Resting in Our Need for Grace
I have been wondering what the first Good Friday was like for Peter…
The night before, Peter had bravely followed Jesus to Caiaphas’ house after his arrest. But then, outside in the courtyard while inside Jesus was interrogated, slapped, and sentenced to death, Peter vehemently denied even knowing Jesus. This despite being one of Jesus’ key disciples—the Rock on whom Jesus had said he would build his church. When the rooster crowed at dawn on Friday, Peter realized he had betrayed Jesus. He left the courtyard and wept bitterly.
To truly know our need for grace can be a fearful place.
I have been wondering how and when I betray Jesus…because, if I am honest, I know I do: when I do not seek justice for my neighbour, when I stay silent so people don’t think I’m one of those Christians, when I am stingy with my love, when I try to stay in control of everything so that I can remain safe.
The truth is that following this wild God revealed in Jesus is not ever about remaining safe. It’s about trusting in God’s promises and steadfast love.
Even now, on this dreadful and fearful day of knowing completely our need of grace, there is a glimmer of hope. It’s there in the very existence of this story. Peter became the Rock Jesus hoped for, and yet the story of Peter’s betrayal remains in all four gospels—because it’s not a story of how Peter got it right, but of Jesus’ forgiveness and Peter’s acceptance of that grace.
I am grateful for this story, for its inclusion in the good news of Jesus, the Christ, in all its terrible honesty about our fickleness, our brokenness, our cowardice. In all it’s assurance, if seen more clearly looking back, of Jesus’ willingness to forgive and work with Peter, and me, and us for the sake of the beloved world and the glory of God.
We confess that we have betrayed You, in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We ask for Your forgiveness and loving grace. Work with us so that we may be who You need us to be. Amen
Janice Love