The trial of Jesus was an intense time of physical violence, but also a time when power was wielded like a whip. It was a time when the authorities played loose with the truth and got their own way despite all the evidence to the contrary.
One of Jesus’ disciples, Peter was warming his hands by the fire with a small group that were gathered just outside the main courtroom. On one hand he wanted to see what was happening to Jesus, but another part of his instinct led him to avoid recognition.
Unfortunately, his attempt at nonchalant ignorance didn’t work and a number of people commented that they thought he was one of Jesus’ friends. He mumbled a denial at first, but his guilt finally got the better of him and he cursed and swore as he denied he had ever had anything to do with Jesus.
Jesus remained silent through the violence, the lies and the accusations, but he caught Peter’s eye at the moment that his good friend was cursing his name, and with that look of love Peter went outside and wept. I suspect that in many ways Peter’s denial hurt more than the violence and the name-calling.
I’ve no doubt the heart of Jesus hurts as a result of the violence, injustice and rebellion that fills the world. But we all have cause to weep when his eye meets ours across a crowded room and we think about how we have added to his pain.
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