He had announced his commitment and had challenged the Lord for doubting him, but in fear, he denied the one who had loved him. There was no boldness and courage to proclaim that he will still die with Jesus when He as arrested. Peter betrayed Jesus and never identified with Him when he was tempted.
MARK 14:66-72NKJV
Now as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came. And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with Jesus of Nazareth.” But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you are saying.” And he went out on the porch, and a rooster crowed. And the servant girl saw him again, and began to say to those who stood by, “This is one of them.” But he denied it again. And a little later those who stood by said to Peter again, “Surely you are one of them; for you are a Galilean, and your speech shows it.” Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know this Man of whom you speak!”
So will you still stand for the Lord in the face of real danger when your life is on the line or threatened?
They use to follow the master wherever he goes. They had taught of Him as a great master and teacher. The fear of being ridiculed and persecuted frightened them and so they had to flee for their life. Early on everyone made similar promises like Peter did but when Jesus was arrested, they all left .
MATHEW 26:56NKJV
....Then all the disciples deserted Jesus and ran away.
Will you still stand alone for Jesus and and not join the others who value their lives more than the cause of Christ?
Though he was a Pharisee but never disbelieve, he believed in Jesus but wouldn't like people to know about his real commitment. Nicodemus preferred meeting Jesus at night than day, all because of his reputation. Nicodemus knew the law and he was devout Jew in those days. Nicodemus was a man of high rank and a respectable member of the Sanhedrim; the top religious body of the Jewish nation. Though he knew and believe in Jesus, yet because of his reputation he chose to visit secretly.
JOHN 3:1-2 NKJV
There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”
Will you still let them know you well when even your reputation is at stake?
They followed him wherever he went. Though they had seen massive miracles wrought by the hands of Jesus . They had their own reasons for following and not because the works Jesus did but to fulfill their on desires. Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled John 6:26NKJV. They all left when they taught he was too difficult. Their desires were not met and so they had to leave.
JOHN 6:66-67NKJV
From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?”
Will you still identify yourself as a good disciple of Christ when your desires are not met? are you a true believer or a lukewarm? It's time to let them know who you are.
