The maid who kept the door said to Peter, “Are not you also one of this man’s disciples.” He said, “I am not.” (John 18: 17)

When Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter took a sword and, in an attempt to defend his friend, cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant. Jesus stopped the violence and calmly submitted to the arrest at hand and the soldiers led him away. Peter’s intentions were noble, but the act of defense was violent in nature and Jesus stopped it.

Such loyalty, even amongst ourselves with our friends, is often laced with contradictions. Following Jesus’ arrest, the other disciples fled in fear, but Peter and one other disciple followed the group to find out what would happen to their friend and master. That was loyalty, but again it was contradicted by Peter himself when asked if was a follower of Christ and he answered, “No.”

Our loyalty to Christ is put in place when we accept and admit in our hearts that Jesus is the Messiah and the author of everything good and perfect in our lives. Our problem comes when the world around us challenges us with anti-Christian actions and attitudes or a display of indifference. In our silence and in our daily walk we have the opportunity to witness our beliefs. Our very walk and talk can say to others, “Yes, I am a follower of Jesus Christ!”

Holy God of love, may our actions bear witness to the truth of our trust and love for You!