“And Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest” (Matthew 26:58 ESV).
On the night when Jesus was arrested, Peter tried to blend in as one of the crowd, following Jesus at a distance. This, after following so close must’ve been unbearable for Peter. Yet, it only took a little distance before denial overtook him. For just as Jesus predicted, Peter denied Jesus three times before the rooster crowed that morning.
Following Jesus at church is one thing, but following Him in the public square is another. Do you ever try to blend in with the crowd, hoping no one notices that you’re different? How closely do you follow when it might cost you something?
When Jesus was asked what it took to be one of His followers, He said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23).
Are you trying to follow Jesus from a distance? Deny yourself and come near. As the apostle James said, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (James 4:8). Jesus is waiting. Draw near.
PRAYER: Dear Father, there have been times when we, like Peter, have followed Jesus from a distance. Yet, we would draw near today. We want to always follow closely. Strengthen us and guide us, so that we don’t get lost in the crowd. Give us boldness to openly declare our devotion to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. For it is in His name that we pray, amen.