Living Free
Scripture – John 18:12-18: Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be good if one man died for the people. Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard, but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in. “You are not one of his disciples, are you?” the girl at the door asked Peter. He replied, “I am not.” It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) When they finally arrested Jesus, they bound him. I wonder why they did that. He had already demonstrated He was not going to run away. In fact, it was more like Jesus was ready to lead them. Maybe it was custom or habit that led them to tie Him up. A few days ago, I was at a retreat with several other Michigan pastors. The center we stayed in had comfortable rooms – much like motel rooms. And like a motel, the doors all had locks, and we each had a key. I decided from the beginning I would not lock my door. There was no one there I would distrust. And it was a lot easier getting in and out of my room. Sometimes I bind myself up out of habit or tradition when, in truth, it’s not necessary at all.
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will live in freedom today. I’ll pay attention to the points at which I want to lock myself up. Where it’s not “necessary” (whatever that means) I’ll keep the door unlocked.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Help me, Lord, to live free today. To move at your pace as you direct. Please keep your peace in me. Lift me beyond those things that would tie me down.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) When they finally arrested Jesus, they bound him. I wonder why they did that. He had already demonstrated He was not going to run away. In fact, it was more like Jesus was ready to lead them. Maybe it was custom or habit that led them to tie Him up. A few days ago, I was at a retreat with several other Michigan pastors. The center we stayed in had comfortable rooms – much like motel rooms. And like a motel, the doors all had locks, and we each had a key. I decided from the beginning I would not lock my door. There was no one there I would distrust. And it was a lot easier getting in and out of my room. Sometimes I bind myself up out of habit or tradition when, in truth, it’s not necessary at all.
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will live in freedom today. I’ll pay attention to the points at which I want to lock myself up. Where it’s not “necessary” (whatever that means) I’ll keep the door unlocked.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Help me, Lord, to live free today. To move at your pace as you direct. Please keep your peace in me. Lift me beyond those things that would tie me down.
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