2/7/17
The earliest Christians followed a Jewish tradition of pausing to pray, preferably together, first thing in the morning, about mid morning, at noon, about mid afternoon, and in the evening. “Just a Note” posts are brief observations made from Scripture readings not related to a lectionary. If I have one to post, it normally appears about 9:00 in the morning, at “the hour of prayer.”
In John 13:36-38 Peter still wants to know where Jesus is going. After all, Peter thinks he has laid down everything and is prepared to follow Jesus anywhere. What stands in the way? Peter will even lay down his own life.
Jesus tells Peter that he will indeed lay down his own life, but not yet. He predicts that Peter is going to deny Jesus.
We often receive news we don’t want to hear. Some of it is very serious, like this. How is Peter to deal with it? In his indignation he might argue back. He certainly has no intention of denying Jesus. He might think that Jesus doesn’t really trust him, that Jesus is being insulting to him. After all, this is Peter. He’s from the inner circle of Peter, James, and John.
History shows that Peter did indeed deny Jesus, three times. But his story doesn’t end there. He is restored by Jesus. He lives for many more years, bringing the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection to many nations. He finally does lay down his life for his Savior.
Was Peter ready to die for Jesus? Sort of. Was Jesus ready to have Peter die with him? No. He had more for Peter to do. Peter would have to wait. His death was not on the same schedule as that of Jesus. But he would and did lay down his life for Jesus.
If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.
The earliest Christians followed a Jewish tradition of pausing to pray, preferably together, first thing in the morning, about mid morning, at noon, about mid afternoon, and in the evening. “Just a Note” posts are brief observations made from Scripture readings not related to a lectionary. If I have one to post, it normally appears about 9:00 in the morning, at “the hour of prayer.”
In John 13:36-38 Peter still wants to know where Jesus is going. After all, Peter thinks he has laid down everything and is prepared to follow Jesus anywhere. What stands in the way? Peter will even lay down his own life.
Jesus tells Peter that he will indeed lay down his own life, but not yet. He predicts that Peter is going to deny Jesus.
We often receive news we don’t want to hear. Some of it is very serious, like this. How is Peter to deal with it? In his indignation he might argue back. He certainly has no intention of denying Jesus. He might think that Jesus doesn’t really trust him, that Jesus is being insulting to him. After all, this is Peter. He’s from the inner circle of Peter, James, and John.
History shows that Peter did indeed deny Jesus, three times. But his story doesn’t end there. He is restored by Jesus. He lives for many more years, bringing the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection to many nations. He finally does lay down his life for his Savior.
Was Peter ready to die for Jesus? Sort of. Was Jesus ready to have Peter die with him? No. He had more for Peter to do. Peter would have to wait. His death was not on the same schedule as that of Jesus. But he would and did lay down his life for Jesus.
If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.
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