Scriptures references with asterisks (*) beside them are written at the bottom of the page. Luke 22:47-54 NKJV 47 And while He was still speaking, behold, a multitude; and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss Him. 48 But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" 49 When those around Him saw what was going to happen, they said to Him, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?" 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus answered and said, "Permit even this." And he touched his ear and healed him. 52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and the elders who had come to Him, "Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53 When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness." 54 Having arrested Him, they led Him and brought Him into the high priest's house. But Peter followed at a distance. After doing a little research we find that Peter is the one who drew his sword and cut off the servant, Malchus', ear (John 18:10) Peter was enraged at the fact that anyone would dare try to arrest Jesus. Jesus was his master, teacher, and friend. As far as we know, Peter is the only one of the disciples who stood up for Jesus at this time. According to Mark 14:50, all the disciples forsook Him and fled. So Peter was not alone in fleeing the seen. However the part that interest me the most is how quickly our feelings can change. This is why we cannot allow ourselves to serve God based off of our emotions. The very same night that Peter defended Christ, he also denied ever knowing him to three different people (Lk 22:66-77*). When Peter was with the right crowd, he was all geared up. But when no one else was watching him or there to support him, he became an undercover Christian. Peter allowed his fear to create distance between him and his Savior. I imagine that they used to be inseparable. Wherever Jesus went, Peter was close by. When Jesus ate, Peter ate. That's how closely he walked with him. Then hours after Jesus' arrest, Peter began to follow him from afar. And soon after that, he could have stopped following all together. But when Jesus arose, He lovingly restored Peter and gave him instructions for leading His people (Jn 21:15-19). Are your emotions causing you to swayback and forth in your relationship with God? Please don't allow fear, or any other kind of emotion to keep you away from your one true Savior. God loves you, today and forever, no matter what state you are in. Whether you deny Christ with your words or just your actions, its all the same. Take the time to make sure that you are not just following Christ from afar. I hope you enjoyed reading the word of God in a new light. Have a Happy Wednesday! God Bless, Min. Tommy & Sis. Shatika Gray Scripture References Luke 22: 66-72 NKJV 66 Now as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came. 67 And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, "You also were with Jesus of Nazareth." 68 But he denied it, saying, "I neither know nor understand what you are saying." And he went out on the porch, and a rooster crowed. 69 And the servant girl saw him again, and began to say to those who stood by, "This is one of them." 70 But he denied it again. And a little later those who stood by said to Peter again, "Surely you are one of them; for you are a Galilean, and your speech shows it." 71 Then he began to curse and swear, "I do not know this Man of whom you speak!" 72 A second time the rooster crowed. Then Peter called to mind the word that Jesus had said to him, "Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times." And when he thought about it, he wept. |
| Are You Denying Christ? Mar. 31, 2004 |