Scripture Reading:  John 13:36-38

Prone to Wander

When Jesus sits down with his disciples at the final Passover meal of his earthly ministry, much takes place. First Jesus spends time serving and honoring his disciples by washing their feet. He then tells the disciples that one will betray him and that he will be leaving them all soon. At that time Simon Peter speaks up, apparently in complete disbelief that they will be losing Jesus soon. Peter then goes on to make a very bold claim:

“Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” (ESV)

Here we are on Good Friday, Karfreitag; would you say the same thing Peter said to Christ? Are you willing? Jesus responds:

“Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.” (ESV)

Many of us know that Simon Peter was a passionate disciple (sometimes too passionate), and that he probably meant exactly what he said regarding following Jesus, even to death. And yet, the most devout, passionate, and committed believer may doubt at times. The holiest among us may deny Jesus in the face of extreme persecution and fear. Additionally, we all may wander away at times from the calling on our lives, we all will stumble. As the song so aptly goes:

“Prone to wander, Lord I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love...”

Why do we wander? Who among us can boast the confidence of Peter? Peter saw the miracles firsthand. Peter witnessed the teaching and preaching. Peter even walked on water! And still Peter doubted, and denied his Lord and Savior three times. This is why Good Friday had to happen, this is why we need the cross of Jesus Christ. Though we aim for Christlikeness, we will always fall short without the cross. Consider the words of the prophet Isaiah:

All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags. (Isaiah 64:6a NIV )

This is why we need the cross and Good Friday. It is because of the ultimate sacrifice of God in Christ Jesus on the cross that we are reconciled to him for all eternity. After Jesus tells Peter this difficult truth, Jesus immediately comforts his disciples saying, “Let not your hearts be troubled …” (John 14:1a) So we also hold on to the confidence we see in Christ. Though we may wander, we should not be troubled. Though we mourn the cross today, we rejoice in the resurrection on Sunday. Though we may sin, though we may turn away, it is because of today we will be reconciled to Christ; it is because of the cross and resurrection our life is hidden with Christ on high.