Following the arrest of Jesus there are many interesting things that take place recorded in Matthew 26:52-75. The religious leaders of day attempted to bring charges against Jesus for the purpose of having Him put to death. It is interesting that although many false witnesses came forward to testify against Him, there were still no evidence by which to convict Him.
The Scripture here is real clear that the disciples had "deserted Him and ran away" (verse 56), while He was being arrested. However, Peter was close by. He had followed them from the Garden of Gethsemane. Now outside the courtyard he was approached by a servant who said, "You were with Jesus the Galilean too" (verse 69). Peter denied it. Not once but three times He denied knowing Jesus or following Jesus. Yet all three times the verdict was the same: "This man was with Jesus the Nazarene!" (verse 71).
Most of the time when reading these verses, I am drawn to the fact that Peter denied Jesus three times. The One who earlier declared that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Peter, who had walked on water to be with Jesus. Peter, who had seen miracles and sat under His teaching - denied Him. We are right to reflect upon Peter's denial, yet today I noticed something that never quite caught my attention before. The fact is that Peter was recognized as having been with Jesus. The one's who approached Him knew. How did they know?
Peter had spent time with Jesus - His presence always changes people. When you and I spend time with Jesus - His presence should change us. Will people around us recognize that we have been with Jesus? Will they recognize you as a Jesus follower?
Praying today for:
(1) Lake O' the Pines = Johnson Creek / Campers
(2) State = Nevada
(3) Nation = Vanuatu
(4) European Peoples
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