Betrayal and lying
Betrayal
Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss – an act of ultimate hypocrisy. Outwardly it was a show of love, a friendly greeting in the culture. But the reality was Judas was betraying Jesus to be crucified. The challenge for us, who have probably all been betrayed at some point or other, is to forgive the offender and not allow them to stop us doing what God wants.
Truth telling
The trial of Jesus relied exclusively on false testimony and lies. This last year, I have been particularly shocked at the number of Christians who routinely lie what seems like all the time. Mostly it’s been borne out of people-pleasing. Lying to please others or not look bad. Ultimately it doesn’t work – I’m less pleased by being lied to than by being told an unpalatable truth. So if that’s you, STOP IT! Paul challenges believers who used to steal to stop stealing Ephesians 4:28. Just before that Paul wrote this “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self,created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24).
Identified with Jesus
Verse 50 tells us everyone fled, including Mark stark naked (granted that cloaks fall off easier than jeans when you are running!) Peter however stayed committed enough to follow Jesus and the arresting party to the High Priests courtyard. Like Nicky Gumbel (https://www.bibleinoneyear.org/bioy/commentary/2471), I’d probably have been halfway to Galilee with the other 10 disciples!
Peter started going wrong by self-indulgently warming himself by the fire (v.54,67) then over the next paragraph, he increasingly distanced himself from Jesus, which led to denying Him and then lying and swearing in that denial. Finally the cock crowed and Peter wept. Lying leads to heartache.
Put off the old self with its deceit and lying, be identified with Jesus and always speak the truth.
Andy Moyle
