Are you a Ride-or-die?
“Peter asked, ‘Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.’ Then Jesus answered, ‘Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!’” (John 13:37-38)
In our culture, there is a version of loyalty that seems to outweigh logic and concern for consequences. This manner of loyalist, deemed a “ride or die” is an aspiration to some and an extreme to others. Some might argue that Simon Peter was truly a ride-or-die for Jesus. One of the closest of Jesus’ disciples, he was the one who acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah (Matt. 16:16). He was also the one willing to (literally) step out on faith and follow Jesus’ voice by walking on water (Matt. 14:29). Peter was a “rider” for Jesus throughout his entire ministry, so why does Jesus question his follow-through? Doesn't Peter have the credibility to say he would lay down his life for Jesus? Hadn’t he already done this by following Jesus for 3 years, giving up everything?
Isn’t that what we say about ourselves? Things like “I love you more than anything God!” and “God is my number one priority” are such admirable words, just like Peter. And while people are impressed by words, God knows what we’ll actually do. See, Jesus couldn’t just be flattered by the idea that someone would choose him because he knew that real trouble has the ability to shake even the most loyal friend.
This is not a story of condemnation because we know Jesus models the Christian’s response to betrayal: forgiveness (more on that tomorrow). We know that he later used the same Peter to build what we now know as the Church. No, this is not a guilt message, but rather a warning against pride. Each of us, no matter how loyal, has the potential to deny Jesus if the circumstances push us. Especially as the persecution of the Church draws near, let us humble ourselves and pray for strength to really be “ride or die” for Christ. This is why maturing in Christ is so important. At some point, we must become resolved to deny the sins that have been tripping us up for years, so that we can build muscle for the bigger fights for the Kingdom.
Prayer:
Lord, I have sinned against you. In the moments when I think “I could never,” I do that exact thing. I want to be past sin entirely but I am a flawed human. Thank you for your unconditional love that doesn’t throw me away after I break your heart. Please help me to endure the tests of this life so that I may increase in faith and bring you glory. I love you more than the prideful assumption that I will never be “that bad”. I need you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
