A Serving Leadership Insight from the Life of Jesus Christ (Mark 14:53-54)

“They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders and the teachers of the law came together. Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire.” (Mark 14:53-54)

In Mark 14:53–54, all the top leaders in the religious establishment came together to prosecute Jesus. The text notes that his disciple Peter “followed him at a distance,” attempting to watch the proceedings from the sidelines. Although he had initially fled the scene after taking a swipe at a man with a sword, Peter was back, this time hoping to notice what would happen to Jesus without being discovered. His first attempt at defending Jesus had failed miserably; now fear would direct his steps toward non-engagement and passive observation. Peter loved Jesus to the point of trespassing on the private property of the high priest. His commitment, however, went only so deep. The religious leaders held a technically illegal court hearing to condemn Jesus. Their dedication to the law and its protocols fell victim to a hatred for Christ. Jesus’ love for humanity was beyond all law, keeping him devoted to the mission at hand.

KEY QUESTIONS: When have I seen my level of commitment go only so deep? Have I ever let human emotion drive me to the point of compromising what I knew to be right? Am I devoted at all costs to the mission God has given me? If not, what’s holding me back?