As I knelt by my bed and reflected on the Cross this week, I felt compelled to respond to God’s incredible love and sacrifice. My eyes brimmed with tears as I thought about that ponderous, numbingly horrendous journey Jesus took to Golgotha. Without a doubt, my heart was moved and my spirit was stirred

I pulled out my journal and wrote down a prayer. It said something like, “Lord, I lay down my life for You.”

But even as I wrote those words, I was reminded of Peter’s words on that first Maundy Thursday in that Upper Room.

“Why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” (John 13: 37).

Dear, dear Peter. Full of passion. Full of zeal. On fire for his Rabbi.

If he had a journal, he would likely jot down, “Lord, I lay down my life for you,”—much like someone you know via her blog posts.

But following Jesus is not about making grandiose statements in journals. It’s not about lifting up my hands in worship during church. It’s about obedience. Moment-by-moment obedience. Daily obedience. Long-term obedience.

Jesus asked Peter a very simple question right after his flamboyant declaration:

“Will you really lay down your life for me?” (John 13: 38)

Maybe He asks you and me that same question.

“Are you sure? Do you know what you’re signing up for? Have you truly committed to going the distance? Do you understand the cost?”

Today, Christians around the world observe Maundy Thursday. That strange word, “Maundy” comes from the Latin word, “mandatum” from which we get the English word, “mandate.”

Friends, the overarching mandate for our lives has been clearly spelled out in the Word: Love God. Love people.

That’s easy enough. Right??

Sure—As long as declarations of love are restricted to journals and church services.

What about when the rubber meets the road?

When Jesus is arrested, Peter follows him—at a distance. A servant girl asks Peter if he knew Jesus, and the man who wanted to lay down his life for the Messiah now denies ever knowing Him. Not just once. Not even twice. But three times. (John 18)

Friends, how many times have we said, “Lord, I lay down my life for you,” only to pick it back up and live on our own terms?

How often have we lived like we don’t know Jesus?

How often have we stood at a distance, warming ourselves by the fires of distraction or disobedience? (John 18:18)

But today God may be telling us to leave the dull warmth of worldly fires.

He may be telling us to rekindle and reignite our love for Him.

But He tells us to count the cost.

“Are you sure? Do you know what you’re signing up for? Have you truly committed to going the distance? Do you understand the cost?”

As Jesus talks to Peter and the rest of the disciples in the Upper Room, he says these words:

“If you love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14: 15)

He emphasizes the same thing over and over again:

“Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me.” (John 14: 21)

“Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching.” (Joh  14: 23)

“Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching.” (John 14: 24)

Loving God and obeying God are two sides of the same coin.

Sure, a prayer in my journal is wonderful. But it’s only a starting point. Jesus wants our obedience. And He modeled that obedience for us. He tells His disciples: “I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.” (John 14: 31)

Jesus’ obedience was far from cheap. It cost Him everything. May our love for God and for others be demonstrated not just in words but in action.

When Jesus rose from the grave, he met with his disciples. He hung out with the ever-passionate Peter on the beach and grilled some fresh fish for him. And then He asked him: “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” (John 21)

Not once. Not even twice. But three times.

This time, I believe, Peter grasped the cost of that love demonstrated through obedience. He still chose to follow Jesus.

May we remember the mandate on our lives to love God and love others. The cost is undeniably high. But the reward is unbelievably priceless.

 

 

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This week, I’ll likely be bouncing into your inbox more often than usual. Stay tuned for a few more devotionals for the rest of Holy Week.