'Watching by the Fire from Far Away' — Mark 14:53-54[The soldiers and Temple guards who arrested Jesus, took him] to the high priest's home where the leading priests, the elders, and the teachers of religious law had gathered. Meanwhile, Peter followed him at a distance and went right into the high priest's courtyard. There he sat with the guards, warming himself by the fire.
Key ThoughtJesus was brought before the leaders of the Jewish people, but Peter — the leader of Jesus' followers — stayed at a cowardly distance sneaking around trying to watch the proceedings. While Jesus faced the cold ridicule of those in power, Jesus' self-proclaimed loyal follower warmed himself at a fire in the company of those put in charge of the Son of God's torture. While it all seems so despicable from the safety of our distance of two thousand years, if we are honest, most of us have done the same thing. When Jesus, his cause, or his Kingdom is maligned, we sometimes pull back from the discussion, hang back, and try to be unnoticeable.
Today's PrayerFather, give me wisdom to know how to stand up for your truth, your Son, and your will without alienating others. Also, dear Father, help me to never back down in my spoken faith because I am afraid. I want to be wise and courageous in my loyalty to your Son. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture ReadingsMark 8:34-37Romans 1:16-172 Timothy 1:12