Poem for Deny-ers

This past Sunday I started on a 3-month preaching series through John 13-17. This section of the gospel records the Upper Room Discourse--Jesus' final sermon to his disciples given the night before his death. Chapter 13 starts out with the inspiring and humbling scene of Jesus washing feet. Lots to mine there for a good sermon.

This week it's a different feel altogether. Jesus emotional mood has darkened as he wrestles with Judas and Peter's impending betrayal and denial. What do I say about this?

Although I'm not yet sure about the preaching part, I do find myself identifying with both of these disciples. I despise their lack of integrity and courage (how could you know Jesus that well then turn on him at the worst possible moment?). At the same time their stories remind me of my own disappointing betrayals. Of the moments in high school when I reenacted the denial. I too have abandoned and distanced myself from Jesus. If he will treat me like I have treated him, then my future looks bleak.

That's probably why I like this poem called "Judas, Peter" by Luci Shaw.