Following at a Distance

Peter had been by Jesus' side for 3 years. He was in Jesus' inner circle. He seemingly had barely been apart from Jesus during his ministry.

But on the journey to the cross Peter followed Jesus at a distance. We read in Luke 22:54, "So they arrested (Jesus) and led him to the high priest's home. And Peter followed at a distance."

I think we are all tempted to follow Jesus at a distance. We are close enough to where we can see Him, but far enough away that it doesn't affect the way we live. I'm learning that our obedience is closely related to our proximity to Jesus. Temptations are much stronger when we are following Him at a distance.

Peter was in that land of in between. But at least he was there. Scripture doesn't record any of the other disciple's support for Jesus during this time (other than John who shows up at the cross). Are you living in that same land? Close enough to see Jesus but far enough away that you don't have to associate yourself with Him?

Pastor Mark said something a few weeks ago that really hit home with me... He said, "We are often too Christian to enjoy sin, but too sinful to enjoy Christ." That's what we experience when we follow at a distance.

Put yourself in proximity to Jesus. And follow Him closely. It's worth it.