Crisis Warning - Post 8

Jesus has worked to shape Peter for nearly 3 years.  We have observed the gentleness, the intensity and the training our Lord focused upon him.  It provides us with a beautiful example of spiritual formation.  Peter was a faithful follower of Jesus - a leader in the band of apostles - a true disciple of this Rabbi.

The three years were nearing their end.  Jesus knew it.  It was Passover time and Jesus, with his band of followers, made their way to Jerusalem, the Holy City, for the festivities and memorial.  They had time together during which Jesus talked with them about what was coming.  He washed their feet to teach and train them about kingdom principles.  They celebrated the Passover meal together and Jesus used the opportunity to speak to them about a new covenant - a covenant in his blood - that was about to be cut.  And in the midst of this intimate time together, the apostles' lack of understanding and their humanity once again rose to the surface.  They began an argument and debate about which of them was the "greatest" in this new kingdom of which Jesus spoke.  Let's go to scripture ... watch Peter ...

Read Luke 22: 24 - 38

Some observations from the reading:

First, Jesus reaffirmed the kingdom principle of service.  He reminded them yet again that the world's system of hierarchy and "pecking order" had no place in His kingdom.  He was turning that whole mentality upside down.  Have we heard that message?  I know we have read it - numerous times - but have we "heard" it?  How it must grieve the heart of God when we play the same power games and set up power structures in the church  that do nothing but mirror the thinking of the world.  When we continue to work adopting the world's methods, I suspect Jesus says to us, "Oh ye of little faith."  How do we break that pattern?  If you have done intentional work to practice this principle ... would you share with us?  What did you do?  How did it turn out?  What did you learn?

Secondly, the "you" in verse 31 is plural.  So it seems that Jesus is warning all of his disciples that Satan had permission to come at them.  Do you think that warning could be applied to us as well?  It is of utmost importance that we take seriously the phrase from the Lord's prayer ...

"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil ..."  (Matthew 6:13)

There is no reason to be fearful.  It is just the reality of spiritual warfare.  So we must never loose sight of the following:

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.  And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.     (1 Corinthians 10:13)

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.    (1 John 4:4)

So hear the warning ... don't be surprised ... prepare yourself to stand firm ... to be faithful ... to trust God.

Third, the "you" in verse 32 is singular.  Jesus seemed to turn specifically to Peter to warn him of his coming crisis.  But Peter couldn't take it in.  He just couldn't - in the furthest stretches of his imagination - believe that he could turn from Jesus, abandon him.  Isn't that like us?  Have you ever had this experience:  You said something and later, in a more rational moment, said to yourself, "I cannot believe I said THAT.  It was cruel.  That's not even me.  Where did that come from?"  Or, you do something that so violates your morality and in the quiet of the night, you say to yourself, "I can't believe I've done that.  I always said I would NEVER do that.  What is wrong with me?"  

You see, Peter is not unique.  He saw himself strong on his own.  He saw himself able - on his own - to do what he wanted to do.  And Jesus knew that was not so.  Jesus knows it not so for you and I either.  On our own - that is always the potential for gigantic crashes!  There is always the potential for falling into sin.  So what do we do with that horrific knowledge?  Here's the good news:

Humble yourselves before God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Come close to God, and God will come close to you.  Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.  Let there be tears for what you have done.  Let there be sorrow and deep grief.  Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy.  Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.     (James 4: 7 - 10  NLT)

The message of repentance stays constant - and contemporary - and relevant - and necessary.  Why not close today's time of thought with a prayer of repentance to your gracious, merciful God.  Recognize that without Him and His strength ... we are nothing ... and can do nothing of eternal significance.  

Let's not only "hear" Jesus' warnings ... let's "heed" them.