提要
我很瞭解耶穌的門徒。他們都很熱心、充滿活力、並且有過人的勇氣。畢竟他們必須很勇敢，才能不顧親友的反對，與一個來自加利利的激進分子在外頭闖盪三年。我可以想像彼得的太太問他：「你再不回來打魚，我們怎麼付今年的稅銀呢﹖」沒錯，門徒確實有堅強的意志，但他們貫徹到底的決心也很軟弱。像我一樣（你可能也一樣），他們的用意總是好的。
本章敘述了耶穌上十架之前的幾個事件。首先，在逾越節的前兩天，耶穌在長大痲瘋的西門家裡吃晚飯。就是在這個筵席上，一位不知名的婦人將一瓶昂貴的香膏倒在耶穌頭上。兩天之後，耶穌和門徒一起過祂在世的最後一個逾越節。當他們吃逾越節的傳統筵席時，耶穌用平凡的無酵餅和酒，恒久象徵祂受傷的身體和所流的寶血。接下來一幕，是彼得和其他門徒堂皇的宣告和丟臉的逃竄。
你可以從本章的鑰節（31和50節）看到他們前後不一致的表現。彼得帶頭發言，其他門徒也信誓旦旦。結果在他們表明效忠至死沒多久，各個「都離開他逃走了」。如果用電椅來威脅我，我也會很快的逃跑，特別是在最緊張的時刻，人的第一個反射動作都是自我保護。事後我可能也會像彼得一樣痛哭流涕。但現在我還是「三十六計走為上策！」
事情發生的速度快得令門徒嚇壞了──甚至連耶穌的敵人都來不及串通見證（56、59節）。不過，不論是耶穌的門徒、耶穌的敵人，或者我們，都有一個相同的經驗：我們所說的與我們所行的不合。
感謝上帝，即使是使徒彼得也跟我們一樣需要聽這句話：「我的能力在人的軟弱上顯得完全」。別苛責那些跌倒犯錯的人；要不是上帝的恩典，我也會逃跑。
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Overview
I can identify with the disciples. They were keen, energetic fellows, with more than their fair share of courage - it takes a brave man to parry the ardent questions and objections of friends, relatives, and a wife concerning a three year stint of irresponsible wandering with a zealot from Galilee. I can just hear Peter’s wife asking, “But how do you expect to pay this year’s taxes if you don’t get back to fishing?” Yes, they were strong on resolve, but were also weak on follow-through. Like me, (and you, perhaps), they were never at a loss for good intentions. Take a look at this chapter.
Here the narrative presents the first events leading to the crucifixion of Jesus. We read of Jesus’ dinner with Simon the leper just two days before Passover. It was this meal, which was highlighted by the extravagant act of the unnamed woman, pouring expensive perfume on Jesus’ head. Then, two days later, Jesus has His last Passover meal with His disciples. As they eat the traditional meal, with its unleavened bread and mandatory four cups of wine, Jesus uses these common elements to symbolize forever His broken body and shed blood. Then comes the noble resolve, and ignoble follow-through, of both Peter and the rest of the crew.
You see it in the key verses (31 and 50). Peter was the spokesman, but they all shared in the disgrace. After pledging undying loyalty, they all “forsook Him and fled”. Sounds like something I’d do. Threaten me with the electric chair and I’ll back-pedal quickly, especially in the heat of the moment, when the first reflex is self-justification and self-preservation! Like Peter, I might weep bitterly… after. But for now, “I’m out of here!”
Mind you, the speed of the events left the disciples quite breathless (and spineless) – why, even Jesus’ enemies couldn’t get their act and their stories together (vv. 56, 59). Nevertheless, we have here a tried and true reality in which we all share: the gap between what we say and what we do.
Thank God, even the apostle Paul needed to hear what we need to hear, “My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Take it easy on the sinner. There, but for the grace of God, go I.
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