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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion April 3, 2007 Jesus’ Trial, Peter’s Denial |
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Frontline Devotion for Tuesday, April 3, 2007 by Gary Shaffer
Are quickly proceeding to their inevitable end. In an earlier devotion on Mark 2: 1-17, I had quoted that in Jesus' encounter with the religious authorities when he healed a paraplegic that "In this incident Jesus had signed his own death warrant - and he knew it." As we walk through the events that swirl around the trial and lead to the crucifixion, it is always a good thing to put ourselves into the story, imagine ourselves there, figure out where we might have fit in. It may be difficult to honestly complete such an evaluation, but when we look into that mirror through eyes focused by the love and grace of God, it can be done. It is not easy. It can be painful. It will always give insight and lead to a deeper appreciation of God's grace. Who am I most like - a high priest? a scholar? a religious leader? perhaps Pilate or Herod? a centurion? Peter?
Always avoided comparing myself to Peter and I'm not sure why. I don't think it's because I see him as a coward because Peter is far from being a coward. First, he has been portrayed throughout the gospels as strong, brave, a constant companion. Even in this event, where his denial of Jesus is documented, he is there. He is in the courtyard of the Chief Priest. It seems he is alone. No other disciple seems to have braved entering this hostile place. Just Peter. And after he is recognized the first time, a dangerous situation, he does not flee. He is still in the courtyard when he is recognized again, and then again. He puts himself in the mist of the corrupt and hostile crowd. He is trying to be a faithful follower. He was there. He failed by denying he knew Jesus. And despite that infamous and so frequently condemned denial, we know that he is forgiven and embraced in the grace of God. Did he fail in his witness that night? Yes. Does he run from his call because of a period of weakness, a great humiliation? No. Is the very story of Peter's "cowardice" one of the great examples of the love of a God who embraces and claims us as his - flaws and all? Yes.
I do not avoid comparing myself to Peter because he is guilty of extreme cowardice. I think that I avoid comparing myself to Peter because he is an example of courage and strength. He faces his failure and as we know from the New Testament and church history becomes an even more effective witness to the love of God.
Do you see yourself being most like in these final events of Christ's life? It can be a question worth pondering.
Prayer: God of grace and mercy, open my heart to hear the constant voice of love and forgiveness that follows the story of the crucifixion. Give me the courage to put myself into the midst of the storm so that I can strive to witness even when there is a whirlwind surrounding me that I can neither control nor comprehend. Knock me down when I need to be humbled, pull me up when I fall and encourage me with the presence of your Holy Spirit. Amen.
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