Follow Closely

“Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house, and Peter was following at a distance. And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard, Peter sat down among them.” Luke 22:54-55

Just before Peter denied knowing Christ, he was following Him. But at a distance. And despite the company of men who were getting ready to nail Jesus to the cross, he sat to warm himself by the fire.

It is tempting to follow Jesus from a distance. Fearing what is ahead, we stop. We find comfort in something else or someone else. In our own strength we face the enemy.

In our own strength, we fail.   

Jesus warned Peter that Satan was at work to destroy his faith. But Peter was certain he would stand.

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat.  But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”  Peter said, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you.” Luke 22:31-33

Over-confident Peter overestimated his strength to stay the course. Pride instead of Peace. Fear instead of faith.

 “Who touched me?” Jesus asked. Everyone denied it, and Peter said, “Master, this whole crowd is pressing up against you.” But Jesus said, “Someone deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out of me.” When the woman realized she could not stay hidden, she began to tremble and fell to her knees in front of him. The whole crowd heard her explain why she had touched him and that she had been immediately healed. “Daughter,” he said to her, “your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” Luke 8:46-48

Peter wept bitterly as he turned from the enemy (Luke 22:62). But this woman. . . this woman,  she fell on her knees in front of Jesus and went in peace.

Peter journeyed with Jesus. He was a student of the Savior and shared in the Last Supper. And just before Jesus’ arrest, he drew a sword and wounded the enemy. But leading up to the crucifixion, another side of Peter unfolds. Pride.

Of all people to fear and doubt.

Peter left all he had to follow Jesus (Luke 18:28)  But Peter had a thing about getting too close.  Close was for the afflicted and the insignificant. Peter was made for water-walking. But self-confidence doesn’t get you close enough. (Mathew 14:30)

I’ve been one those “of all people.”

A faithful follower that falls behind, choosing comfort over courage. So tired from my own fight, in a moment of failure, I find myself in the presence of the enemy.

Led by pride. Sinking.

Fearful and faithless. In need of saving.

Instead of getting close enough to touch the Savior of the world, I walk behind him at a distance.

Still following but failing.

“The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered what the Lord had spoke to him. ‘Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.’ And he went outside and wept bitterly. Luke 22:61-62

Peter wept bitterly. But the story isn’t over. It’s just begun.

Christ was crucified. And three days later, He rose from the dead.

Peter is the first of the disciples to encounter Jesus after the crucifixion and resurrection. (Luke 24:34)  A perfect picture of God’s grace. Peter failed to follow closely. Peter failed Jesus. But Jesus sought Peter out. He found him so that he could continue His work in Peter’s life.

Peter walked closely with Jesus that day as they traveled to Jerusalem where they found the Eleven.

“Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” Luke 24:39

Touch and see.

Desperately aware of her condition and need for healing, the bleeding woman followed closely to Jesus. So close she touched him. She fell at his feet. No longer hidden from view. Healed.

Desperately aware of his condition and in need of the Savior, Peter wept bitterly. And there was Jesus. Risen from the dead. Walking with Peter.

From a distance, three times, Peter denied Jesus.

Up close, three times, Peter answered to Jesus “you know that I love you.” (John 21:15-17)

Jesus’ last words to Peter, “You must follow me.” (John 21:22)

Walk closely with Christ and you will experience his power and walk in peace. Walk so closely that when you stumble, you fall before his feet. Walk so closely that when he asks you do you love him you can look him face to face and say, “you know that I love you.”

You must follow Him. Closely.

 

Peter’s story is found in the Gospels and the Book of Acts. He authored the books of 1 and 2 Peter.