I used to worry that if I were pushed into a corner, threatened at gun point, I would deny that I was a follower of Jesus. But I think I’m more acquainted with my weaknesses now, and know that it will only be by God’s grace to survive such an experience. My pride, self sufficiency and independence will not save me. Peter and each of the disciples had to learn that they could not depend on the joy and relative safety of being with each other. Our comforts often prevent us from taking risks.
“Those of us who have grown comfortable with the teachings of Christ have allowed His teachings to lose their edge. So much of what Jesus taught makes no sense from a human perspective. Love your enemies. If you want to be great, first learn to be a servant. If someone smacks you across the face, turn your head and let him slap you on the other side. If someone steals your coat, offer him your shirt as well. If you want to live, you need first to die to yourself. The complete list of Jesus’ crazy-sounding teachings is a lot longer than that.” - Nik Ripken, The Insanity of God: A True Story of Faith Resurrected
““Peter’s reaction to Jesus was full of emotion and passion. He vehemently swore his undying loyalty to Jesus. Peter insisted he would die at Jesus’s side, if need be. “Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you” (Mark 14: 31). At this point, Peter did not know his own heart. His commitment and resolve were strong. His desire to be faithful could not be questioned. What he did not know was his inability to live out the resolve he professed. Strong resolve and self-reliance, both expressions of the ego-centric self, can take us only so far.” - Excerpt, Following Jesus: Discipleship in the Gospel of Mark by Steve Langford
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