Standing Outside The Door

Karen

Peter stood outside at the door.

—John 18:16 ESV

Have you ever been somewhat reluctant to identify yourself as a Christian? Perhaps it was because you were afraid someone might ask you a question about the Bible that you didn’t know the correct answer to. Or maybe you’ve witnessed some very judgmental and unloving behavior from others who say they are people of faith and you were afraid to be lumped in with them.

On the final night of Jesus’ life, we see another believer who was afraid of what others might think of him if he identified himself with Jesus: the apostle Peter.

Earlier in John’s gospel, we see Peter confidently declaring that Jesus possessed the words of eternal life (John 6:68). He even brazenly stated that he was willing to follow Jesus so closely that he would lay down his life if necessary (John 13:37). But Peter’s words and his sword wielding soon stop short when, just a few pages later, we read of his shrinking back and lurking in the shadows instead.

Peter denied that he knew Jesus three different times (John 18:17, 25, 27). This fulfilled Jesus’ prediction in John 13:37–38 (ESV) where He told Peter, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.”

What happened to make this once-bold disciple begin to separate himself from the Lord he claimed to love so loyally and stand outside the door in John 18:16 rather than right by Christ’s side? Other gospel reports depict Peter’s backing away that night by declaring that he followed Jesus from a distance (Matthew 26:58 and Luke 22:54).

Why did Peter’s fearlessness fizzle? Perhaps for the same reason ours does sometimes today. We fail to see in the natural unfolding of earthly events what God is doing in the spiritual realm. If we truly understood, we’d cease fighting, stick closely by His side, and trust Him instead.

To listen—and respond—to the truth of Christ, we must be close enough to hear Him speak through His Word. This hearing of His Word doesn’t happen when we stand outside the door, following from a distance, afraid to be identified with Him. It happens when we throw wide open the doors of our hearts, let His words settle deeply into our souls, and courageously trust Him with the future. The best way to do this is to spend time reading, studying, and even memorizing scripture in an attempt to align our attitudes and actions with the Word of God.

Father, help me stop standing outside the door, afraid to identify myself with You. I don’t want to lag behind, watching from a distance. I want to follow so closely that I can hear You speak to me through Your Word. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Do you feel as if you are in some ways standing outside the door in your relationship with Christ? What is one practical step you can take today to help draw you closer to Him?