denying the Lord

Good morning friends,
Yesterday we read about Jesus' last supper with his disciples, his prayer in the garden and his arrest. Today Jesus is examined and mocked by the chief priests and other religious leaders. Their charge against him is that he blasphemed by claiming to be the son of God. In Old Testament law blasphemy had to be punished by death, though as we'll hear later, the religious leaders were not allowed by Rome to execute anyone.

This passage also includes Peter's denial of Jesus, a moment in the story that's always very powerful for me. It's easy to judge Peter, since Jesus warned him this would happen. At the same time I think about how often I deny Jesus in my actions. With my failings in mind I can always read Peter's experience sympathetically. Imagine his grief and disappointment with himself at that moment. Put yourself in his shoes as the cock crows and Jesus looks at him. Then remember that Jesus forgave Peter and gave him power for ministry and leadership in the church. Wherever we have gone wrong, Jesus forgives us and calls us back to ministry.

God bless,
Sam

Luke 22:54-71

54Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house. But Peter was following at a distance. 55When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. 56Then a servant-girl, seeing him in the firelight, stared at him and said, “This man also was with him.” 57But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” 58A little later someone else, on seeing him, said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!” 59Then about an hour later still another kept insisting, “Surely this man also was with him; for he is a Galilean.” 60But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about!” At that moment, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed. 61The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.” 62And he went out and wept bitterly.

63Now the men who were holding Jesus began to mock him and beat him; 64they also blindfolded him and kept asking him, “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?” 65They kept heaping many other insults on him. 66When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, gathered together, and they brought him to their council. 67They said, “If you are the Messiah, tell us.” He replied, “If I tell you, you will not believe; 68and if I question you, you will not answer. 69But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” 70All of them asked, “Are you, then, the Son of God?” He said to them, “You say that I am.” 71Then they said, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips!”