Are You Jesus’ Disciple?

“Aren’t you one of Jesus’ disciples?” John 18:16

Later this afternoon, in our community’s Good Friday service, I will read this one line. When we were practicing, I was told I had to place myself in the story. There is much emotion in the situation. An accused man is bound and brought to the High Priest. Simon Peter and another disciple followed but Peter was left outside the gate. The other disciple went to speak to the maid who was guarding the gate. When she let Peter in, she accused, “You are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?”

She probably squinted at him in the darkness, the only light coming from the fire where the slaves and guards were warming themselves. She wasn’t merely curious. If she was in the employ of the High Priest, she was on his side, and anyone against him was suspect. What was this man, Simon Peter, about? He better be careful because she was watching him. 

But Peter’s immediate reaction was, “No, I

am not this man’s disciple!” What would our reaction be? If we were in the middle of a crowd of non- believers? If, like a friend of mine, we were invited to an unsavory place by an important client of our company? If, like my grandfather, we had the opportunity to choose any valuable property we wanted? He was a clerk in city hall, but he did not grab at the chance, knowing it was wrong. 

Everyday we are given the opportunity to show Jesus and the world that we are His disciples. To love or to be indifferent. To be kind or to be petty. To be generous or to keep what we have for ourselves. To stand up for what is right or to be silent in the face of injustice. To serve or to be selfish. 

If someone has to ask, “Are you one of Jesus’ disciples?”, that means we are standing outside the gate, wavering. Let us make sure everyone knows on whose side we are.