Dealing With Your Inner Criticనమూనా

I'm sure you're familiar with a Rorschach test, the weird ink blot picture used by psychologists to learn about your inner world and assumptions.

My attempts at making latte art have become Rorschach tests for people lately. Because I cannot successfully pour a heart or a pine tree, I end up just posting the images on social media and people have enjoyed seeing what they see in my cafe failures.

I think some Bible stories serve as effective Rorschach tests. There are many times in scripture when we see what Jesus did and we are left to wonder what he was thinking in that moment. Our story for today is one such test. We see what Jesus did, but we put our own meaning onto it. It is sort of a Rorschach test.

In our story above, Jesus was on trial at Caiaphas' house right before he was crucified. The situation was escalating rapidly. Peter was in full denial and after Peter denied Jesus for the third time, the infamous rooster crowed. Then Jesus walked into the courtyard where Peter was standing.

Luke records that, 'The Lord turned and looked at Peter.' (Luke 22:61.)

That is all we have to go on. "The Lord turned and looked at Peter."

What do you think the look on Jesus' face was? What was Jesus' countenance? Your answer says more about your view of God than it does of God. We are prone to 'read onto the text' our own assumption and core belief about God.

What does Jesus look like when one of his followers lets him down?

I have asked over one thousand people this question. The most common answers are: disappointment, hurt, betrayal, and versions of 'I told you so.' What do you think? In our next reading, we will actually look at the likely correct response, but for now, consider how you think God sees you when you let God down.