Christian Reflection and Prayer

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Lenten Devotion

Then they seized Him (Jesus) and led Him away, bringing Him
into the high priest's house, and Peter was following at a
distance (Luke 22:54).

Read Luke 22:54-60a.

Simon Peter shouldn't be anywhere near here. Over and over
Jesus told His disciples what will happen. He will be condemned
and crucified, and on the third day rise again. But Peter wants to
see for himself. So he follows at a distance.

Peter enters the enclosed courtyard of the high priest and stands
among the guards waiting there. It is extremely dangerous for him
to be here-and extremely foolhardy. But he doesn't seem to realize
it until he is trapped in the courtyard. When a servant girl questions
him, he cowers in fear-even though her testimony would not be
considered dependable in a Jewish court.

Just a few hours ago he boldly promised he would go to prison and
to death with Jesus. A few minutes ago he initiated a defensive
attack by striking the high priest's servant with his sword. Yet now,
when his life is on the line, he goes into a panic.

After two initial questions and his quick denials, Simon is able to
escape attention for another hour. But as the sky brightens with the
approaching dawn, another man studies him closely. This accusation
is far more dangerous than the earlier two: Simon's northern dialect
is giving him away. It is plain to hear he is from Galilee, like Jesus.
What was a Galilean doing here in the high priest's courtyard in the
middle of the night when all the guards were Judeans from the south?
Simon Peter is exposed and desperate. He has nowhere left to hide.

We often thoughtlessly put ourselves in harm's way too. But Jesus is
already on His way to rescue him, and you and me as well.

Lord Jesus, forgive the times I put myself in danger for no good reason.
Come quickly to rescue, forgive and restore me. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)