What am I afraid of?
Mark 14:66-72
66 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. 67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him.
“You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” she said.
68 But he denied it. “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about,” he said, and went out into the entryway.
69 When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, “This fellow is one of them.” 70 Again he denied it.
After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.”
71 He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.”
72 Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.” And he broke down and wept.
This account features Peter mostly, and rightly so – it is his lowest moment. But I wonder about the servant girl and “the other bystanders” who “confronted” Peter. What was their motive for approaching Peter? I’ve always assumed, based on Peter’s reaction that they were going to hand him in to the authorities or place him under citizen’s arrest.
However, the passage doesn’t give any indication that the people who approached Peter had aggressive motives. Their motives, for all we know, may have been benign. They may well have been seeking to know more about Jesus and wanted to become His followers. And here – as fate would it – here is one of His disciples! We could ask him about Jesus!
What opportunities have I missed to share the gospel and tell people about Jesus because I was afraid? Was I more concerned about my reputation, my pride, being embarrassed, or my safety (like Peter)?
How many times must God tell me “B, do not be afraid!” before I will listen? He commands it! (See Joshua 1:6-9)
I’m reminded of Jesus’ stern warning in Mark 8:38 –
If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Could there be anything worse?
We must hold firmly to the promise that, no matter what the circumstances, God is with us (see Joshua 1:5, Is 41:10), and in that hope, we must speak loudly for Jesus. Then Jesus himself will stand in heaven (see Acts 7:56), point to us and say, before all Eternity and before God and say “Look at [insert your name]! Look at my faithful witness – my friend! I am so proud of them” (see Luke 12:8, Eph 3:10).
What wouldn’t you give to hear Jesus say that of you?
Jesus, please let courage rise in my life, the gospel be shouted from my mouth, and your love flow from my heart. May my life make you proud.
Amen
Written by B van Noppen
B
Thank you. You challenge me beyond where I want to be challenged.
That scripture has until now been filled comfortably with “Peter almost reported to authorities” and “Peter really stuffed up”.
Never before seen— thus could be me, or maybe they had heard of Jesus and wanted to know more.
Challenged by a fresh look at a familiar passage.