"But Peter stood at the door outside." (John 18:16a)
Peter was a great guy. I once did a sermon on Peter's "good" qualities; and there were many of them. But here we see him like so many of us, following Jesus, but when the cost goes up, the "price" increases, we tend to stand, "at the door outside." Caution: If anyone thinks it is safer, "at the door outside," I have news for him/her.
John came outside to bring in Peter. Now it is reported that John leaned, "on Jesus' breast," during the last Passover meal the disciples shared with Jesus. It is also reported that John was the only male Follower of Jesus at His cross. But, like Peter (and all of us), John had some flaws. Whatever John's shortcomings, though, he was desperate for Jesus, to be with Jesus, close to Jesus at all times, whether "convenient" to him or not. I have no doubt that Peter loved Jesus as much as John, yet Peter denied Jesus because he was very aware of what association with Jesus could mean in those hours. It is fascinating that this was the only disciple who was willing to defend Jesus with the sword, only to find him later as, "Peter [who] stood outside the door."
Yet this is the reason so very many Christians speak of "God," yet speak little of Jesus, Who Is, "God with us," Who is, "The Word was God..., and became flesh and dwelt among us." I have been with Muslims who say, "If god wills." And we know their god is not God. Even Judaism's definition of God does no include Jesus, a very painful truth. There are as many interpretations of "God" as there are people on the planet. When we say Jesus, however, all doubts are removed about The Very God of Whom we speak.
Yet this is the reason so very many Christians speak of "God," yet speak little of Jesus, Who Is, "God with us," Who is, "The Word was God..., and became flesh and dwelt among us." I have been with Muslims who say, "If god wills." And we know their god is not God. Even Judaism's definition of God does no include Jesus, a very painful truth. There are as many interpretations of "God" as there are people on the planet. When we say Jesus, however, all doubts are removed about The Very God of Whom we speak.
I pray that you and I be as John who, "brought Peter in." Away with, "stood outside the door," where we speak in safe, vague terms, which do not bring snickers, laughs, belittlement, persecution. It didn't protect Peter, did it? "And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, 'Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you." O, Follower of Jesus, sooner or later, no matter the attempt to "blend in," sooner or later, "your speech betrays you," and thank our Lord Jesus Christ for that! We have the "Mark" of Jesus upon and in us.
Father, in Jesus' Name, if I ever, "st[a]nd outside the door," bring someone who says, "your speech betrays you." Amen.
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Blog: jhs58.blogspot.com
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
