Read John 18:12-27.
This passage actually contains two intertwined stories. There is the story of what is happening inside and what is happening outside. Jesus and His disciple (most agree it is John) are on the inside facing the high priest, Annas. Peter is outside warming himself over a fire waiting from a short distance to see what would happen to Jesus. Two disciples with two different responses to Jesus’ arrest and unknown future.
John was known by the high priest. How could he hide? He was identifiable. Peter was unfamiliar. He could hide among the people and watch from the sidelines. John perhaps afraid wants the support of a fellow disciple so he talks to the doorkeeper to let Peter in (v. 16). But Peter is simply too afraid to face the possible consequences of being associated with Jesus, not to mention also leaving John to suffer alone with Jesus. Consequently, Peter responds to the doorkeeper with a denial of knowing Jesus.
Two disciples. One alone with Jesus; the other alone without Jesus. Where would you rather be?
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The above words were from one of last year’s Easter week devotions. As I reflect today on that final question, “Where would you rather be?”, it strikes me that that is not an easy question. We know where we should be, but I am afraid it is not always where we might want to be. It is a hard thing at times to be associated with Christ. Like Peter, the fear of rejection and the potential emotional and/or physical consequences can influence one’s decision. Who can blame Peter? We all have no doubt related to him at some time in our lives.
Let me challenge you this week, though – in hindsight, if you have ever stood alone with Jesus, you probably know with confidence that that is the right place to be. And so this week, find the courage that comes from the Holy Spirit to stand with Jesus. When someone talks to you about Easter, be bold and share about what an important day that was and continues to be. When someone is in need of something more than this world can offer, talk to them about Jesus. When someone criticizes Christians, point them to Jesus (not Christians). Let’s be a “John” this week – on this week when Christ went to bat for us and died in the process.