts 1 and 2, we can see how we might try to manage life through anxiety and fear, desire for power and recognition, and overconfidence in ourselves.

Jesus consistently responds by:

• Slowing people down
• Naming the deeper issue beneath the words
• Inviting trust over control
• Reframing what is meant by greatness, security, and success
• Meeting people with compassion and not leaving them where they are

Jesus is never in a hurry. He is always moving people toward freedom, even when it feels disruptive.

If you sit with these interactions long enough, it becomes less about “those people back then” and more of a mirror. And not one of condemnation but of invitation.

You’ll start to recognize your own versions of:

“Don’t you care?”

“Who is the greatest?”

“I’ll never fall away.”

With all that said, what might Jesus be saying to you, right here, in this very moment?

For Reflection: 

• Now that you’ve had a chance to digest all three interactions, which one stands out to you the most? What inner dynamic does this point to within your own soul?
• As you sink into the passage above (and others), open your heart to Jesus’s care. He sees you as you are and is willing to receive you. The good news is, he won’t leave you as you are. He strengthens, exhorts, loves, and heals. Remain open to his care and respond willingly.
• What prayer is arising within you? Share your thoughts and feelings with Jesus.

Gem Fadling is a founding partner of Unhurried Living, Inc., a non-profit that trains people to rest deeper, live fuller and lead better. She is a trained Spiritual Director and a Certified Life Coach who trains people at the intersection of spiritual leadership and soul care. She co-leads PACE, a two-year leadership formation journey that helps leaders live and lead from spiritual depth rather than depletion. Gem is the co-host of the Unhurried Living Podcast as well as the author of Hold That Thought and co-author of What Does Your Soul Love? Her work has appeared in Propel Women and Our Daily Bread. To connect with Gem and find resources for soul care and leadership, visit unhurriedliving.com or find her on Instagram and LinkedIn.