The Chosen and Friends: God With UsSample

Not As Strong
From Jackie Hill Perry

When we enter this scene, Jesus is about to die. Gathering His disciples to Himself to celebrate the Passover, He takes some bread, breaks it, and gives it to those at the table. Then he picks up the cup and does the same. He identifies one element as His body, and the other as His blood. And after singing a hymn, Jesus gives the disciples what seems like a shocking word: that night, they all will fall away.

Even though the warning was for the entire group, Peter was the only one to respond. And not with humility or curiosity, but resolution. In his mind, he was totally distinct from the fragile faith of the others. Being so mature, so able to withstand the tests the Crucifixion would bring, so steadfast, Peter was certain he would not only not fall away that night but every single day after it. He would surely be the one who always stood.

The problem with all of this is simple: Jesus’s warning to Peter wasn’t hypothetical, as if spoken by the mouth of an occasional prophet. The word spoken to Peter was the word of God Himself, and therefore, for Peter to respond as he did was to place His convictions above Christ.

Anyone familiar with pride knows what it’s like to place more confidence in themselves than in God’s word. It is that in-dwelling ego—turned religious—that manifests in strong declarations like “I would never sin in that way!” or “I will always be faithful to Christ!”

If we were honest with ourselves, we would know how, on any given day, the flesh will prove that we are never as strong as we think we are. If we are faithful, we will recall the words of Paul when he says, “Therefore, let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” And when we are humbled, we will be thankful for a Savior who not only warns us but prays for us. It is His faithfulness to us, and not merely our faithfulness to Him, that will ultimately keep us.

And that is Good News.

About The Author
A captivating voice in Christian culture, Jackie Hill Perry shares her profound journey through unwavering authenticity. Raised in St. Louis, Missouri, she navigated a tumultuous path of self-discovery, ultimately finding her voice through poetry and hip-hop, mediums that allowed her to delve into faith, struggles, and victories. Find more from Jackie Hill Perry here.