Betrayed

Luke 22:59-62

And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, "Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean." But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are talking about." And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, "Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly. 

Romans 1:16

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

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In Luke 22, we are approaching the climax of the passion story which began with the triumphal entry into Jerusalem and which will culminate in an unjust execution and the vindication of the empty tomb. Here, Jesus shares a last meal and a final night of prayer with his closest friends - men who clearly still don't grasp this savior's character and mission. They bicker about who will be greatest. They sleep through the hour of his greatest loneliness. They pull out swords when they should have gone to death alongside Jesus. They betray him - some for sake of money, some because they mistook him for a political savior, and some just to save face and protect themselves.

Peter, of all people, should have known better. He was perhaps closest to Jesus and heard him foretell his death and resurrection several times. This very night, Jesus had reminded them of his plan and purpose, even warning Peter personally that he would be tempted to betray him. And, Peter claimed he would go to death for him. How quickly we eat our words!

We should note that this admission of failed faith in the disciples is one of many reasons to trust the authenticity of the Gospel accounts. If the early church were fabricating a story to win more followers, it would have been far from intuitive to paint their top leaders as cowards and betrayers! Especially in comparison to other ancient literature, this was a uniquely candid eyewitness account that Luke was providing, warts and all.

There is hope for us in this chapter, but also a warning. Hope, in that we too can stumble and still be used by a kind and merciful savior, even in great and influential ways. Hope, in that our sin is never greater than our savior, who loves to restore his children and welcome them back into his purpose for their life. Hope, in that this gospel message, however foolish it appears to the world, is truly the power of God for our salvation! It is good news for stubborn, cowardly, shameful hearts!

But there is a warning too. A warning to keep alert rather than sleep through the moment of trial. A warning that there will be times when it is unpopular to stand for what is right, when people will question whether we trust in this foolish message. A warning that we will be tempted to take the easy road when times get tough and Jesus is getting mocked.

I pray for new courage Lord! I fail to love my friends and my enemies. I gossip, I complain, and I wish misfortune on others so that I can feel better about myself. I hide my faith when it's not cool or when I fear what others might think. I'm not consistent in my work or even in doing chores at home to serve the people I love most! I can't even live up to my own standards and desires. I am ashamed of the One who was not ashamed to call me his child. Lord, change this heart and give new courage, new power, new motivation - to go with you wherever you lead and shamelessly live before you, as I know I will stand before you one day and give an account for every word said in jest and every thoughtless deed. On that day, I pray I will have nothing to be ashamed of.