Tested Faith

“Then Jesus told them, ‘This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:  “I will strike the shepherd,
 and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.” But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

Peter replied, ‘Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.’  ‘Truly I tell you,’ Jesus answered, ‘this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.’  But Peter declared, ‘Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.’ And all the other disciples said the same.” (Matthew 26:31-35 NIV)

This week is a heady time for followers of Jesus.  Last Sunday was Palm Sunday, celebrating the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem upon which He was first publically declared King.  Next Sunday is Easter, the ultimate celebration of the crucified but risen Savior.  But it is the week in between that tells the story of our human struggle, and should provide us with some sober reflection.

Just days after their “triumphal entry” into Jerusalem, when the crowds ecstatically greeted their long awaited Messiah, Jesus predicted that they and the disciples would all abandon Him.  They refused to believe it and adamantly insisted they would remain faithful to Him.  Yet, that same night they all fled in fear for their lives when Jesus was arrested.  How empty their promises seem in light of what happened, but we cannot doubt their sincerity at the time they made them.  And this is the reason for our sober reflection upon this.

The crowd on the streets of Jerusalem and the disciples seemed genuine in their faithfulness, but it had yet to be tested.  It is easy to be bold about our faith when things are easy.  But as when precious metals are put into the fire, the true nature of our faith is revealed when it is tested, whether by temptation or difficult and trying times.  

It is this week, between Palm Sunday and Easter, which should humble us and make us wary of the veracity of our faith.  Not in doubtful way, but with the acknowledgement of our weakness.  Within us resides the potential to deny and flee from our Lord.  It is arrogance, like that of the disciples, that sets us up for failure.   

Today, reflect on the week between the Lord’s triumphal entry and His resurrection.  What you may learn is you’re not nearly as strong in your faith as you think.  And that is a good thing to know.

© Jim Musser 2014