April 2
JOHN 18
12 So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. 13 First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, 16 but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. 17 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.” 18 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 18:12-18
JOHN 18 WHEN YOU DENY
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When you have committed to a loving relationship
It is a two-fold promise which includes joy and hardships
You walk beside each other for worse or for better
You don’t abandon the person in times of trouble
If you leave that person, you have breached your promise
You have broken that commitment to endure with them.
Troubles and suffering usually show our true colors. Our human impulse automatically protects us from pain and hardships. In this account, we witness that fallen nature when Peter denied that he was Jesus’ disciple. Why did he deny him? It is understandable in human terms the reason for what he did. He was protecting himself from being imprisoned too like Jesus was going to be. He didn’t want to suffer and die with him and he probably was confused how his Master couldn’t save himself from the situation. At this point, he was already told by Jesus to let the will of God take place when he struck the ear of one of the servants of the high priest in the garden. He probably felt defeated that he couldn’t save his Master let alone himself from the events that would take place.
REFLECTION
• When was the last time you denied someone your love? Share its result on you.
