Are you ready to stand out?

I hope this message finds you well wherever you may be. So after Jesus was arrested, we have a scene that focuses mainly on the Apostle Peter. We all know the story of how Peter denied Jesus knowing Jesus three times but let’s look at it a little closer today shall we?

“Meanwhile, as Simon Peter was standing by the fire warming himself, they asked him again, “You’re not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it, saying, “No, I am not.” But one of the household slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Didn’t I see you out there in the olive grove with Jesus?” Again Peter denied it. And immediately a rooster crowed.”

John 18:25-27

NLT Bible

So this story of peter is told in a couple of the gospels and each gives a little detail that the other might not pick up. But let’s focus on the point that it wasn’t just any ordinary person that identified Peter as being a follower of Jesus. It was actually a relative of the man that he cut the ear off earlier. That same person was actually there to see it happen most likely.

So imagine the terror and then shame that Peter experienced within a couple seconds. This person knows and could have been very angry at Peter for cutting his relatives ear off. Especially since his Lord was on trial and about to die, Peter too might have been put in the same situation. This slave could have made sure everyone knew that it was him and caused a riot to form around Peter to stone him to death. He didn’t obviously but this thought could have been one of the many thoughts that ran through Peters mind that fateful night.

There was also another disciple of Jesus’s there but he didn’t stand out as much as Peter because of two reasons. One he may not have talked like Peter since he was Galilean and possibly have similar mannerisms as Jesus himself but also because of what Peter did earlier. Peter tried to stand up for Christ and fight for him and proceeded to cut off a mans ear. All attention was then put on Peter right after Jesus for this very reason. The huge crowd that was there to arrest Jesus had their attention on Peter because of his outspoken act.

Jesus proceeded to rebuke him but the act itself seems to be the reason this very specific slave remembers Peter more than the other 10 disciples that were there(Judas doesn’t count since he was the one betraying Jesus).

So I have to ask you, are you ready to stand out? Will your actions and personality and behavior stand out amongst the unbelieving world?

Once you decide to stand out, you may experience hardship and persecutions because of it. You may very well be put on trial to be put to death and your past actions will be what the unbelieving world will hold against you. For better or for worse just like Peter in this situation.

Now right after this, Jesus looks at Peter and Peter is then broke down in tears when he remembers that he said he would never deny him. He caved under the pressure but Jesus still used him later as a great leader of the early Church. Peters actions in the past helped him standout and probably helped with his testimony later on when he got confronted again by the religious authorities. His past actions helped have the confidence not to deny Jesus again.

So be willing to stand out from the crowd for Christ. Remember though, when you do, the world will identify you as such and can come after you. So be ready for it. Have the answers ready for your faith. Be daily with Jesus in prayer and bible study to gain the confidence needed.

If you anyone has any questions or disagreements, comment below or message me and I’ll respond when I can. I hope you are ready to stand out by your character and actions