Victory over death part 6

April 9, 2020

Today is Thursday, also called Maundy Thursday (among other names). Today I want to journey through some events recorded by John.

The story of the last week of Jesus earthly life begins in dramatic fashion. “The leading priests and Pharisees had given Judas a contingent of Roman soldiers and Temple guards to accompany him. Now with blazing torches, lanterns, and weapons, they arrived at the olive grove.” [John 18:2 NLT] The word translated “contingent” (“band” ESV and KJV, “detachment” NIV, “company” CEB] means, in Roman military language, 600 soldiers. They had the audacity to think crucifying Jesus was their idea!

John records a detail the other Gospel writers do not: “Then Simon Peter drew a sword and slashed off the right ear of Malchus, the high priest’s slave.’ [John 18:10 NLT] No other writer records Malchus’ name. John knew the man because he was “acquainted” with the High Priest (John 18:15 NLT). This also accounts for the access he and Peter had to the courtyard where Jesus was being tried. Can you imagine the High Priest’s thoughts every time he looked at Malchus? He would see Jesus reaching out to heal someone intent on His crucifixion.

Peter is asked three times if he is one of Jesus’ disciples. The woman watching the gate asks him first (John 18:16 – 17). As Peter is cozied up to the fire, someone around the fire asks if he is a disciple of Jesus (John 18:25). Finally a relative of Malchus asks if he saw Peter in the olive grove (John 18:26).  

Luke records what happens next in dramatic fashion, “But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly.” [Luke 22:60 – 63]

The rooster crowed, the Lord turned and looked at Peter, Peter remembered, and then Peter left “weeping bitterly.” Peter had claimed he would follow Jesus to the cross. Now in utter shame he slinks out of the line of fire. He knows the unwillingness to pick up a cross disqualifies him from being a follower of Jesus.

Matthew 27:3 records another emotional reaction from someone else who betrayed Jesus that night. “When Judas, who had betrayed him, realized that Jesus had been condemned to die, he was filled with remorse. So he took the thirty pieces of silver back to the leading priests and the elders.” [NLT] In the English language “remorse” implies “repent.” But not in this case.

The result of the two men’s emotions were very different. Judas, still under the influence of Satan, hanged himself (Matthew 27:5) while Peter was restored (see John 21). Just because someone is sorry for, or feels bad about, does not lead to constructive change.

Or as Paul put it, “Godly sadness produces a changed heart and life that leads to salvation and leaves no regrets, but sorrow under the influence of the world produces death.” [2 Corinthians 7:10 CEB] Repentance means “a changed heart and life.” Judas, felt bad but acted inappropriately. Peter, felt bad but humbled himself and was restored by Jesus.

Some of us ignore the Bible’s warnings. We do what we are NOT supposed to do. We do NOT do what we are supposed to do. On top of the warning God also sends a rooster to send the alarm. This is the Holy Spirit bringing what is called “conviction.”

Next time you see your ear in a mirror, remember Jesus reaching out to heal one who would be His enemy. Next time you hear that “still small voice” that nags you when you cross the line or fail to behave the way God wants you too; remember God loves you. The question is, what are you going to do about it? A changed heart and life are the path to life.