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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion March 12, 2008 ON WATCH |
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Frontline Devotion for Wednesday, March 12, 2008 by Penny Risen
Matthew 26: 57-58 “The crowd had seized Jesus and led him
before Caiaphas the Chief Priest, where the religion scholars and Jewish Council
leaders had assembled.
Peter followed at a safe distance until they got to the Chief Priest's
courtyard. Then he slipped in and mingled with the servants, watching to see how
things would turn out.”
New Living Translation Bible
During Lent, how often do we feel like helpless bystanders? We know that at the end of 40 days and Holy Week, Easter will come. The promise of the Resurrection will be joyfully proclaimed. But until then, we watch like His disciple Peter as Jesus’ mission to heal, teach, forgive and love all believers is derailed by jealous and conniving leaders. Caiaphas and Pilate question, judge and sentence Jesus to death, while guards beat and deride Him. How difficult and painful must it have been for Peter to stand aside and watch this happen?
Read the entire passage of Matthew 26 through Verse 68, when Peter witnesses the Temple guards spitting in Jesus’ face, slapping him and jeering: “Prophesy, Messiah. Who hit you that time?” As one so close spiritually to Jesus, Peter feels the blows as his master is beaten and insulted. This often rash and outspoken disciple must have had trouble controlling his rage at this treatment of Jesus. But we know that just as Jesus predicted to him, Peter continued on watch only and did not say or do anything in His defense. The Gospel of Matthew documents how Peter weeps and feels guilty because he denies knowing and following Jesus.
Compared to many disciples mentioned in the New Testament, we know a lot about this fisherman Peter. He was Jesus’ right hand man, His rock, and the leader of the new church on Earth. Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law in Capernaum; believers likely gathered in Peter’s home; and Peter traveled faithfully with Jesus throughout His entire mission. Peter also heard Jesus repeatedly predict His own need to submit to suffering, death and sacrifice for sin. Peter knew what would be necessary. So, it’s not so odd to see Peter loyally on watch (albeit from a distance) with his master through the best and the very worst of times.
As Jesus was scourged, humiliated and tortured, it’s easy to believe that He thought of Peter too. We can ponder how Jesus interceded with the Spirit for His family and disciples in their sorrow and in the danger they faced as believers from Roman authorities and Jewish hierarchy. Jesus prayed to the Father from the Cross not only to grant Him strength to fulfill His call as Savior --- but also acknowledged He’d be the advocate for His fellow victims on Calvary.
As we put ourselves in Peter’s place, we can be on watch with Jesus: Read and reflect on the Gospel message leading up to Easter; review our commitment and examine our hearts as believers; and renew our faith that a gracious God deemed Jesus’ suffering as necessary in order for Him to save us.
Prayer for the day: Dear Lord, although I’m always dismayed at how Your Son Jesus suffered for me, I thank and praise You for Your mercy and love. Help me to watch with You and be mindful of my role in Your church --- not just as a bystander but also as an active part of this far-reaching ministry. Amen.
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
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