But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them.
We’ve already seen how Peter disconnected from Jesus when the mob came for the arrest. He wasn’t paying attention to the Teacher. Didn’t wait for Jesus’ answer before acting!
That’s how Peter finds himself warming at the fire of the enemies of Jesus.
Now we see how helpless a student of Jesus is when disconnected from the Teacher.
Now alone, Peter denies His Lord. Not once, but three times. And each time more emphatically!
Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times."
Here we see the steps of regression that lead a student away from the Teacher. And where such a course leads! From a student in the inner circle of Jesus to huddling in the enemy camp and total denial of Him!
When the rooster crowed, Peter woke up - And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Eventually, Peter will also show us the way back to Jesus. His remorse will lead him back to resuming the daily business of listening to His Teacher once more!
Jesus will do what He does for all wayward students. He will seek Peter and restore Him in love.
Many are hard on Peter for this denial. Oh, certainly it's not good! And the steps Denny mentioned from not listening to disconnecting to denial are right on. But how often do we do similar?
ReplyDeleteOh, we may not deny him outright like Peter, but do we fail to stand up for Him? Isn't that the same sort of thing?
It's a struggle to fit in with the world, yet not be worldly.
The guys at work hanging out and telling jokes we shouldn't be laughing at... how do we handle that?
The friends that we hang out with and are trying to influence for good who start gossipping...
How do we react when friends or co-workers take the Lord's name in vain?
Or start making fun of someone else?
Or becomes the bully?
Do we stand up for what is right, or warm ourselves by the fire (or water cooler, or coffee pot)?
How can we make a more bold stand for Jesus?