“But Peter followed him at a distance….” Mt. 26:58
How bold and courageous Peter was as Jesus shared that He would be betrayed (v. 21); Jesus told Peter and the other disciples that they would all stumble and scatter (v. 31) on account of Him. But Peter would not believe it, replying “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble” (v.33). Jesus goes on to tell Peter he would most certainly deny Him that very night three times before the rooster crowed. Peter could not picture himself doing such a thing, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” (v.35).
Fast forward.
As Jesus was led to face the Sanhedrin, “Peter followed him at a distance.”
Why?
As we continue reading Matthew 26, Peter disavowed any knowledge of Jesus who, only hours before, he proclaimed he would die for.
“Peter followed him at a distance”
My questions this morning are these: Do I follow Christ closely or at a distance? If I was in that courtyard with the others around the fire would there be irrefutable evidence that I know Jesus Christ? Are there any attitudes, actions, opinions, or behaviors that I do or do NOT do that would cast a question that I am a Christ-follower? Do I live my life in private and in public in such a way that my personal relationship with Jesus is evident to those around me?
Lord, I don’t want to follow at a distance.
Written by Diane Hunt: Diane Hunt serves on the board of America’s Keswick and is the Executive Director & CEO of Changed Choices, a Christian non-profit in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.
