Denying the Master.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 30 October 1912, Page 3

Denying the Master.

On Sunday evening, 13th inst., Mr Milnei dealt with the subject of Peter's denial of Christ. The scene in the garden of Gethsemane was graphically described : Christ praying in agony, the intense feeling causing him to sweat drops of blood, and yet in the midst of all, he was sublimely willing to do his Father's will at all cost. The coming,, of the mob, the betrayal of Jesus, the fleeing of the disciples, and the leading of Christ to the Judgment Hall, were all detailed. Peter follows afar off and eventually slips into the outer court of the hall presumably to warm himself, but more probably to be near his Master. Still he is afraid to identify himself with Him, and when challenged by the maid, in terror he denies his Lord. Thrice is he accosted, and each time he denies, and then, he lifts up his eyes and gees his fettered master looking upcn him. Were it possible for the artibt to express that look upon the canvas, the only fitting words to write underneath would be, •' Did ere such love and mercy meet," for on the day before when Peter said " Lord, I am ready to lay down my life for thee," and our Lord answered " Before the cock shall crow thrice thou shalt deny me thrice," with the same breath he apoke the comforting words, "Nevertheless let riot your heart be troubled ...... in my Father's house are many mansions and I go to prepare a place for you," so that pardon, mercj', and lov« alone express the Lord's attitude even toward the denier. That look-was too much for Peter, he burst into penitential tears and went out and wept bitterly. Christ is mocked and battered, and led to Pilate ; the mob cry " crucify him" and he is led up Oalvery's pathway and nailed to the Cress. Where is Peter all this time ? The next we hear of him, he is walking toward Emmaus with James and John on the 3rd day after Christ's burial. As they walk along, the risen Jesus appears to them and the glorious fact dawns upon them that he is indeed the Resurrection and the Life. Now Peter could truly say " Lord, to whom shall we go, thou hast the words of Eternal Life," for they knew the3 r were mortal perishing beings and now here was one who had overcome death and through whom there was the hope of etGrnal life for all men. A little later we find Peter no longer afraid, but boldly confessing Christ before the multitudes, and after a life of noble and strenuous service he " lays down his life for Christ's sake." This picture of Peter is true to human nature to-day; many there are who love Christ and. desire to be near him, yet are afraid to identify themselves with him or to confess him ; but re~ member " Whosoever shall be ashamed of me and my words, of him shall the son of man be ashamed when he cometh in his own gloiy," or again, " whosoever shall confess my name before men, him will I confess before my Father's throne.''