John 18:10-11
When it comes to our Christian beliefs, it can be so easy to be on one extreme or the other when standing up for truth. We either get caught up in emotions and say what's on our mind or sit back in silence and watch as truth is ignored or mocked. It’s clear throughout scripture that neither of these approaches are biblical. We see in this text that Peter was defending Jesus being taken into custody and cut off the high priest's ear to defend him. Peter's actions and love for Jesus actually seem heroic, bold, and admirable from the outside. In reality, his reaction to the persecution of Jesus was getting in the way of the cross. Peter is often portrayed as being the disciple who is outspoken and short-tempered. Jesus lovingly puts the ear back on the high priest and continues to be taken into custody. Though he was innocent and sinless, he submitted to the authorities, knowing his time had come. Jesus spoke about retaliation in Matthew 5:38-42 when he said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” Peter had heard these words from Jesus before, but when given an opportunity to put them into action, he failed.
You and I are no different than Peter. We are quick to speak our mind or react when the culture pushes back at us and what we stand for. There have been many times I have seen brothers or sisters in the faith get into all sorts of arguments, especially on social media. What they should have done is stand for truth in love; instead, they retaliate or come off as hateful and condemning. It’s too bad! This type of behavior pushes the world further from Christ, not towards him. That can not be the goal of the believer in Jesus! It must be to draw people closer to the Messiah! I can only imagine the high priest's shock as the savior of the world healed his ear and willingly left with the authorities to be questioned and beaten. He didn’t have to heal him; he could have ignored it, knowing that the man deserved it. He didn’t, though! He chose forgiveness, grace, and kindness even when all was against him. So incredible! It’s definitely disappointing when people won’t hear the truth or do what is right, but if we act just like them, it’s going to ruin our testimony. It takes a lot of patience and self-control, but it is possible! The world needs more Christians who lovingly confront instead of hatefully accuse! What will you do the next time you have an opportunity like Peter?
When it comes to our Christian beliefs, it can be so easy to be on one extreme or the other when standing up for truth. We either get caught up in emotions and say what's on our mind or sit back in silence and watch as truth is ignored or mocked. It’s clear throughout scripture that neither of these approaches are biblical. We see in this text that Peter was defending Jesus being taken into custody and cut off the high priest's ear to defend him. Peter's actions and love for Jesus actually seem heroic, bold, and admirable from the outside. In reality, his reaction to the persecution of Jesus was getting in the way of the cross. Peter is often portrayed as being the disciple who is outspoken and short-tempered. Jesus lovingly puts the ear back on the high priest and continues to be taken into custody. Though he was innocent and sinless, he submitted to the authorities, knowing his time had come. Jesus spoke about retaliation in Matthew 5:38-42 when he said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” Peter had heard these words from Jesus before, but when given an opportunity to put them into action, he failed.
You and I are no different than Peter. We are quick to speak our mind or react when the culture pushes back at us and what we stand for. There have been many times I have seen brothers or sisters in the faith get into all sorts of arguments, especially on social media. What they should have done is stand for truth in love; instead, they retaliate or come off as hateful and condemning. It’s too bad! This type of behavior pushes the world further from Christ, not towards him. That can not be the goal of the believer in Jesus! It must be to draw people closer to the Messiah! I can only imagine the high priest's shock as the savior of the world healed his ear and willingly left with the authorities to be questioned and beaten. He didn’t have to heal him; he could have ignored it, knowing that the man deserved it. He didn’t, though! He chose forgiveness, grace, and kindness even when all was against him. So incredible! It’s definitely disappointing when people won’t hear the truth or do what is right, but if we act just like them, it’s going to ruin our testimony. It takes a lot of patience and self-control, but it is possible! The world needs more Christians who lovingly confront instead of hatefully accuse! What will you do the next time you have an opportunity like Peter?
Posted in Devotional