At a Distance

"And Peter was following him at a distance." [Mt. 26:58]


You probably know the story. Only hours before, Jesus predicted his betrayal and that his followers would "all fall away". Peter took exception, "Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away." 


Infamous last words.


Of course it didn't help that Peter phrased this in reference to the others--ostensibly inferring that his devotion outstripped theirs. But let's not forget that, after Jesus reiterated his prediction, not only Peter but all the disciples vowed their fidelity.


Lets also not forget that Peter did put himself in some risk by "following him at a distance."


But therein lies the issue. Here was one who was content to be known as a close follower of Jesus--one of the three in Jesus' inner circle. When the chips were down, however, it was a different story. A story that ended in denial and bitter weeping. [Mt. 26:69-75]


And what is the application for us?


You may have heard that America is becoming a post-Christian culture (as Europe has become). You may know that the term "evangelical" is suffering from very negative associations. (As happened with "fundamentalist" before it.)


This has prompted many professing Christians to employ all manner of contrivances in order to distance themselves from such associations.


Of late we've watched several prominent Christians totter over the brink of denying historic Christianity outright.


Now my point isn't to address these specific instances. In some ways I can understand the bristle Christians experience when seeking to avoid negative caricatures at large; to evade the all-too-broad brushstrokes our society has come to depict us with.


But would we follow Jesus at a distance?



In some accounts we find Peter "warming himself by the fire." [Mk. 14:54]


Clearly there was a chill in the air the night that Jesus was betrayed. As Jesus was stripped naked, Peter edged toward warmth.


There is a chill in the air these days. Who hasn't perceived it when the topic comes up in conversation? When one must squirm and backpedal in order to define one's self?


To follow Jesus at a distance, however, is to opt for comfort, safety and control over the inherent risk of identifying with Jesus. We see too clearly the path this leads one down.


What is ultimately governing us? A need to be liked or accepted? This was very much in the front of Peter's mind.


Is it a yearning for comfort; to warm ourselves by the fires of the world instead of sharing in the chill?


Do we want it both ways? To be called a follower of Jesus without the of hazards of true proximity?


Let's remember that it was Peter who was willing to kill for Jesus sake! Nevertheless, that wasn't what Jesus required. Not to kill, but to die!

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Forwhoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels." [Lk. 9:23-26]

As we wrestle through how to be active agents in the world and how to best identify ourselves, let's be careful to follow Jesus closely lest the distance be what defines us!