STATION 5 - Abandoned by a Friend
Lheidli T'enneh Memorial Park by the river
Scripture for Reflection:
Mark 14.66-72
66 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. 67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him.
“You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” she said.
68 But he denied it. “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about,” he said, and went out into the entryway.
69 When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, “This fellow is one of them.” 70 Again he denied it.
After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.”
71 He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.”
72 Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.” And he broke down and wept.
Reflection:
Why did Peter deny Jesus? He was one of the first to follow Jesus, leaving so much behind to walk the uncertain road of discipleship. He had seen mighty wonders as his Master healed the sick, cast out demons, and even raised the dead. Peter had witnessed the miracle of the transfiguration. And he had even walked on water for a few brief moments. So why did Peter, of all people, deny Jesus?
Because he was afraid. Fear cripples our souls and binds our hearts. Fear leads us to do what we would otherwise never do, and it keeps us from doing that which we know to be right. In fearful moments, all we think of is how to protect ourselves, perhaps at any cost.
Peter was afraid, understandably so. All that he had hoped seemed to be crumbling before him. The one he believed to be the Messiah, the Savior of Israel, was now arrested. Jesus’ death seemed certain, and with his death the end of Peter’s reason for living. Moreover, seeing his powerful Master so helpless must have confused Peter. Why did the one with the power to still the storm not use that power now? And if Jesus was helpless to defend himself, what did that mean for Peter?
In confusion, Peter did what only hours before he swore he would never do, denying his Master. The one who promised to go to prison and even to die with Jesus was now scurrying to protect himself. So he denied his Lord, not once, but three times, just as Jesus had promised. Fear had overtaken Peter’s consciousness and conscience.
Though you and I might never deny Jesus in such a blatant way as Peter did, I would suggest that we might indeed deny him in less obvious ways, also because of fear. Have you ever sensed that the Lord was urging you to do something for his sake, but then you chickened out because you were afraid? Have you known what it’s like to downplay the significance of your faith because your were afraid of what people might think of you?
At the Station:
Fear is a natural response to dangerous situations. Fear can keep us safe, but can also deny the power of God to keep us safe and deny that Jesus has our life in our hands and He is in control. Fear causes us to choose the “safe” thing despite the fact that God may be calling us to do the opposite. Are we willing to surrender and believe that what he calls us to do is for our good? Or will we deny that we even know him?
Many people have a fear of heights, and for good reason! As you stand on the edge of the river and perhaps feel some anxiety from where you are, consider where and when you have denied Jesus. Confess how fear was a part of that decision and ask Jesus to show you how to trust him in that place next time.
Prayer:
Forgive me, dear Lord, when I let fear get in the way of my relationship with you. Forgive me for all the times I’ve fallen short in my discipleship because I’ve been afraid. Forgive me for failing to trust you when you’ve proven yourself to be so utterly worthy of trust. Help me, when hard times come, to trust you more. When my adrenaline starts to pound, help me to receive your peace. When I’m tempted to deny you, either in words or deeds, or by failing to speak or act, help me to trust and obey. May I live my whole life in honor of you! Amen.