The Man We Hated.

Today, all over the globe, the world remembers the events that surrounded and culminated in the death of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

I often find the word ‘celebrate’ as an inappropriate word to use for this context, and I think largely because it’s a series of events that have different implications for you depending on your relationship with them.

Whenever I read the gospels (or Scriptures generally), I like to allow my imagination to come along for the ride. I tend to situate myself in the context of what I am reading in order to have an insight as to how the actual persons who lived in those times would have perceived and responded to the events.

[71] And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.
[72] And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.

Matthew 26:71-72 (KJV)

This brings me to the faithful night of the sham trial of Jesus of Nazareth. I don’t have the time or the space to analyse the trial. So I will take us outside the courtyard of the priest.

I want to show us our brother, Peter.

While Jesus was inside fulfilling prophecy, Peter was outside, living out prophecy. I refer to the encounter with the maids in the compound. Peter spent much time with Jesus, and as such, the semblance was not difficult to miss if one paid attention. It’s no surprise, therefore, that women picked on it – after all, they are more given to detail than the average man.

So, Peter was confronted about it, and his first response to do plead ignorance. I believe we can all relate with this. However, his subsequent response gives me cause for concern. When asked the third time, he prefixed his statement with a curse and a swear said; ‘I know not the man’. He denied any knowledge of Jesus Christ.

You see, the first partakers of the events of Good Friday were the disciples. For the world, it was a day that the greatest injustice would be served, but as for the disciples, they will also remember that day as the day they deserted the One they had all just recently called Master and Lord.

So, on this day, even as we take in the events of the season, I have a word for those who have faltered, those who on account of the pressures, winds and threats of this life, have turned their backs on him; it is not over yet. The eyes of mercy are upon you and are desirous to bring you back in.

You may have denied knowing him, but he still knows you and calls you his own. Accept his mercy today and be comforted. There is great news on the horizon, we need all the heralds that we can get.

The sound of victory will soon be released, so get back in, and get your horn set.