Easter Meditations: Following at a Distance

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But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome. Matt. 26:58

I believe there are plenty of people still following Jesus at a distance, waiting to see the outcome.

Is Jesus for real?  Everyone makes their own assumptions about Him, and from some perspectives there's not yet a whole lot of proof in the pudding. At what point do I know that He is what Christians claim Him to be? Why would I want to lay it all on the line if it looks like things aren't going to work out the way I would expect them to, if He is who He says He is? Would I recognize the moment at which He has made the case for me to put all my eggs in His basket, so to speak?  Things aren't looking too good for Him at this point, so I think I'll just follow at a distance, keep an eye on things, you know?

If I read the story correctly, this is not the time to draw conclusions about a person. Some might wander off, disappointed. Or they might, like Peter, find that an irresistible case has been made, might find their hearts broken, might become a powerfully loving and persuasive advocate for following Jesus up close.

I have been discouraged in the past by seeing loved ones, friends or students following at a distance, even wandering out of earshot at times. I have personally wandered off out of earshot and out of sight of what is happening up close to Jesus. As my colleague one floor down from my office has reminded me, "The story isn't over yet."  Stick around. Watch what happens. You may be surprised.

The story isn't complete until the words "The End" roll down the screen.