Unnoticed
Mark 14:66-72
Sometimes we don't want to be recognized.
Photo by Aleksandr Kadykov on Unsplash
While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came by. When she saw Peter warming himself, she stared at him and said, "You also were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth." But he denied it, saying, "I do not know or understand what you are talking about." And he went out into the forecourt. Then the cock crowed. And the servant-girl, on seeing him, began again to say to the bystanders, "This man is one of them." But again he denied it. Then after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, "Certainly you are one of them; for you are a Galilean." But he began to curse, and he swore an oath, "I do not know this man you are talking about." At that moment the cock crowed for the second time. Then Peter remembered that Jesus had said to him, "Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times." And he broke down and wept. - Mark 14:66-72
Why did Peter follow Jesus?
I am not asking why he followed him after being arrested, but why did he follow him at all? What did he expect when he said "Yes" to Jesus?
Years ago, my wife and I went to a Christian Rock concert. It was actually more of a revival at a major Six Flags location, a good three to four hours away.
We went to listen to the music, to be surrounded by like souls wanting to hear songs about Jesus and love.
But halfway through the event, the leader of the band offered us a challenge, to stand up and pledge our lives to Christ. I wasn't ready for that. I hadn't expected it. I felt I had already done that. Hadn't I?
I didn't want to be the only one remaining sitting, so I stood, joining all the others.
All of us looked up to the stage. We didn't look at each other.
It was as if we didn't want to acknowledge our actions before others. This was a private affair, a personal commitment to Christ, not a public one, or so we thought, and hoped.
It is easy to be a silent Christian, having a personal experience with our Savior, one that is kept deep within our souls and not worn on the surface. I never wanted to wear those t-shirts that proclaim to the world that I love Jesus. Yes, I wear a cross with a Christ head around my neck. I have for decades, but it is under my shirt. The only time people see it is when I go for a swim or change in the gym.
Sitting in my seat in Church, listening to the Gospel reading where Peter denies Christ, I can be judgmental. I would never do that, I tell myself. I would be true to my commitment to Christ.
Would I?
If they were coming for Christians to take them away, to lead them to their death, would I declare myself a follower of Jesus? Or would I hope someone would steal me away and shelter me, hiding me in their attic until the ones who want me dead go away?
Peter's reaction is not so unnatural. He is us.
Jesus chose someone with flaws and fears to be the rock of our faith, the one who we could look at and say, "That is me!"
None of us is perfect. None of us have it all together. We are all flawed and frozen at times. We like being unnoticed. Yet, one day, we will be called to stand up. When that happens, what will we do?
More to come...