The Joy of Glory

John 18:1-18 (click here)
The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself. (John 18:17-18)

Reflection
This is the world in which we live.

Think about it… Peter had spent three years physically being around Jesus. He walked with him, talked with him, listened to him, etc. Most of the time, he was encountering people who were in favor of Jesus and also wanted to be near him. It was “cool” to be with Jesus.

Then Christ was arrested and everything changed.

For the first time Peter found himself without Jesus…standing amidst a crowd who opposed Jesus. This is the world in which we live.

Jesus is not physically with us and we spend much of our time surrounded by people who are not exactly “in favor” of our savior. We live in a world where it is not “cool” to be with Jesus.

So what do we say about Jesus? When we find ourselves standing around the fire with others…or chatting at work…our out socializing…what do we say when Jesus comes up? Are we with him? Do we know him? Do we love him?

All too often, we take the route of Peter. As soon as being identified with Jesus means insults or isolation (or worse) we plead ignorance. I have been guilty of this too many times.

The good news of the Gospel is that Jesus never pleads ignorance of us. If we truly know, trust, and love him…he is always read to welcome our rebellious hearts back home. He did this for Peter (Jn 21:15-19) and he will do it for you.

Jesus is not ashamed of you and me (Heb 2:11)…so may we never be ashamed of him (Rom 1:16).

*The complete SVCC Lenten reading guide is available here.