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Peter & John — Luke 9:28-36

31 Oct

Luke 9:28-36 NASB
[28] Some eight days after these sayings, He took along Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. [29] And while He was praying, the appearance of His face became different, and His clothing became white and gleaming. [30] And behold, two men were talking with Him; and they were Moses and Elijah, [31] who, appearing in glory, were speaking of His departure which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. [32] Now Peter and his companions had been overcome with sleep; but when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men standing with Him. [33] And as these were leaving Him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tabernacles: one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah”-not realizing what he was saying. [34] While he was saying this, a cloud formed and began to overshadow them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. [35] Then a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!” [36] And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent, and reported to no one in those days any of the things which they had seen.

Dear God, it seems like this telling of the transfiguration is a little more detailed than the others. I’d need to go back and check to see if the others do this, but I don’t remember the little details like eight days later and being afraid walking into the fog. I don’t even remember the part where they fell asleep and woke up to see everything happening.

It says that “they were afraid” about the cloud. Did that include Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, or was it Just Peter, James, and John? I would imagine at that point that Jesus, Moses and Elijah knew what was happening and were at peace.

I wonder if this felt like a dream to the three disciples. To wake up and see such an extraordinary sight. I’ve talked about Peter’s response before so I don’t know that I need to cover it again. It’s just an amazing thing that I’m convinced was meant to strengthen Jesus for the home stretch leading up to the crucifixion.

Father, give me what I need so that I can be strengthened to do your will. Give me courage. Give me strength. Give me love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, faithfulness, kindness, and self control. Let your fruit come to bear in my life.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on October 31, 2018 in Luke, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — Luke 9:18-21

30 Oct

Luke 9:18-21 NASB
[18] And it happened that while He was praying alone, the disciples were with Him, and He questioned them, saying, “Who do the people say that I am?” [19] They answered and said, “John the Baptist, and others say Elijah; but others, that one of the prophets of old has risen again.” [20] And He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.” [21] But He warned them and instructed them not to tell this to anyone,

Dear God, it’s hard to really appreciate the lack of communication people had back then. People in 1860 had photographs of Abraham Lincoln so that if he had walked up to a group of people they’d have known who he was instantly. Of course, now I can search 80% of Americans and pull up a picture. But 2,000 years ago, all they had were stories and rumors. They heard about Jesus, but they weren’t sure what to make of him. But the disciples were privy to certain things that had happened with Jesus. And Peter, James, and John has actually seen more than the other nine.

I can’t imagine how impossible it was for them to process what they were seeing with any kind of perspective. Obviously, Jesus was introducing a whole new paradigm to them. I wonder how many of the rest of the 12, or even those outside of this group, had come to the same conclusion Peter had, but they just couldn’t bring themselves to say it out loud.

Father, I get really lost in my world sometimes. Speak to me and help me to hear you. Help me to boldly lean into you and fully embrace the life your leading me through. Help me to let go of myself and serve others. And help me to be willing to appear foolish in the name of truth.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on October 30, 2018 in Luke, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — Luke 8:51-56

29 Oct

Luke 8:51-56 NASB
[51] When He came to the house, He did not allow anyone to enter with Him, except Peter and John and James, and the girl’s father and mother. [52] Now they were all weeping and lamenting for her; but He said, “Stop weeping, for she has not died, but is asleep.” [53] And they began laughing at Him, knowing that she had died. [54] He, however, took her by the hand and called, saying, “Child, arise!” [55] And her spirit returned, and she got up immediately; and He gave orders for something to be given her to eat. [56] Her parents were amazed; but He instructed them to tell no one what had happened.

Dear God, it seems that Jesus was really trying to keep the extent of his power under wraps, but there were a few people in on the secret and that included James, John, and Peter. Peter was such a leader that it becomes obvious why he was in the loop, but through Matthew, Mark, and now into Luke we aren’t really given enough about John to show why he was in the loop. He and James had a relationship with Peter before all of this started. Perhaps Jesus was bringing them along because he knew Peter’s weaknesses and he thought Peter would need James and John later.

Of course, all of this is wild guesses and I could be totally wrong, but the idea of needing complementary partners is certainly a thought worth pursuing. None of us can do our work alone. None of us are an island. For me, it starts with my wife. She definitely complements me and fills in where I am weak. And I believe I fill the same role in her life. Then at work I need others. I’m starting to get a feel for how to trust different members of the staff to handle certain aspects of the clinic better than I handle them. And then there are times when they need me to help in a way where they are not as strong. We for a solid team.

Father, as I look at the other areas of my life including church and personal service, help me to seek out those who will make me better. And help me to come alongside others and complement them in their lives as well, whether they be family members, friends or strangers who need what I have to offer. And for all of this, take it and do it for your glory. Don’t let anything I do be outside of your will for me.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on October 29, 2018 in Luke, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — Luke 8:43-46

22 Oct

A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding, and she could find no cure. Coming up behind Jesus, she touched the fringe of his robe. Immediately, the bleeding stopped. “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 from me.”
Luke 8:43-46

Dear God, there’s a huge chunk of things that happen in Luke before we get back to a specific reaction from any of the disciples. In this case, it’s Peter who decides to say something when Jesus calls out that someone touched him. As everyone denied it, Peter felt like he needed to provide the answer to the question. No one touched Jesus because everyone touched Jesus.

But that’s not what Jesus meant. Someone specific had indeed touched him. Peter didn’t understand what had happened and forced the wrong answer. I do that sometimes. Sometimes there is a problem before me and the right answer isn’t ready to be revealed, but I force it anyway. You know, I started the Peter and John series expecting to find myself more in John than Peter, but I guess I’m a lot more Peter than I realized.

Father, I have board meetings this week, both for the organization where I work and for another organization where I’m on the board. Give me your wisdom. Give all of us your wisdom. Help us to see what you see and hear what you hear. Help us to wait on you and to seek your answers to our dilemmas. And do your will through our work.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on October 22, 2018 in Luke, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — Mark 16:5-8

19 Oct

When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a white robe sitting on the right side. The women were shocked, but the angel said, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body. Now go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you before he died.” The women fled from the tomb, trembling and bewildered, and they said nothing to anyone because they were too frightened. Then they briefly reported all this to Peter and his companions. Afterward Jesus himself sent them out from east to west with the sacred and unfailing message of salvation that gives eternal life. Amen.
Mark 16:5-8

Dear God, Judas took his own life after he betrayed Jesus. I wonder if Peter ever considered it after his betrayal of Jesus. The fact that, in this telling, that the angel mentioned Peter by name indicates to me that Peter was really struggling. What a tragedy it would have been if he had. There is no way, in that moment of despair, that Peter could have known who he would become and the role you had for him to play. His mind wouldn’t let him see it. Satan wouldn’t let him see it. But you sent a messenger to ensure he got the message—man, you’re still my guy.

I talked with a friend this week who called to ask for advice on how to help another friend. Her friend has a middle school son whom they had to put in a mental hospital. He is being scary and destructive. They are afraid of what he might do or who he could hurt, including himself. My advice to her was to first realize how helpless and desperate his parents feel and to accept that she won’t have any advice for her friend. Her job is to love her friend, be there for her in any way, and pray.

There was a movie several years ago with Clint Eastwood that delved into assisted suicide called Million Dollar Baby. Someone was injured to the point of being quadriplegic and Eastwood’s character helped her kill herself because she brought him into her delusion that she had nothing to live for. Watching the movie, I thought of Joni Eareckson Tada. I just looked her up on Wikipedia to refresh myself about her. She turned 69 this past Monday, but she became quadriplegic at 17. She has lived an inspirational life the last 50+ years. Her life changed. Her old temple was destroyed. And it was a terrible reality for her that I wouldn’t want to face. But she absolutely built a new, beautiful temple with her new reality.

Father, I certainly didn’t expect this passage to take me here. And it’s likely that Peter never considered harming himself. I certainly wouldn’t want to suggest this as truth. But it reminds me that those contemplating suicide are in a mental fog that is hiding reality from them. They are hearing voices that are lying to them. So lift the fog for anyone right now in this situation. Speak truth to them. and help them build a temple that will bring you glory.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on October 19, 2018 in Mark, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — Mark 14:66-72

18 Oct

Meanwhile, Peter was in the courtyard below. One of the servant girls who worked for the high priest came by and noticed Peter warming himself at the fire. She looked at him closely and said, “You were one of those with Jesus of Nazareth. ” But Peter denied it. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said, and he went out into the entryway. Just then, a rooster crowed. When the servant girl saw him standing there, she began telling the others, “This man is definitely one of them!” But Peter denied it again. A little later some of the other bystanders confronted Peter and said, “You must be one of them, because you are a Galilean.” Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know this man you’re talking about!” And immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he broke down and wept.
Mark 14:66-72

Dear God, I wonder what would have happened to Peter if he had said, “Yeah, I’m with him.” I’m mean, he wasn’t the one claiming to be your son or the Messiah. They might have made him testify. They might have beaten him for what they deemed false testimony. Oh, why do I always go down these “what if” paths?

Peter was scared and confused, and he caved. He went into survival mode. Survival mode is, forget everyone and everything else. Forget honor and ethics. There is one priority now and one priority only—for me to survive.

I don’t think I’ve ever truly been there. I can’t think of a time when my life or safety was on the line to this extent. I’ve been fortunate, I suppose. What would I do in this circumstance? Probably exactly what Peter did.

Father, Peter was in such a confused fog. I suppose my prayer for myself is that when I am in a situation like this I will have great clarity and perspective. Help me to see what you see and hear what you hear. Help me to make great real-time decisions so that I might be ready to do exactly what you need me to do in the moment.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on October 18, 2018 in Mark, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — Mark 14:32-42

16 Oct

32 They *came to a place named Gethsemane; and He *said to His disciples, “Sit here until I have prayed.” 33 And He *took with Him Peter and [n]James and John, and began to be very distressed and troubled. 34 And He *said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and keep watch.” 35 And He went a little beyond them, and fell to the ground and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might [o]pass Him by. 36 And He was saying, “Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.” 37 And He *came and *found them sleeping, and *said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? 38 Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 Again He went away and prayed, saying the same [p]words. 40 And again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him. 41 And He *came the third time, and *said to them, “[q]Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough; the hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being [r]betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!”

Dear God, I wonder what Peter, James, and John were praying (before they fell asleep). I wonder what Jesus wanted them to be praying. According to Jesus in verse 38, at least Peter should have been praying to not come into temptation.

I would imagine that their prayers were kind of along the lines of, “Father, I don’t know what is going on, but I’m scared. If this is the preparation for the battle with Rome, strengthen me and be with us. Give us victory. Let your glory reign and bring the entire world into submission to you. Be with Jesus and strengthen him as he leads us.”

Here, however, in retrospect, is how they probably should have prayed: “Father, I don’t know what is going on and I’m scared. Jesus seems scared too. Please be with him. Strengthen him. And give me the strength that I need to go through whatever lies ahead. Help me to glorify you with everything I say and do. Provide for this path that you have us on so that your name, above all names, will be glorified by everyone in the world.”

Frankly, in my life right now, I don’t have much more of an idea of what is going on around me than they did. Sure, the stakes for their situation were a lot higher than mine, but I think the sentiment should always be the same.

Father, I don’t know what is going on and I’m scared. Give me the strength I need to go through whatever lies ahead. Help me to glorify you with everything I say and do. Provide for this path that you have my wife and me on so that your name, above all names, will be glorified by everyone in the world.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 

 
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Posted by on October 16, 2018 in Mark, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — Mark 14:27-31

15 Oct

On the way, Jesus told them, “All of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say, ‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I am raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.” Peter said to him, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I never will.” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” “No!” Peter declared emphatically. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the others vowed the same.
Mark 14:27-31

Dear God, I’ve talked before about Peter and his moment here, but I guess what I’m thinking about now is the last verse listed here: And all the others vowed the same.

Did they, or was that Peter’s perception? Did some of them stand there quietly and secretly wish they had already left? I think that would have been me. When Jesus said that all of them would abandon him, I’ll bet there were at least a couple who were relieved that 1.) they would get a chance to get out of there and 2.) they weren’t alone.

While I know I can relate to all of this, I’m sitting here now trying to think of how I can use it in my daily life. What lesson can I learn? Frankly, I think I can take from it that I need to remember that there are probably others feeling the same way I am in a group, even if their thoughts at the time are like mine and unspoken. Instead of just putting up a brave front, bluffing, and saying, “Yeah, me too,” I need to think through my truth, figure out if I should screw up my courage or follow my feelings and retreat, and then help others around me who might be feeling the same.

Father, help me in this. I’m back at work today after being gone for two weeks. Encourage others through me. Lead them through me. Break this all down so that I will be the man you need me to be for everyone around me.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on October 15, 2018 in Mark, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — Mark 13:1-4

12 Oct

As Jesus was leaving the Temple that day, one of his disciples said, “Teacher, look at these magnificent buildings! Look at the impressive stones in the walls.” Jesus replied, “Yes, look at these great buildings. But they will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!” Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives across the valley from the Temple. Peter, James, John, and Andrew came to him privately and asked him, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to be fulfilled?”
Mark 13:1-4

Dear God, this must have been such a weird week for them. A weird time, really. I can only imagine what their conversations were like among themselves. I would love to have heard what the four of them said to each other before they approached Jesus. I would imagine that they had to be wondering if it was about to happen that very week. They were trying to reconcile everything Jesus was telling them and turn it into a clear narrative.

It’s kind of like a movie trailer. That’s about how clear Jesus was being with them. I recently saw “A Star is Born,” and it really moved me. It was the trailer that first sold me on it. I went back and looked at it closely recently, trying to figure out what it was about it that attracted me and looking at how it compared to the actual movie. Basically, a good trailer will give you hints at what’s to come without giving you too much information. I believe that too much information about the future is not good forbid because it will alter how we live out our present. My dad told me one time that the point in prophecy is not so that we will know the future, but so when the future happens and the prophecy is fulfilled we will know that you are in control.

Father, help me to discern between the things I need to understand about the world and the things I can let go. Help me to not be fearful, but to always know that you are in control. Finally, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on October 12, 2018 in Mark, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — Mark 11:12-14,20-25

11 Oct

The next morning as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. He noticed a fig tree in full leaf a little way off, so he went over to see if he could find any figs. But there were only leaves because it was too early in the season for fruit. Then Jesus said to the tree, “May no one ever eat your fruit again!” And the disciples heard him say it. The next morning as they passed by the fig tree he had cursed, the disciples noticed it had withered from the roots up. Peter remembered what Jesus had said to the tree on the previous day and exclaimed, “Look, Rabbi! The fig tree you cursed has withered and died!” Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”
Mark 11:12-14,20-25

Dear God, in the spirit of looking at John and Peter specifically for this series, I want to look at this more from Peter’s perspective than Jesus’.

What must this week have been like? Jesus was on a bit of a roll here. He was cursing dig trees, turning over commercial tables in the temple, rocking people off in general. They had been hearing Jesus say that he was going to die this week. If I were them I’d have been thinking, “Sure, because you’re egging them on!”

So Peter is watching all of this and he is in wonder. Maybe he’s the first one to see the fig tree. Or maybe he’s the one to say it first, but he’s amazed. He points out to Jesus what happened. At that point, Jesus turns it into a lesson about the power we have as believers. A power I still don’t understand. At a minimum, I don’t think I pass the “but you must really believe it will happen and have not doubt in your heart” test.

Father, when it comes down to it, I confess that I don’t know how your plan is unfolding or where you are leading me. But I trust you. So give me the faith you know I need to have. Help me to believe in the power you need me to access to accomplish what you have for me to accomplish.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on October 11, 2018 in Mark, Peter and John

 

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