Luke 22:54-55

Posted by DJL on Feb 28, 2013 in Lenten Devotions | 1 comment

Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house. But Peter was following at a distance. When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them.

Peter, we know, will deny his Lord. Jesus said as much himself earlier in the story. But before Peter denies, he follows.

This seems to me an important element to keep in mind. We tend, or at least I tend, to focus on Peter’s denial and his eventual return. But before he denies or returns he follows.

Why does this matter? Because had he not been a follower he would never have come this far in the first place. Had he not followed Jesus after the arrest, even at a distance, he would never have found himself in these circumstances. We hear of no other disciples following at a distance. After Jesus’ arrest the company is apparently scattered. No one stays with him. Except Peter.

Following takes courage. Peter must have known that he would be at risk. He has, when you think about it, infiltrated the ranks of those who have just arrested his leader and threatened his company. It is a situation of danger and risk. Yet he followed anyway.

But following also takes courage of another kind, because in following you may fail. And some, fearing failure, never take the risk of following.

Yes, Peter fails. He falls away. He gives into fear and denies his Lord. But first he follows. And that’s something. Something that we are also called to do.

Prayer: Dear God, grant us the faith and courage to follow you, to risk ourselves, and to risk failure. In Jesus’ name, Amen.