An Interview with a Disciple: Encountering Peter

Easter marks the resurrection of Christ ending death’s power in our life.  Because of this sacrifice we now have a choice when it comes to our eternal life.  But to get this choice a sacrifice had to be made—Christ had to be crucified.  

In the past, I’ve had so many youth ask me what Good Friday is.  When I tell them, “It’s the day Christ died for you on the Cross” they always ask, “Then why do we call it ‘Good?”  Why do we call it good? It seems to me one of the darkest days in human history.  Historically there are only theories as to how it came to be known as “Good” Friday.  Some believe it’s synonymous with “Holy.”  Others say it’s an accidental switch with “God’s” which would make it “God’s Friday.”  In some countries, it’s actually called “Mourning Friday.”  Regardless of all these, we call it “Good,” and I believe it to be appropriate.   

Sometimes we look at Good Friday as the day that humanity sacrificed the Lamb of God upon the altar of sin, but that’s not entirely correct.  In reality, it’s the day that the Lamb of God sacrificed Himself upon the Cross of shame that We would not have to be sacrificed upon the altar of sin.  And as sad as that seems, that is why it’s “Good.” It’s “Good” in that through this act, Christ made it possible for us to dwell with Him for eternity. This was the ultimate expression of God’s love for us. 

In Romans 8:38-39 Paul states,

 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NRSV)

It is because of Good Friday that we can believe and have Hope in this passage.  Christ’s Crucifixion was only the beginning—without it, we couldn’t have the Resurrection, the conquering of death and sin, and a Life of eternity. 

For several years I hosted Experiential Worship Events on Good Friday.  The following script is an adaptation of one of those events.  My hope in sharing it is that some would meditate on these thoughts and grow deeper in faith by seeing the cross from a different perspective.  I have several different scripts from different perspectives that you will eventually be able to find on this site.  This one is centered on Peter’s experience of Christ and the Cross. 

Please note that some artistic license has been used to attempt to consider what might have been going through Peter’s mind.  Some things will be said that have no real historical warrant because of lack of information.  Consider Peter’s dialogue a piece of historical fiction that attempts to put you in his shoes so you can make a deeper connection with his experience.   

This experience is divided into 12 encounters.  As you read through these encounters, take some time to reflect on your life.  Examine yourself.  Are you living a life worthy of having had the Prince of Peace sacrificed for you?  Take some time to mourn—recognize your failure to be worthy, but when you leave this experience, remember it was Christ’s choice, and He chose to die because to Him you are worth it all!!!

Please, take some time to reflect on all of this, pray, and when you feel prepared, continue. 

Encounter 1:   The Anniversary     

Peter’s story:             John 21:1-19

Well, where do I start?  My name is Peter…well, it’s actually Simon, but He called me Peter, and although it may seem odd to be called “Rock,” it stuck and that’s what I go by.  I can’t believe it’s been a whole year since I last saw Him.  So much has happened.  So much has changed.  I’ve realized so much more, and the more I think I get it, the more my eyes are opened to all the seeds Jesus was planting in me.  One day you’re following around this miracle worker, the next He’s being Crucified and the next I’m called to start this movement to change the world and usher in the Kingdom of God…”fishing for men” as He called it.  Well, I’m glad you sought me out to hear my story.  I’ll do my best to hit the high points, and I hope you get something powerful out of my story—something to touch your life as much as it has mine.  So…where do I begin?   

Reflect

Sometimes, to grasp the power of a story you must start from the end.  Think about your own story, your dreams, your hopes, your potential.  If you knew when your end would come, how would you begin living different today?  Take a couple of minutes to think of a 5-8 word epitaph of how you’d like to be remembered. 

Looking back on your own Christian walk, in what ways do you connect with Peter?  Do you feel like there have been times when you’ve denied Christ in word or deed?  How did that make you feel?  Have you ever experienced a moment like Peter when you felt like God was restoring your heart from such mistakes?  Did you let that sink in?  How has that changed your relationship with Him?

Remember

Like Peter, we don’t know the whole story yet.  The beauty of Peter’s example is seeing that God knew exactly how Peter would respond and what he’d do before he did it.  Knowing this, God was able to use Peter’s failures for His purpose.  It’s good to know that even when we’ve tried our hardest, when we still fail, God still works to bring about good things. 

Encounter 2:              It all started in a fishing boat

Peter’s story:                         Luke 5:1-11

Well, I guess it all started in a fishing boat.  We, Andrew and I and some other fishermen, were sitting there washing our nets after yet another day of empty hauls. We didn’t even catch enough to cook ourselves dinner.  Then we heard a commotion coming up over the hill. 

            There was this huge crowd shattering the silence of the calm afternoon.  They were so loud it almost seemed that their ruckus had stirred up what were glassy waters.  There were hundreds of them. They seemed to be following one man who was trying to get their attention with little success.  He was relatively tall with a strong build, strong arms, and strong hands.  He dressed modestly—not too flashy—but He had a charisma about Him…I couldn’t figure out if it was His piercing eyes or the welcoming expression on His face. 

For whatever reason, He came up to me and asked if He could borrow my boat.  I had nothing better to do, so I took Him out only a stone’s throw onto the water and He sat down and started teaching the crowd, which by this time had hushed in fear that they were driving Him off.  I’ve never seen anything like it.  For one, the water seemed to amplify His voice so all could hear.  But more importantly, His words were like a cooling salve to a burning soul. 

When He was done, everyone was just in awe.  The crowds, stunned by all He taught, couldn’t take in anymore, but slowly wandered off in little groups discussing what He’d said.  You could tell some were caught in heated arguments while others just sat down and tried to soak it in like one sits after a good meal. 

  Then He turned to me and said, “Hey, why don’t you try fishing just out there a little ways—right where the deep meets the shallows?”  I almost laughed, but for some reason, I did it anyway.  Wouldn’t you know the nets were so full the boat almost capsized.  He just sat there laughing while I was yelling for the other boats. 

When we finally got all the fish to shore…well, there were so many I didn’t even know what to do with them all.  We didn’t even have carts big enough to haul them all to town.  We ended up having to let half the catch go back into the sea. 

I didn’t know what to say.  I fell down in front of Him in fear—any man with that kind of power has to be from God.  I was embarrassed just to be in His presence.  I think I told Him to go away because I didn’t feel worthy, but He put His hand on my shoulder and told me to not be afraid…that I could follow Him now and learn how to be a Fisher of men.  I’m only now grasping what He meant, but it’s been an amazing ride. 

I sometimes wonder, if I knew then what I had gotten myself into now, would I have gone with Him still?  I’m glad I didn’t know because if I hadn’t, I would’ve missed out on being a part of fulfilling the work of the Messiah. 

Reflect

Jesus called us to be fishers of men.  What do our nets look like?  How effective are they?  Contemplate the fish—how does it move, breathe, eat?  How is that used in determining how to best catch them?  Considering this, how do we become fishers of men?  How do we catch new Souls for the Kingdom?

Remember

Fishing for men requires as much patience and humility as fishing for fish. You can’t always just stick what you think looks tasty in the water and expect people to bite.  You also can’t just shove something in their face and expect them to take it because you think it should be that simple.  Sometimes we have to look at salvation from a different perspective. Different people have different “tastes,” and we can be faithful to the gospel while presenting it from different perspectives.  For example, those who are sick need a healer.  Those who are marginalized need justice.  Those who are broken need mending.  Now we just have to seek God’s guidance to give us the right gifts and words to bring them into the boat.  

Encounter 3:              A Glimpse of Power

Peter’s Story:                        Matthew 8:14-17       

Then we got a glimpse of how powerful He really was.  I don’t know if it was because He spoke with so much authority or what, but sick people and possessed people started coming out from the crowd asking for healing and freedom.  Personally, I was scared—I didn’t want leprosy and I certainly didn’t want any demon jumping from one of them into me, so I just kind of eased myself back with the rest of the disciples not sure of what to do. 

But Jesus, He just walked up to them and listened.  The next thing you know He’s reaching out, touching them, and right in front of my eyes their boils and wounds were healing up instantly.  If I hadn’t seen it, I wouldn’t have believed it, but there it was, right in front of me.  It kind of made me nervous. 

Again I was faced with my own weakness, but He always seemed to know what was going through my head, and always made sure I knew He wanted me with Him. 

Then I got the bright idea—what if he could heal my mother-in-law?  Maybe that would get my wife off my back—she’d been hounding me about not working.  And He did just that.  Afterward, my mother-in-law and wife were convinced I should hang out with Him even more—we were all starting to wonder if He was the Messiah.  If so, I wanted to be a part of whatever He was doing.  

Reflect

Christ took our infirmities and bore our diseases.  He also took our place on the cross that we might take His in the world.  How can we as a church honor His sacrifice by taking up His mission in the world to bear up the infirmities and diseases in the world around us?

Remember

Christ’s life is a model for our own.  He calls us into the world to not only reconcile lost souls into His Kingdom but also to share in His mission on bringing healing and hope even into the dark and dangerous corners.

Encounter 4:  A Stroll on the Water

Peter’s Story:                        Matthew 14:22-33

Of course, everyone’s favorite story about me is the time I lost sight of what was important and ended up all wet.  Jesus had decided He needed some alone time to pray and told us to go on ahead in the boats and he’d catch up later. 

It wasn’t until we were halfway across the sea that we realized that we didn’t leave Him a boat to catch up in.  I guess that’s what you get when you call a bunch of teenagers and young adults to follow you. 

Just as we considered turning around it started to get dark and windy and choppy.  At that point, it was too late.  We couldn’t turn around, and it didn’t seem like we could make progress where we were supposed to go.  By morning we were exhausted and confused.  

But then I looked out over the water and saw someone walking towards us.  I thought at first that I had fallen asleep and was dreaming, but when I rubbed my eyes He was still there.  We were horrified. We didn’t know what to think. 

Someone yelled, “It’s a ghost” and from across the water we heard laughing…the familiar chuckle of our teacher.  Between His snickers, He yelled out, “I’m not a ghost—don’t worry, it’s just me.”  Now I was really confused.   But as I squinted, there He was, my Savior, walking across the water. 

Thinking I’d be funny, I called out, “Lord, if it is really you, tell me to walk out to you on the water.”  I thought He’d reply, “Who do you think you are?  The Messiah?”  Instead, He called my bluff—He called me out.  Now it had become a test of faith, and the rest of the disciples looked at me like an idiot. 

So, I stepped out, and it was like walking on ice—hard but somewhat slippery.  So I took another step.  Then I started thinking, “This is impossible—I’m walking on water!?”  And just as the thought popped in my head, I started to sink.  Now instead of ice under my feet, it was more like quicksand.  The more I thought about it, the faster I sank.  I cried out to Jesus to save me and in the blink of an eye His hand was holding mine.  I’m still not sure how He got there so fast.   But He pulled me out.  Then He asked me, “What happened?—you were doing it.  Why did you lose faith?

Reflect

Imagine being Peter stepping out on the water.  The initial courage sparked by seeing Christ slowly gave way to what Peter thought he knew to be true—that it’s impossible to walk on water.  His unbelief clouded his vision.  In what areas of your life has your vision of Christ’s power in you been clouded by what you think you know to be true?  How might you overcome and regain focus on Him? 

Remember

When we take our eyes off Christ, it’s like walking through life blind.  We may be able to see a little at our feet, but we won’t know how to get where we’re going, and we’ll have plenty to be afraid of. 

Encounter 5:              From Blessing to Rebuke and the Cost of Discipleship

Peter’s Story:                        Matthew 16:13-28

I guess one of the stories that is nearest to my heart is when He named me.  You see, in our Hebrew culture, people receive one name when they are born, and the meaning of that name often is expected to influence the character of the child.  In special circumstances, sometimes an individual will experience a renaming from God as a sign of calling and purpose.  For example, if you remember Abram became Abraham, Sarai became Sarah, and Jacob became Israel. 

Well, we were all sitting around taking a break from our journey when Jesus asked us, “Who do people say that I am?”  At that point, people assumed Jesus was a reincarnated prophet or the one who’d lead the way for the coming Messiah.  I guess that’s because Jesus hadn’t really confronted the Roman occupation like most thought the Messiah would. Instead, He was mostly just going around teaching and healing. 

But I thought differently.  For some reason, I knew He was the Messiah—even if He didn’t fit my expectations.  So, when He asked who we thought He was, I jumped right in there and said unquestionably, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”  And that’s when He changed my name from Simon to Peter, which means rock.  He said, “You are Rock, and on this rock I will build my church.”  I really had no idea what He really meant then, but I’m starting to understand now. 

Reflect

Names help us identify ourselves and distinguish one person from another.  From them, we gain a portion of our identity.  In many cultures, names are given to empower individuals to live into certain characteristics.  We call ourselves “Christians” which means “Little Christ” or “Christ-bearer.” What does that name mean to you?  Do you live into it?  Does it help define you?  Does it instill an identity in you?  Does it set you apart from others in the world?

Remember

When we take Christ into our hearts, we take on Christ’s identity.  We are no longer Peters or Marys or ___________ (insert your name here). In God’s eyes, we are now Christ—that’s what makes us perfected.  Let Christ shine through you.  Allow Him to move in your life.  In doing so, you’ll find the renewing power of a new name. 

Encounter 6:              Investment Returns

Reflect

Too often people say that the cost of discipleship is too high when in reality it’s more like an investment.  As we invest our wealth and talent in the Kingdom we are in a sense building Heaven on Earth—something priceless.  Throughout the gospels Christ talks about how God will reward those who invest in His Will.  Take a moment and take stock of your life.  In what ways are you currently investing in the Kingdom (time, talents, resources).  In what ways could you invest more?  In what ways will you invest more? 

Peter’s story:                         Matthew 19:27-30

One day the disciples and I were sitting around getting a little impatient.  We weren’t sure what to think.  We’d been in this group for over 2 years, but Jesus still wasn’t fulfilling our image of the Messiah.  So, I just decided to ask Him.  “Hey, I don’t mean to seem ungrateful or anything, but we’re trying to figure out what’s going on here.  Many of us have wives and children at home wondering where we are and what we’re doing.  We’re just starting to wonder what’s next and what is our part in all this?” 

            Jesus looked at me and said, “You guys have been patient and have given up much, but don’t be afraid.  I make you this promise:  when all is said and done, you will be kings and judges in my court and anyone else who invests in my Kingdom will be princes and princesses for all time to come.  Those who make themselves last by putting others’ needs before their own, I will put them first by putting their needs before my own.” 

That’s part of what shocked us at the end—we didn’t understand how we would be kings if Jesus died.  Now, looking back, we totally missed it.  I hope that through my story you don’t make the same mistakes.   

Reflect

How do you see your faith as an investment?  How does that influence the way you talk about your faith? How does that influence how you participate in the ministries and work of the church? How does that influence how you give to ministry?

Remember

God is not a pop-machine.  You don’t just put in exact change, pray the right prayer, push the right buttons, and get what you ask for.  BUT, God is faithful to those who are faithful.  We may face hardship—after all, Peter was crucified upside down after many trials.  But Scripture assures us that it is worth it—we are, as Jesus said, laying up treasures in Heaven where moth and rust cannot destroy. 

Encounter 7:              Peter’s Feet

Peter’s story:             John 13:1-30

There are times in life when you think you know everything.   A week before Passover, as we were coming into Jerusalem, Jesus had a couple of us bring Him a donkey.  We did, and He rode into Jerusalem on it with great fanfare.  The people were laying down garments and palm branches and yelling and singing as if their beloved king had just arrived.  We all thought, “This is it!”  He just spoke about us becoming kings—this must be the time. 

But He didn’t give any speech or announce any kingdom. Instead, He went to the temple and threw out all the money changers.  We started seeing a side of Jesus we hadn’t seen before.  He was a bit on edge.  He even withered a little fig tree and talked about how trees were made to bear fruit and any tree that didn’t would be dried up. 

He spent a lot of time teaching that week, and we just kept waiting and hoping for answers.  He kept talking about how He’d be taken away and killed, but we just figured it was another metaphor.  Then He told us to prepare for the Passover meal, so we went and put things together in a little room on the second floor of a home.  When we got there, the food was ready, but the servant we hired to wash our feet didn’t show up. 

Jesus hadn’t arrived yet, and we didn’t know what to do.  As we were discussing it, He came in quietly, took off His robe, and started washing Andrew’s feet.  At first, the rest of us didn’t even notice, but then I looked up and saw Andrew’s face—it was as if someone had just stabbed his brother—a look of shock and dismay.  And I looked down and saw Him...Jesus was washing His feet.

We all fell silent.  We didn’t know what to say.  The Man, the Son of God, the Savior was kneeling down washing the dirt and street waste off of our feet.  I immediately asked Him if He planned on washing mine.  He said that once again I was missing the point, but I still refused to have Him wash me—it just wasn’t right.  But then He said, “Peter if I don’t wash you, you won’t be one of my kings.” 

As much as I hated the idea, I told Him to wash my hands and head as well.  I didn’t get it, but it made sense in my head at the time.  He said that wasn’t necessary, because we were already clean except for our feet.  He was instead trying to teach us what He meant by “The first shall be last and the last shall be first.”  I guess I’ve realized that real kings are less concerned with their thrones and more concerned with the welfare of their subjects.  He told us that as He had washed our feet, we should also wash one another’s—I think He might have meant literally and figuratively. 

Reflect

Jesus called us to wash each other’s feet.  What would be the cultural equivalent of washing another’s feet in today’s culture? How have you done that in a figurative way?  How could you do that more? 

Remember

Sometimes God calls us to do things that we’re uncomfortable with.  Sometimes He calls us to do things that are dirty or seemingly degrading.  But He only ever calls us to do things with purpose…things that lift others up…things that teach us to put others’ needs before our wants.  And in Christ, He showed us that He will only ever call us to do that which He Himself has already done. 

Encounter 8:              A Harsh Prophecy

Peter’s story:                         Matthew 26:31-35

Later Jesus and I had an argument I’ll never forget.  I wish I could, but I can’t.   We were sitting there after the Passover meal after He’d washed our feet, and Jesus just flat out tells us we’ll all betray Him.  I was furious.  I swore to Him I’d never desert Him, but He told me I would deny even knowing Him three times the same night. 

How could He know that?!  Weren’t we all just going to sit there and enjoy the Passover time together?  So, I emphatically disagreed and said I’d die with Him before I denied Him.  He didn’t say anything else to the point.  He just resigned the conversation with a sort of confident meekness. 

Then He invited us all on a stroll in the Garden.  It seemed kind of odd, and He was really somber.  He asked us to wait in a clearing while He went ahead to pray.  He acted like it was a life and death situation.  But as usual, we didn’t get it. We fell asleep.  He came back and found us and was a bit disappointed that we couldn’t stay up and pray, but we hadn’t really known what we were supposed to pray for.  The next thing I knew, Judas showed up with a mob to arrest Jesus.  I grabbed my sword and cut off the ear of one of the soldiers but Jesus stopped me and healed the man. When I looked into His eyes, I knew I had missed something…and it was going to be a long night. 

Reflect

When we’re young, like Peter, we often act or speak without thinking, making commitments or guarantees we can’t keep.  When we get older, we look back and laugh at ourselves for our foolishness.  Yet, with each passing decade, we continue to look back and laugh at the previous.  How can we find the humility to accept direction or solid conviction from our elders?  How can we position ourselves to put aside our pride and seek wise counsel before we need a good rebuking? 

Remember

Sometimes the truth hurts.  Sometimes the Holy Spirit warns us of dangerous roads that we think we want to take.   Sometimes we are prompted by wisdom to be that voice of the Spirit to help protect others from danger.  God wants us to seek Him for wisdom, but sometimes that requires putting aside our pride and seeking His wisdom through those He’s sent to be our shepherds. 

Encounter 9:              Prophecy Fulfilled

Peter’s story:                         Matthew 26:69-75

The rest of the disciples fled in all directions.  I ran far enough to get out of danger, but then I turned back to follow the crowd and see what was going on.  I still had my sword.  I thought maybe I could rescue Him.  But I couldn’t figure out if that was what He wanted.  After all, He healed the man whose ear I’d cut off—the very man who came to take Him away?  I was so confused.  I didn’t know what to do.  I snuck into town only close enough to not get caught. 

I sat by one of the fires in the courtyard listening to conversations to get a feel for what was going on.  I was still contemplating if I could free Him, but wrestling over whether it was what He’d want.  I hoped it was dark enough that no one would recognize me, but I was wrong.    A teenage servant-girl recognized me.  She pointed me out, and immediately I was afraid I’d get caught—that would have ruined any chance I had at rescuing Jesus, so I denied knowing Him and immediately walked out to the porch. 

Then another servant girl saw me and pointed me out again.  It was all making me nervous—I was confused at what I was supposed to do.  I wasn’t sure how serious things were, and I was starting to fear for my life.  So, I denied knowing Him again.  But someone sitting nearby heard me and came up and said he was certain I was because my accent was Galilean.  By this time I was feeling intimidated and afraid and I just yelled out in anger, “I said I don’t know the man!” As I did, it happened.  He was right.  The rooster crowed.  It was like a sword to the stomach.  I fled, now not so much out of fear, but out of shame.  I thought I was doing right, but once again, I had missed the point.  Looking back, now I see how necessary it was that I survive and be given a second chance.  But in the moment, I was heartbroken.  So much so I drowned myself in my sorrows for days.  One mistake led to another, and I didn't even get to say goodbye.  Those were the worst three days of my life. 

Reflect

We’ve all had times when, like Peter, we’ve either intentionally or unintentionally denied Christ in word or action.  Sometimes it may have even been while thinking we were strategizing to accomplish some greater purpose.  In the end, we look back and realize that we’ve messed up.  How does it feel to be reminded of failure?  Or to have to deal with the embarrassment of making such a public statement and then being proved wrong?  Failure is bad enough, but it’s what we do next that is most important—do we live in denial and hang on to our pride missing the opportunity to experience grace and the refreshing cleansing of forgiveness; or do we own up to it, seek forgiveness and an opportunity to make up for our misstep and possibly experience the life-changing power of restoration? 

Remember

Jesus was never about guilt!  If you bear the burden of guilt for some failure in your past, then you haven’t experienced true forgiveness.  Guilt is a tool of Satan.  It’s what pushes us away from God—not to Him.  Guilt eats at our souls and burdens us with an unbearable load we weren’t meant to carry.  Guilt is hopeless and depressing.  Jesus only ever brings conviction—conviction is simply the recognition that you’ve failed in the hopes that you will experience discipline which is aimed at empowering you to succeed in the future.  Conviction does bring mourning and brokenness, but a kind that experiences comfort and Hope.  Guilt takes one down the road of worthlessness and self-loathing, while conviction opens our eyes to the power of knowing that God thought us so valuable that He would sacrifice Himself on a Cross.  Accept conviction, experience forgiveness, and grow deeper in the hope of transformation. 

Encounter 10:            On Trial

 John 18:28-40

Jesus before Pilate

28 Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate’s headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. 29 So Pilate went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” 30 They answered, “If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.” 31 Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law.” The Jews replied, “We are not permitted to put anyone to death.” 32 (This was to fulfill what Jesus had said when he indicated the kind of death he was to die.) 33 Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?”

34 Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” 35 Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” 37 Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate asked him, “What is truth?”

Jesus Sentenced to Death

After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, “I find no case against him. 39 But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover. Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 40 They shouted in reply, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a bandit.

Peter’s story:

As I said, one mistake led to another.  The disciples and I were so afraid and ashamed we missed our opportunity.  The next day Jesus was put on trial before Pilate.  While we were in hiding, the Pharisees were plotting and stirring up the crowd.  We could have gone to the trial and tried to at least change people’s minds and get them to vote to release Jesus, but we didn’t.  Instead, like cowards, we hid away and laid low. 

Looking back, I might as well have swung that gavel pronouncing the sentence.  I might as well have been in the crowd yelling “crucify Him!”  I might as well have been the one to wash my hands because, in my silence, that’s exactly what I did.  I gave up!  I gave in!  Just like when I started sinking on the water.  I didn’t have enough faith.  I didn’t stand up for whom I believe in.  I had a chance to make my voice heard in defense of Him and I watched it go by. 

Now I understand that it was all necessary.  And I understand that maybe that’s why Jesus picked such a rag-tag group of weaklings but knowing I let Him go without a fight, that has haunted me.  At the same time, it’s given me a new motivation—to never let that happen again. 

Reflect

It’s been said, “All that is necessary for evil to overcome the world is for good men to do nothing.”  By hiding in fear, it was almost as if Peter washed his hands of Christ as much as Pilate.  In what ways to do we sometimes wash our hands of Christ by not standing up to forces that would continue to subject people to forms of slavery and injustice?  Think of three ways that we as the church have ignored social justice issues or at least not put our best foot forward in helping find solutions.

Jesus constantly spoke of the “Kingdom of Heaven” in the gospels.  Interestingly enough, we often think that He was referring to something yet to come, but most often He blatantly suggested that He was there ushering it in—that it is a here and now Kingdom.  How different would the world be if the worldwide church, as a whole, realized that the construction of that kingdom was partially our responsibility—that we are supposed to be working on now?   What ways would it need to be more involved to see this happen?

Remember

James 1:26-27

26 If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

I John 3:16-17

16 We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. 17 How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?

Encounter 11:              The Flogging and Crucifixion

John 19:1-16

Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. 2 And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they dressed him in a purple robe. 3 They kept coming up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and striking him on the face. 4 Pilate went out again and said to them, “Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no case against him.” 5 So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!” 6 When the chief priests and the police saw him, they shouted, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him; I find no case against him.” 7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has claimed to be the Son of God.” 8 Now when Pilate heard this, he was more afraid than ever. 9 He entered his headquarters again and asked Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 Pilate therefore said to him, “Do you refuse to speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” 12 From then on Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are no friend of the emperor. Everyone who claims to be a king sets himself against the emperor.”

13 When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus outside and sat on the judge’s bench at a place called The Stone Pavement, or in Hebrew Gabbatha.

14 Now it was the day of Preparation for the Passover; and it was about noon. He said to the Jews, “Here is your King!” 15 They cried out, “Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!” Pilate asked them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but the emperor.” 16 Then he handed him over to them to be crucified.

The Crucifixion of Jesus

So they took Jesus; 17 and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. 19 Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” 20 Many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. 21 Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’ ”

22 Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.”

23 When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. 24 So they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will get it.” This was to fulfill what the scripture says,

“They divided my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots.”

25 And that is what the soldiers did.

Jesus’ Side Is Pierced

31 Since it was the day of Preparation, the Jews did not want the bodies left on the cross during the sabbath, especially because that sabbath was a day of great solemnity. So they asked Pilate to have the legs of the crucified men broken and the bodies removed. 32 Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who had been crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. 35 (He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth.) 36 These things occurred so that the scripture might be fulfilled, “None of his bones shall be broken.” 37 And again another passage of scripture says, “They will look on the one whom they have pierced.”

38 After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. 39 Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. 40 They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. 41 Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. 42 And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

Peter’s story:

I wasn’t there.  I didn’t see it.  I missed it.  I’ve only heard about it.  How they beat Him.  How they put that crown of thorns on His head and mocked Him.  How they peeled the flesh off His back with their flagrums. How they stripped Him virtually naked, nailed His hands and feet to the beams, and stuck Him up in the air for all to jeer and taunt and insult.  I wasn’t there.  I should have been. 

I should have been the one hanging next to Him.  I should have felt those same lashings, those same nails.  But I wasn’t there.  I wasn’t worthy.  I wasn’t the Lamb—the spotless one sent to purify God’s people.  I can’t forgive sins.  I can’t bring atonement.  I can’t wipe the slate or take the punishment due others. That’s not me.  I wasn’t there.  That was Him.  That was Jesus.  That was the Messiah.  And He did that for me.  And He did that for you.  All because we can’t do it for ourselves.  All because we can’t get to God on our own—we need a bridge.  We need a Savior.  The world needs a Savior.  The world has a Savior.  He is the one.  And He’s called each of us to seek Him and share Him. 

Reflect

How have you experienced Christ’s saving hand and comfort in the midst of guilt and conviction?  How has your life been refreshed and renewed by His sacrifice?  How has that moved in you to change your life for the better? 

Remember

John 3:16-17

16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. 17 “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Encounter 12:            Can’t Take the Pain

Listen to Third Day’s “Can’t Take the Pain” on Youtube, or simply read the lyrics below

Can’t Take the Pain by Third Day

No, I didn't see this one coming

It suddenly snuck up on me

I can't say you didn't tell me so

I can't say you didn't warn me

I can't take the pain of knowing that I left You

I can't bear the shame of knowing I was wrong

But I'll take the blame for everything that I've done

I can't take the pain of leaving you alone

Of leaving you alone

I was there when they accused you

but I guess I was too afraid

Not just once and not just twice

But three times I denied your name

I never thought I'd get even a second chance

But you've given that and so much more

And then for every time I ever did deny

You ask me if I love you, You know I do, Lord

So I'm off to follow in your steps

it won't be easy, it's safe to say

There are only two roads I can walk on down

The one less traveled is the one you paved

Lord, You took the pain even though I left You

And You took the shame and You made it all Your own

Why'd you take the blame for everything that I've done?

Lord, You took the pain

You and You alone, You and You alone

Reflect

Where was Peter when he heard the news?  Who told him his closest friend and teacher had been crucified?  Did he yell and scream?  Did he refuse to believe?  Did he throw things?  Did he collapse?  Did he get drunk to dull the pain?  What did he think?  Was it all just a dream?  Was it over?  What now?  He was supposed to be a king, and now he’s just a fugitive in hiding.  Everything Jesus had said until now had been true, but how could His promises be true if He’s dead?  How could he make sense of what had happened?  Would Peter remember all the times Jesus spoke of his own death?  Would he remember how Jesus had spoken of being resurrected?  Was he hopeless or did he have any inkling at all what was to come next? 

Remember

We’re not sure of any of these things, but we do know this: Peter went back to fishing.  He didn’t know what else to do so he turned to the only thing he knew how to do.  And at some point, Peter experienced something so powerful that he went from being a coward on a fishing boat to the Rock that Jesus built His church on (John 21:1-15).  He experienced not just a restoration from his threefold failure, but a calling. Now, he was no longer just a fisher of men, he was called to be a feeder of sheep; a Shepherd, continuing the work of the Lamb of God, the Good Shepherd.

You may think you’re a coward at times, you may think you’ve failed one too many times.  You may not see any real purpose in your life.  You may look back at life and ask, “What have I accomplished?  What mark have I made?  Whose life have I touched?”  You may feel worthless.  But stop, and remember this:  Christ died for you! 

Would the creator of the universe step down off His throne, be born a simple human, and die such an agonizing and humiliating death if He didn’t believe you were worth it?  What does that say about Him?  What does that say about you? You have a purpose!  You have an opportunity!  Seek the name and identity of Christ and you’ll find more than a calling...like Peter, you’ll find a life you never could have imagined and a beautiful story to tell. 

I John 4:7-10

7 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

John 15:1-17

12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. 16 You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. 17 I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.