With Holy week coming closer, we’re drawn to the story of the betrayal, death, and resurrection of Jesus. While we ultimately look to the hope of this season, we can’t forget the events that led to the cross. The fully human part of our Savior must have felt lonely, isolated, and abandoned by his followers and even those closest to him. Jesus foretold Peter’s denial of him, before they went to the garden to pray. When the ultimate betrayer came with a kiss, armed crowds took Jesus away to a Council only too ready to condemn him.
The Bible says Peter “followed at a distance,” to the place where Jesus would be tried. I wondered as I read the story this week, is Peter’s story our story as well? How often do we “follow at a distance?” Maybe we experienced salvation, maybe even had some “mountaintop” experiences, but never fully committed to walking day by day in his resurrecting power. Maybe the message that once caused us to burn with holy fire, with conviction and zeal for the gospel, has grown cold. Perhaps we, like Peter, saw Jesus face to face and said to him that we would never betray him, yet we find that we now hang back, hesitant to speak grace and truth into the lives of people, or even fully accept his truth for ourselves.
The good news is, hope is coming, and is in fact here now. We can determine from this point forward to take up our cross and follow Jesus, walking closely by His side. He tells us to “abide” in him, as a branch is a part of a vine. He says apart from Him, we can’t bear fruit, can’t do anything. (John 15:4-5). Let’s not merely observe him from a distance, but allow his presence, his words, to permeate our thoughts and our actions. During these days pregnant with the anticipation of new life, come close to the Savior. Close enough to see his scars, to see his wounds, to feel his heart, broken for you.
Contributed by: Michelle Dowdy