Baggage Claim — Dirty Clothes - Monday
Today’s Verse
Luke 22:61-62
And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly. (ESV)
When I was in the eighth grade, I had a wonderful teacher. She was friendly and kind, loving and supportive. She encouraged me when I was struggling in school and complimented my strengths.
“You have a wonderful voice, Connor,” she beamed after a choir solo. “You should sing more often!” I rolled my eyes in embarrassment. I didn’t wanna sing—I wanted to play football!
Time and time again, she was there for me in more ways than I could count. Unfortunately, I wasn’t always there for her.
On the last day of school that year, my buddies and I gathered in the cafeteria for lunch. Scarfing down our food, we made our way through the usual topics of conversation: girls, summer, excitement about high school. All was going well until one of my friends pointed across the room in disgust: “Bro! Look at her legs…”
I’d never noticed the splotches on my teacher’s legs before. She didn’t usually wear shorts. I didn’t think they were all that bad, but middle school boys have the ability to make fun of just about anything.
Knowing that sticking up for a teacher would put me at risk of social suicide, I joined in and laughed with them—that is, until I locked eyes with my teacher across the room. Solemnly, she looked at the floor and walked away.
That was the last time I ever saw her. If I ran into her today, I’d hug her and say, “I’m sorry.”
Peter had a similar moment with his teacher. For three years, Jesus had been there to love him, walk with him, support him, and shape who he was as a person. Yet there Peter was, in a dimly lit courtyard, denying he even knew Jesus as others jeered.
I may not have had the opportunity to apologize to my teacher, at least not yet. Hopefully, someday that will change. But here’s the good news: a few days later, Peter saw his teacher again. And when he did, Jesus immediately embraced him.
I’m not sure what your most shameful moment has been—I’ve got too many to count. What I do know is that it’s never too late to tell Jesus you’re sorry for betraying him.
Peter had that opportunity and was embraced. You’ll be embraced, too.
REFLECTION
What is one moment that’s caused you shame that you need to hand over to Jesus?
