There was plenty of betrayal, denial and abandonment going on that night.  It seems that everyone that had declared their allegiance to Jesus had left Him in one way or another.  Most had run away in the garden but two of them had their failures highlighted in the events that followed, Peter and Judas.  It did not take Judas a long time to realize that the decision he made to betray Jesus was a bad one.  For Peter, it was the rooster crowing that brought his sin to his attention.  For Judas it was hearing that Jesus was condemned.  “What have I done?”  The Scripture tells us that he was filled with remorse.  He admits that he has done wrong and tries to give the “blood” money back.  Just like Peter he is crushed but it is what follows that separates their stories.

For Peter, we know that his remorse led to repentance.  After Jesus’ death we find him back with the disciples and then reunited with Jesus in a resurrection appearance.  For Judas, we are told that his remorse drives him to despair and he tragically ends his life.  Maybe you would say that Judas got what he deserved.  Maybe you, like many in history, would see no other outcome for this “vile” man who would betray our Savior.   This evaluation is true in a world of no hope.  A world where some sins are too bad to be forgiven.  In a world where God’s grace is limited to His favorites.

Sometimes people get so caught up in the details and the check lists that they miss the point.  Religious people are the worst at this and the Scripture above is the epitome of this kind of attitude.  The religious folks have spent the night drumming up false witnesses to condemn an innocent man because of their insecurities.  They have already humiliated Him, beaten Him, and sentenced Him before they had gotten to the official palace.  Now it is the edge of the morning.

As day breaks these “religious” people, who know the rules and regulations well, do not enter the palace because it would be unclean to do so.  Can you imagine?  The people who had just spent the night spitting on the Son of God and torturing an innocent man are now concerned with ceremonial purity.  They wanted to be kept pure?  I’m sorry, but I think that ship already sailed.  The hypocrisy is sickening!  How could someone live out a life of violence and hatred one moment and go to church on Sunday and be a “good” Christian?  How low can a person stoop?

Maybe the question should be…how low can we stoop?  How many of us find ourselves living in two different worlds?  We love the church and want to live lives pleasing to God and yet, during the week we find ourselves violating the very principles that we committed ourselves to on Sunday.  Sometimes we live contrary to the call of God in the name of doing “right” much like these Jews that fateful morning.  What adds insult to injury is that they were concerned about being able to eat the Passover meal that night.  Jesus was the very fulfillment of everything Passover represented and pointed to.  He was the Passover Lamb!   He was the one giving His life so that we could be forgiven and have eternal life.  They were so focused on the arrow pointing to the Messiah that they missed the Messiah it was pointing to.

That is still the temptation before the church today.  Getting so caught up in doing church that we stop being the church.

Friends, we should never read through these events leading to the cross without seeing ourselves in that crowd.  It is you and I that are often hypocrites.  It is you and I that get caught up in religious checks and balances  and forget to love one another.   Jesus died for those “religious” people who stood outside the palace in self righteous pride.   He died for all of us who sometimes rely on our Sunday behavior to carry us through a week of living life the way we want.

Today, repent.  Come before Him and humble yourself.  Confess your sins and your inability to live the life God has set before you.  Then, ask Him to fill you with His power and His presence.  Now live this day in His name and for His glory.

Blessings.

Jesus on demand?  We live in a time when the phrase “On Demand” is important to us.  It is not good enough to have so many things “available” to us, we want them to be available whenever we “demand” it.  We want to be in control.  We want to call the shots.  We want to be the Lord of our own lives.  Well, this is not so new.  From the garden of Eden we have wanted to make our own rules and wanted to be our own god.

During Jesus’ life people were always demanding that He perform for them.  Whether for curiosity’s sake or for entertainment, they would constantly hound Him for a sign or miracle.  “Do this!”  “Go here!”  “Say this!”  What we want is a God who is “On Demand”.  One who will do what I want when I want the way I want.   We don’t want a god…we want a gofer.  We don’t want a lord we want a genie.   Even during the trials and the mocking at the cross people were shouting demands at Jesus.  “Prophesy!” demanded the guards.  “Save yourself!” shouted the crowd at the cross.  “Speak!” demanded the high priest.

Is it possible that you treat God like this?  Could it be that you are guilty of seeing Jesus as someone who is there to do your bidding?  A puppet who responds when you pull certain strings.  As you meditate on the passion story this season notice that Jesus was always in control of what seems to be an “out of control” situation.  People still wanted Him to perform but He is not a Savior “On Demand”.  He is our Lord, our Master, our Creator and our Father.  We are to follow His lead not the other way around.

Today, ask God to forgive you for your misguided assumptions that He is at your disposal.  Today, submit to Him and receive the blessings that He has for you.  Thank Him for not caving in to the demands of the ignorant on Calvary.   It is because He is a God that is not “On Demand” that you and I can experience forgiveness and the free gift of God which is eternal life.

Blessings.

Insulting and humiliating the Lord of all creation.  Daring to hit the God of the universe.  They definitely needed the blindfold.  Not so Jesus would not see.  Oh no, you can be sure He knew who was hitting Him.  He knew who was spitting.  He knew who was insulting Him.  No.  The blindfold wasn’t for Jesus.  Maybe they were really hoping that Jesus would not know.  It is much easier to strike out at someone when you are anonymous.  A blind fold also puts distance between you and the person blinded.  It covers their eyes and face and, therefore makes it less personal.  I think the soldiers blindfolded Jesus so they didn’t have to look into His eyes while they were having their fun.  I don’t think that you could look into Jesus’ eyes and strike Him.  I think that seeing His face, even in anger, would cause you to look away.  So, if you are going to mock the God who created you today…you better blindfold Him.  It will make it easier for you to go your own direction.  You could try and convince yourself that He can’t see you.  You might even forget who He is that stands there with you.  It is easier to hurt someone when you can’t see their eyes and face.  “Who is this anyway?”  “Who does He think He is?”

Sometimes Jesus makes us uncomfortable.  I think these soldiers were.  It shows in their behavior.  Here is a man that is offering no resistance.  He is innocent and they know it.  They are uncomfortable so they lash out.  Mocking what they don’t understand.  Covering the eyes that show forth compassion even in the midst of unfairness.  They have to overreact to make themselves feel better about what they are doing.   I want to hate these men who are treating my Savior this way but, unfortunately, I think I sometimes treat Jesus with the same disrespect.  I usually know when it is happening.  I am saying something I should not be saying or doing something I know I should not be doing.  The last thing I want to do is look into the face of Jesus.  But He is there in my “courtyard”.   So, if I want to continue to rebel against Him…I must blindfold Him.   Then, my guilt turns to anger.  I get defensive and strike out at the very ones who wish to help get me on the right path.

“Oh Lord, the suffering and shame that you endured in the courtyard is painful for me.  I cringe when I think about You being beaten, spit upon, and mocked.  I am angry but also convicted.  I know that I could be in that crowd.  I could have been one of those soldiers.  In fact, I am guilty of mocking You at times in my life.  Please forgive me.  I want to take the blindfold away today.  I want you to see me.  I want to look into Your loving eyes.  Thank you, Lord for doing that for me.  Thank you for your love and forgiveness.  Have your way with me today.”

Blessings.

“…at that moment a rooster began to crow.” (John 18:27)

Forgiven but not forgotten.   Have you ever thought about what Peter was thinking every time he heard a rooster crow for the rest of his life.  Jesus had distinctly tied that sound with the denial of Peter.  He could have said, “Before morning you will deny me three times” but instead Jesus used an audible and familiar sound to signify Peter’s worst nightmare.  This was the sound that alerted Peter that night that he had failed.  When the rooster crowed the words of Jesus came flooding back and he realized what he had done.

One of the most common sounds in Peter’s day (and still in the middle east today) was the crow of the rooster in the early morning.  Have you wondered what Peter thought the next morning (Saturday) when Jesus was laid in the tomb and the rooster crowed?  Was he immediately transported in his mind to that courtyard and the denial only 24 hours earlier?  I cannot imagine that he could think of anything else.  Of all the sounds for Jesus to link to Peter’s failure.  Every day for the rest of Peter’s life he was going to be reminded that he denied Christ.  This bold and boastful fishermen would be humbled every day.  He was reminded that he and his best intentions fall short of God’s goals for him.  He must have started every day saying,  ”Lord, I cannot make it this day without you.  Without you I would just deny you again.  I need you and your strength if I am going to make it.  Have your way with me.”

It was Peter who later wrote:

 ”Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.   Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6,7)

Jesus must have known that Peter would need a daily reminder of his fraility.  It allowed Peter to keep an attitude of dependance upon God and a humble spirit.  It also made Peter a vessel useful to God in growing the early church and spreading the message of the gospel to the world.

All of us need a daily reminder of who we are in the eyes of Jesus and who we can be when we humble ourselves before Him.  That is part of the purpose of this lenten season.  The “thing” that you gave up or added to your life should be a reminder each day that you are surrendered to a God who loves you despite your worst failure and gives you the strength to live the abundant life you were intended to experience.  Again, hear the words of a guy who lived it:

“In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3)

Blessings.

This was a dark moment in the life of one of the most popular disciple.  Peter was always the first to burst forth with bold statements of commitment and action.  When Jesus was walking on the water he was the only one to jump out of the boat.  He was the one who answered Jesus’ question about who He was by giving the famous of all professions, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God”.  He was also the one who had proclaimed that he would follow Jesus to the death.   It was after that statement that Jesus told him that Peter would deny Him three times.  In today’s Scripture this has come true.  Peter was questioned three times about his association with Jesus and each was followed with a denial.

What can we gather from this event in Peter’s life?  Is there something we should learn from his infamous failure?

First, let us not be quick to question Peter’s love and commitment to Jesus.  I don’t think Peter was putting on a show when he expressed his allegiance to his Lord.  I believe he was the genuine article.  I think he meant what he said when he said it.  I also believe that he loved Jesus more than life itself.  In fact, this is what makes his denial more personal to all of us.  Just because you love someone doesn’t mean you will never let them down.  Friends, we are weak and imperfect people.  We often make mistakes and, sometimes, we hurt the very ones we love.  We know that is true and…so does Jesus.

Jesus knew Peter better than Peter knew himself.  Jesus was giving Peter a reality check earlier.  A simple reminder that we are not perfect and that sometimes the best intentions fall by the wayside and we find ourselves in a sea of “denial”.  Jesus already knows that about you.  He knows that you love Him and He knows that you desire to be everything you were meant to be.  However, He also knows that you and I are a work in progress.  He knows our struggles and our failures and He loves us anyway.  Peter had not stopped loving Jesus and Jesus had not stopped loving Peter.  This is confirmed by the tears of repentance mentioned above.  Peter knew he messed up.  Peter knew that Jesus knew.  Peter’s tears were over his sin and, I would guess, over the realization of the deep love that Jesus had for him.

Today, you may make some mistakes.  You probably will.  Jesus knows and loves you anyway.  What matters to Him is that you love Him.  Peter may have “caved” in like a paper cup but no one should question his love for Jesus.  That is what matters.  Do you love Him?

Blessings.

After the arrest the disciples had all fled.  Obviously, Peter did not go far because he comes back into the picture when Jesus is taken to the house of the high priest.  The Scripture tells us that Peter “followed at a distance”.  Curious but still cautious.  His love for Jesus would not let him stay away but his fear kept him at a distance.  He wanted to be close to Jesus but, at the same time, he wanted to be safe.  Close enough to see Jesus but not close enough to be connected to Him.   After all, if he got too close to this “rebel” he could be guilty by association.

Truth: It is hard to follow Jesus at a safe distance.

Whatever Peter’s intention, he was found out and his infamous denial follows.   The stage had been set for this collapse of loyalty when he chose to follow “at a distance”.  Such a striking failure usually doesn’t come out of the blue.  The times that we find ourselves letting Jesus down are normally proceeded by a decision to keep Jesus at  arms length…a safe distance.  Peter knew from his past experience on the sea, the dangers of letting Jesus out of your sight.  When he had climbed out of the boat to walk on the water with Jesus he took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink like a rock.  That night it was the fear of the waves that distracted him.  On this night it was the fear of the crowd.

Truth: Fear will always create space between you and Jesus.

Today, as you meditate on what Jesus did for you, run to His side.  Put aside your fears and stay close to Him.  Jump in today with both feet.  Don’t hang back.  Make a commitment to follow Jesus wherever He goes.  Don’t follow “at a distance”.   THAT is the dangerous place to be.  It is THERE that denial is close at hand.  The best place to be is with Jesus.  There is no doubt.  It may be uncomfortable but do not give in to the temptation to put distance between you and Him.  “Be strong and courageous” is what the Lord said to Joshua.   Be strong and stay close.

Blessings.

We must remember that the garden that night was filled with people that Jesus loved.  This simple place of solitude for our Savior was crowded with disciples, Roman soldiers, religious officials, and other people caught up in the frenzy of the arrest of this “notorious” rebel, Jesus.   And Jesus loved every one of them.  Not just the disciples who had dedicated themselves to His leadership but, the Jewish leaders who wanted His blood.  He loved the Roman soldiers who were just following orders by arresting another Jewish trouble maker.  The soldiers didn’t care.  The priests were jealous and hated Him.  The disciples loved Him and were afraid.

When I think about it I get mad at every one in the garden.  I am mad at the disciples for abandoning Him.  I get mad at the Jewish leaders for being so blind.  I get mad when I see how rough the soldiers treat Him even when He offers no resistance.  I even get mad at Jesus because He doesn’t resist.  He is way to calm.  In fact, there was only one calm voice in the garden that night.  There was one person who kept people from killing each other.  It was Jesus.  Why?   Because He loved every one in the garden that night.  He was going to die for the Roman soldier as well as the disciple.  He came to show love to the pharisee who hated Him as well as the fishermen who loved Him.

There are a lot of angry people in our world.  There are those who don’t care about you or your God.  There are some that would rather hate you than hug you.  And Jesus loves every one of them.  Suddenly the calm sense of peace and respect exhibited by Jesus in the garden makes more sense and His words from the cross come to mind, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.”  He loves us.  The good and the bad and the angry.

Can you allow Jesus to bring that calm into your world today?  Can you stand with Him and see the people around you as those He loves?  Can you allow your heart to break with His as He sees lives trapped in a world of hurt and sin?   And then, can you love them along with Him?  I cannot do it without Him.  I would guess that you can’t either.  So, pray that God would open your eyes today and that He would give you the strength and insight to see those around you as He sees them.

Blessings.

“Then all the disciples left Him and fled.” (Matthew 26:56)

Science tells us that we are wired for certain responses as human beings.  We we encounter danger or circumstances that are threatening we choose “Fight or Flight”.  In other words, our adrenalin kicks in and we will either run away or attack.

We see this played out in the garden as Jesus is confronted with a mob armed with weapons ready to forcefully arrest Him.  The above Scriptures show the two responses of the disciples…fight and flight.  They, at first, rise up and one even ddraws a sword and attacks (In The Gospel of John we find out it is Peter).  They are quickly rebuked by Jesus.  No friends.  This is not how you should respond.  Well, that left them with the only other option, flight.  And they did.

I believe that Jesus was modeling for us that there is a third option…stand firm and trust the Father.  Granted, it is not in the science books as our natural tendancy but, we are encouraged throughout Scripture to take this stance when encountering hostle or challenging circumstances.  “Stand firm”, the Apostle Paul says to the Ephesians.

We are not called to fight fire with fire.  We are not to attack in the name of Jesus.  However, we are not called to run away either.  We are called to stand firm in our faith.  Trusting in our God to be with us.  We will not fear, as David said, “Even though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me.” (Psalm 23).

So, today, when circumstances get rocky stand firm.  God has your back.  You don’t have to run and hide and you, certainly, should not fight.  The challenge is to stand in the grace that is yours through Jesus and give a testimony of His work in you.  This is what Jesus did in the garden.  He was the only one.  Everyone else fought and ran.  He stood there.

He stood there for you.

Blessings!

These words spoken to the disciples in the garden hit close to home for all of us. There is a battle that we often wrestle with when our desire to do the right thing clashes with our desire for comfort. The disciples were tired. You can’t blame them. It has been a long day filled with emotion and confusion. Now they are in a quiet warm dark place and Jesus wants them to pray.  Soon they are asleep.  Jesus awakens them several times but they cannot keep their eyes open.  Can you relate?

Sometimes the schedules take over and we are pushing aside the things that are important for the things that are urgent.  The worries and cares of this world trump the concerns and callings of the Kingdom of God.  Sometimes it’s just hard to keep your eyes open.

“The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

The physical exhaustion of the disciples represents more than just being tired.  I believe that they wanted to stay awake.  I am sure that they were committed to Jesus and were “willing” to pray with Him.  However, it was more than they could bear.  The flesh was “weak”.  How embarrassing.  How disappointing.  How discouraging.  “I’m sorry Jesus, I couldn’t do it.  I could not stay awake.  Please forgive me.”

“The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Part of our journey to the cross is the realization that we are weak and cannot accomplish even the simplest request. We are tired. It is too much to ask. What can we do?

“The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Jesus gives us the key to overcoming this dilemma. “Watch and pray”. So simple. What can I do when the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak? Watch and pray.

Jesus says, “I know you are tired…watch and pray. I know you are overwhelmed and it seems more than you can bear…but, watch and pray.”