Is there anything in your life worth dying for?
Something so important that no matter what the cost, you would never give it up? Well if you flick to Matthew 26 v 31, you'll see that apparently Peter has something in his life worth dying for.
"Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you."
Of course you know the story. In the passage we've just read, Jesus predicts that Peter will deny him 3 times before the rooster crows. Then sure enough, that's what happens. In Matthew 26 v 69, we read the account of Peter's denial, which ends with Peter realising what he has done and weeping bitterly.
But I want to draw your focus to the big picture. What is actually what's happening at the same time? When Peter's denying Jesus, where is Jesus and what's going on? If you jump back to Matthew 26 v 57, you'll see that Jesus has been arrested and dragged in before the courts. And that's why Peter has denied Jesus - he's afraid for his own life, for being arrested himself, or worse.
The court is charging Jesus with blasphemy. And they ask Jesus, "Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God." The real question they're asking Jesus, is one that is equally as relevant for us today - Who are you?
I don't mean the clichés, what you've heard in church, or what others say about him... But to you, in your life, who is Jesus to you?
'Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God. You must make your choice.'
- C.S. Lewis
We were reflecting on this at Youth Fellowship last night. In a moment of divine wisdom and truth, one of my young people answered poignantly:
"The greatest miracle to ever happen. My best friend."
Who is Jesus to you?
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