Were You There (Lent Week 6)

 (Place yourself in this fictional glimpse based on the Gospels.)

  You stood outside the high priest's courtyard gate, partially hidden in the shadows.  A reliable source told you they had actually arrested Jesus! You were scared. Was this really happening? Why was it occurring this late at night? This just felt all wrong. You noticed Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, speaking with the gatekeeper. A moment later,  the gate was opened to Peter. You breathed a sigh of relief.  Peter will help Jesus.

 You stood there in the cold, trying to hear what was said. Peter was gathered around a fire along with some of the slaves and guards of the high priest. You watched as the maid who had let Peter in approached him. Apparently, she just recognized who Peter was and loudly accused Peter of being Jesus' disciple. A shock wave pelted through you. Peter shook his head and said, "No!" Why would Peter do that? You stare at Peter in disbelief. Peter looked very nervous. He did not look like the confident, boisterous man always at Jesus' side. His hands were shaking even though he warmed them by the fire.

 Not much was being discussed in the courtyard that you could hear. You wondered what was going on inside with Jesus. Then you heard a deep voice yell across the fire, "Aren't you one of his disciples?" 

 Peter responded quickly, "No, I am not."

 Another wave of disbelief smacks you. You wonder if Jesus had really done something wrong? Why would Peter deny being a follower? You worried if anyone would begin asking you questions as well. Should you also claim not to know Jesus? What difference would it make if you also pretended not to follow him? It was becoming more apparent to you how dangerous this situation was becoming. You tried to remember everything you had heard Jesus preach. His words had truly changed you. Your faith had come alive listening to him speak. Jesus has to be from God. Yesterday you were confident Jesus was the promised Messiah. What happened?  Then your thoughts were interrupted by the commotion around the fire.

 "This man was with him!"

 Peter replied, "I don't know what you are talking about!"

 Just as Peter responded, Jesus was led out of the high priest's house. Jesus was tied up and surrounded by guards. A stupid bird crowed loudly, and Jesus turned his head towards Peter. The guards pushed Jesus forward, obviously taking him somewhere else. You expected Peter to follow Jesus, but he didn't; he just stood there. His whole body appeared to be shaking. His hand seemed to wipe his eyes, and he ran in the opposite direction! For a few minutes, you stood frozen. The guards were too preoccupied with their prisoner to notice you standing in the shadows. As they led Jesus away, you asked yourself, "Should I still follow Him?"

-Susan