One of the tools that a writer has in their toolbox of character creation is someone who is called a foil character. A foil character in the story serves as a stark contrast to another character, usually the protagonist or the hero of the story. For instance, Harry Potter’s foil is Draco Malfoy. They are different and opposites in just about any and every way possible.
If we treat the Bible as literature - and it is an inspired work of literature, we can see authors of the Scriptures doing the same sort of thing. In this case, Peter serves as a foil to Jesus. Peter denies that he knows Jesus. He denies any association with Jesus, and even with the other disciples. But Jesus, on the other hand, never backs away from saying exactly who he is. In fact, in the short little section before us this Sunday, he makes incredible claims about his identity and work, even under intense pressure.
And, in this faithfulness and steadfastness of Jesus, we have help, strength, and forgiveness in the face of rejection. Yes, it’s true. Throughout our lives, we suffer the pain of rejection. Jesus did, too. Yet, in his rejection, we receive acceptance. In his condemnation, we get forgiveness. In his death, we find life. He was rejected that we might be accepted, received and forgiven. Yes, in his wounds, we are healed. We’ll be studying Luke 22:63-71.
See you Sunday!
Pastor Nate
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