Access Granted

From the time Adam and Eve chose their own way in the garden, sin has stood between us and God. This sin impacted everything. So great was sins impact that Paul actually wrote, “the whole creation has been groaning together” (Romans 8:22). While certain benefits of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection still wait to be realized, some were immediately evident.

One of the consequences of Adam and Eve’s sin was that a wedge was driven between God and humanity. God, in His grace, gave humanity the Law of Moses as a way to access Him, but still, it was partial access with very specific rules and regulations. However, as Jesus went to the cross, He paid the price for our sins. He fulfilled the requirements of the Law once and for all. In so doing, we were once again given access to God.

In the Temple, where people went to worship, a curtain separated the Holy Place – where people went to worship – and the Most Holy Place – where God’s presence actually dwelt. Only the High Priest was allowed to go into this Most Holy Place. Simply put, the people had to have an intermediary to go before God on their behalf. However, as Jesus is dying on the cross and as He fulfills the requirements of the Law once and for all, “the curtain of the temple was torn in two” (Luke 23:45). The tearing of this curtain represented the fact that through the death of Jesus Christ, humanity was once again given access to God. The consequence of our sin, separation from God, was removed.

Obviously, the death of Christ was of great significance. However, we must not read these facts as simply historical. They have a very real impact for us today. Just as the people in New Testament times were separated from God by their sin, so are we. While they anxiously awaited their Savior, we must simply recognize that He has come. All we have to do is acknowledge who He is, confess our sins and commit to follow Him – setting a new course for our lives – and we will be saved. Such salvation gives us access to God.

Many times we feel our sin has eternally separated us from God. We feel that while other’s sins are forgiven, ours crossed some invisible line in the sand and cannot be forgiven. Know that Christ died for all sin, even yours. By confessing those sins to the Lord and committing to follow Him, the figurative veil of your heart can be torn in two and you can experience a relationship with the Living God.

MISTAKES, FAILURES, AND COMEBACKS

When you face your hour of trial, will you be able to pass the test? Folded within the larger story of Luke 22 is the personal story of Peter. In this chapter Jesus is arrested and the mockery that is His trial(s) begins – false accusations toward Christ are made, Pilate and Herod are trying to decide who is going to do something with Christ, and the Elders, Chief Priest, and Scribes are trying to make sure that Jesus does not make it out of this situation alive. Meanwhile, as the main story line is playing out, Peter discovers that he is not as strong as he thought he was.

Jesus had warned Peter that Satan was going to come after him (Luke 22:31-32). Peter, however, boldly proclaimed, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to the death” (v. 33). Jesus, knowing Peter better than Peter knew himself then says to him, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me” (v. 34). Fast forward a few hours and Peter had just denied Christ for the third time (v. 60). In the distance, Peter hears a rooster crow and his heart drops (v. 60). The Bible tells us that Peter remembers Jesus’ words and went out and wept bitterly (v. 62).

We know the rest of the story. Peter makes a tremendous comeback and is the key leader in the launch of the church. Peter may have failed in this hour, but his failure was not final. By God’s grace Peter made a tremendous comeback. However, there is still value for us to consider why Peter failed in this moment. It seems that Peter’s failure was rooted in two simple mistakes; he ignored the warning of Christ and he overestimated his own strength.

If we are not careful, we can make the same mistake Peter made. If we overestimate our own strength it can lead to us ignoring the warnings before us. We must endeavor to know the Word of God and live according to it. Do not ignore the warnings in Scripture, even if they seem small and of little consequence. Also, do not overestimate your own strength. Walk humbly before the Lord, trusting Him to lead you and guide you.

JESUS ON GREATNESS, FAILURE, AND PRAYER

The pace of the Gospel of Luke begins to accelerate notably in chapter twenty-two. The lessons that our Lord has for His disciples, and ultimately us, begin to come in rapid fashion. As Jesus makes preparation to face the cross there is much for us to learn.

On Greatness

Verse 24 relates a rather interesting scene. Jesus has just instituted the Lord’s Supper. He has told them that His body will be given for them (v. 19) and that His blood will be poured out to ratify a new covenant with them (v. 20). You can almost feel the climax of the moment as if you are in the room with them. However, the disciples miss it completely. Instead, they are arguing over who is greatest (v. 24).

Somehow, Jesus is not surprised. He simply uses this as a teachable moment. Jesus says to them, “let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves” (v. 26).

On Trial and Failure

Having spoken to the disciples about true greatness, Jesus turns his attention to Simon. Jesus tells him, “Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers” (vs. 31-32). Three things about this short exchange stand out. First, Simon would fail. Jesus knew it and He wanted to make sure that Simon knew that failure wasn’t fatal. Second, Jesus knew Simon would return. Simon was not the type to stay down, regardless of badly his weaknesses might be put on display. Third, Jesus wanted Simon to use his experience to strengthen others.

On Prayer

As Jesus gets ready to face the final events that would lead to His crucifixion, He turns to prayer. The content of His prayer shows us the gravity of what He is about to face. Jesus prays, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will but yours, be done” (v. 42). Jesus is teaching us to pray by His praying. Two observations. Jesus prayed for His desires. He made His wishes known to the Father. However, Jesus submitted His wishes and desires to the will of the Father. We would do well to do the same.