From Jesus’ Lips

FROM JESUS’ LIPS

a prayer to open

Open my eyes and help me to see you.

Open my heart and help me to know you.

Jesus, my Lord and my God.

So they arrested him and led him to the high priest’s home. And Peter followed at a distance. The guards lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat around it, and Peter joined them there. A servant girl noticed him in the firelight and . . . said, “This man was one of Jesus’ followers!”

But Peter denied it. “Woman,” he said, “I don’t even know him!”

After a while someone else looked at him and said, “You must be one of them!”

“No, man, I’m not!” Peter retorted.

About an hour later someone else insisted, “This must be one of them, because he is a Galilean, too.”

But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed.

At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly.

The guards in charge of Jesus began mocking and beating him. They blindfolded him and said, “Prophesy to us! Who hit you that time?” . . .

At daybreak all the elders of the people assembled. . . . Jesus was led before this high council, and they said, “Tell us, are you the Messiah?”

But he replied, “If I tell you, you won’t believe me. And if I ask you a question, you won’t answer. But from now on the Son of Man will be seated in the place of power at God’s right hand.”

They all shouted, “So, are you claiming to be the Son of God?”

And he replied, “You say that I am.”

Such a human response Peter gives when asked about his connections to Jesus. Of course, we’d like to read of a courageous, faith-filled, trusting disciple who stood up for Jesus in the face of death. But instead we get Peter—so bold later in his life, but here afraid and human. Whatever motivated Peter, we get a clearer image of who Jesus is, based on what he predicted would happen with Peter and on his testimony before the high priests and teachers of the law.

• Why do you think Peter denied knowing Jesus?
• Are there situations in which you downplay your commitment to Jesus or avoid the topic? Why are you afraid to share or make known your faith?
• What does today’s passage reveal to you about Jesus?

Father, I need courage. It is easy to raise my hands in praise, call on your name, and share stories about your redemption and presence with others who follow you. But I can shrink back in fear when faced with sharing my faith or acknowledging my allegiance to you with non-Christians, especially my family and friends. Give me the courage today to speak your name and share the story of your forgiveness, grace, and transforming love in my life. Let people say of me that I am one of yours. Amen.