Saturday, February 10, 2018

“You Are Not Also One Of This Man’s Disciples, Are You?”

"And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Now that disciple was known by the high priest, AND WENT WITH JESUS into the courtyard of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door OUTSIDE. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in. Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, 'You are not also one of this Man's disciples, are you?' " (John 18:15-17)

This discussion is in no way an attempt to disparage Peter; we all should be as quick to repent as he was. But, these words are written for our admonishment. I am convinced that Peter would agree. You see, the servant girl who kept the door did not ask John the same question she did Peter. Why? Because she recognized discipleship through John's proximity to Jesus.

"Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you. And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. UNTIL NOW YOU HAVE ASKED NOTHING IN MY NAME. ASK, AND YOU WILL RECEIVE, THAT YOUR JOY MAY BE FULL." 
(John 16:22-24)

But some of the disciples (James and John) had asked to sit at "on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory". "And when the other ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John." (Mark 10:35-45)

"Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures." (James 4:1-3)

"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory that You gave Me I have given to them, that they may be one just as We are one. I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.”  
(John 17:20-23)

It seems, up to that time, Peter had a warrior outlook of God's Kingdom. When he saw Jesus being led away quietly, it shook him significantly. The servant girl's question was surely condemning. But John had learned this is a kingdom of servants; he quietly went where his Master led him, by God's grace, as Peter would later. Asking the Father, in His name, renders to that one a discipleship that other servants notice, and the world as well.

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