Mary’s Lent Diary (Day 43)
It seems that all the disciples did not completely make a run for it. I have just seen Peter and another disciple following Jesus. They tried to get through into the high priest’s courtyard and I saw one go through but Peter had to wait. The other one came back after a few minutes and beckoned Peter in – I guess Peter must not be known to the high priest.
After they had disappeared, I hung around a bit, trying to find out what was going on, and maybe get a glimpse of Jesus.
Then I saw a girl. A crowd had gathered round her and were listening to what she had to say. Maybe she has some news, I thought, so I joined the crowd.
From what I could gather, the girl had been on duty at the door when Peter went in and had thought she recognised him. So she asked him if he was one of Jesus’ disciples…and he said no! After that, someone else recognised him and told the people around that he Peter was with Jesus. But Peter said no. The people obviously were not sure whether to believe him. In the end, someone went up to him and said that he must be one of the disciples, his accent gave him away. But again, Peter denied it. What?! This is Peter, one of Jesus’ closest friends. This is Peter who, I have just found out, actually raised a sword in Jesus’ defence in the garden! But, thinking about it…earlier, Jesus did predict that, before the cock crowed, Peter would deny him three times. Of course Peter said it would never happen…but it looks like it did.
Just then, the cock crowed. I happened to see Peter, and Jesus, at that moment, through the gate, as though it was in slow motion….Peter heard the crowing and he turned towards Jesus. At the same moment, Jesus turned to look at Peter. Their eyes locked and Peter’s face fell. He remembered. Peter looked away first. He dashed outside, through the crowd, and he wept.
Rooster crowing
Peter couldn’t get in.
He was not known to the high priest.
And his friend, who knew the high priest well, was able to help Peter gain access.
His friend helped Peter in because of who he (the friend) knew.
He helped Peter follow Jesus.
I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me
John 10:14
Who could you help in their following of Jesus?
Wherever they are on that journey.
Once inside, Peter denied following Jesus.
But his accent gave him away.
What you say flows from what is in your heart.
Luke 6:45
Peter’s heart still belonged to Jesus.
Earlier, he had said the words below.
And his later life proves them.
Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life.”
John 6:68
The fear-driven moments of denial did not mean Peter no longer wanted to follow Jesus.
His accent - the accent of one who lived with Jesus - was there, even in the words of denial.
What do our heart-accents reveal about us?
Are they accents of people who are close to Jesus?
We have seen, during our Lenten journey, that hearts matter to Jesus.
It’s what’s inside that counts.
…give me your heart…
Proverbs 23:26
As we share our hearts with Him,
inviting Him in,
His accent will be evident in us.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Galatians 5:22,23a
How will you speak with His accent today?
Where will you see His accent being spoken?
The cock crowed.
Jesus looked at Peter.
Jesus saw Peter.
What was in His eyes?
The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.”
Luke 22:61
‘Then Peter remembered.'
It was Jesus looking at him that caused Peter to remember.
God sees us.
The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.Psalm 121:7,8
Peter remembered ‘the word the Lord had spoken to him.’
May knowing that God looks at us, cause us to remember the words He speaks to us:
“You are precious and honoured in my sight, and I love you.”
Isaiah 43:4
Lord Jesus,
May Your accent be my natural language.
To myself, and to others.
Encouraging us in.
Amen
Mary’s Memo I am Precious and Loved
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