John 18: 15-18
Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest's courtyard, but Peter went to wait outside at the door. The other disciple who was known to the high priest, came back spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in. "You are not one of his disciples, are you?" the girl at the door asked Peter. He replied, "I am not." ......
When Jesus Christ was arrested, Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. The other disciple was an acquaintance of the high priest, so he could follow Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. In other words, all the people in this courtyard and even this girl on duty might know that this disciple was a follower of Jesus. Even though she knew of this disciple, she did not confront him.
Meanwhile, Peter was anxious to follow Jesus, but he stayed way behind instead. He had a deep fear: "What if somebody recognizes that I am a follower of Jesus, what will they do to me?" His fear prevented him from following Jesus at a close distance. Even though there was another disciple who had been going in and out of the courtyard without any repercussion, Peter was still under the of shroud of fear and was reluctant to follow closely. So when the maid asked, "Aren't you one of his disciples?" Peter denied immediately.
The fear in our hearts often prevents us from following Jesus. What happened to Peter often happens to us also. The unspeakable fear in our hearts prevents us to be close to Him and seek after Him fervently: "Uncertain of what would happen if we do; would we be better off?" Many Christians also follow Christ at a distance, not willing to follow closely until all our goals are fulfilled; we are afraid of the consequences after we have been fully committed.
Brothers and sisters, do you have the same fear in your hearts? You can imagine
the situation Peter was in at that time: another disciple had already entered the courtyard, and because of his fear, Peter hid outside the entrance without knowing what to do - that led to his eventual denial of Jesus. What is our spiritual state today? Even though we may not deny Christ, but we are afraid to openly acknowledge Him; we are afraid of confessing we are Christians in front of our friends and relatives; afraid of passing out gospel tracts and openly admitting we are Christians outside. Not confessing our faith openly is like denying our faith indirectly. If we are in this situation, may the Lord help us and take away this fear in our hearts.
Pray with Pastor Tong
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