I will never disown you
by Dianne Eckermann
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But Peter insisted emphatically, ‘Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you’. And all the others said the same (Mark 14:31).
Read Mark 14:1 – 15:47
Today’s lengthy reading, starting with a woman anointing Jesus and ending with his burial, includes many significant events in the last hours of Jesus’ life on earth. The opening verses of chapter 14 sound ominous as Mark describes the high priests stealthily plotting the best time to arrest Jesus. Even while Jesus and his disciples plan the Passover feast, we learn that Judas has visited the high priests, who were delighted to financially reward Judas for betraying Jesus. During the Passover, Jesus’ last meal with the disciples, he dramatically reveals his knowledge of this betrayal and his betrayer.
Mark relentlessly unfolds the history of the arrest, trial, humiliation and crucifixion of Jesus. And while Mark’s account begins with Jesus in the presence of his disciples, the disciples quickly disappear from the story, leaving Jesus alone and unsupported throughout his ordeal. Three times, Peter says he will not disown Jesus. All of the other followers say the same but, one by one, they fall away from Jesus. One follower is so afraid when Jesus is arrested that he runs away naked, leaving his linen gown behind. Judas places more importance on money than his relationship with Jesus. Peter, with an instinct for self-preservation, denies any knowledge of his Lord. The speed with which Jesus is left alone with his persecutors, who want nothing less than his death, is horrifying.
However, in our human hearts, we understand why the disciples act as they do, even though their actions may horrify us. We are also Jesus’ disciples. We are Peter. We are even Judas. Just like the followers of Jesus, those people who knew him best but still betrayed, denied and deserted him, we are quite capable of putting ourselves first. We, like the disciples, are truly human. We also act out of fear – or greed, shame or self-interest – even though this is not how we want to act. Jesus understood when he said, ‘The spirit is willing, but the body is weak’ (Mark 14:38). His great sacrifice is that because of his great love, he died to atone for all of us, despite our weaknesses.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your love and compassion shown through the death of Jesus, a sacrifice for all. Forgive us for our fear and uncertainty, and give us faith in your everlasting love. Amen.
Dianne has served in Lutheran education as a teacher, school leader and system leader at Lutheran Education Australia. Now retired from full-time work, she continues to volunteer on several committees and as a school board member. She lives in the Adelaide Hills with her husband, Robert, and is in strong demand as a babysitter for her three grandchildren.
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