October 3, 2024
We can’t trust Dixie out of our sight. (Dixie is the eight-month-old puppy my beloved rescued a month ago.)
The first week she was with us, Dixie got out of her crate twice while we were gone and set off the security alarm. In call number one, the dispatcher informed my beloved that an officer was on the way. At the second call, we increased security on said crate. Though she has many good qualities, Dixie is drawn to mischief. We love her dearly but have to keep an eye on her at all times. When we can’t see or hear her, we race to see what she is up to. Silence can be alarming.
Joby Martin suggests in his book If the Tomb is Empty that the same thing might have been true about some of the disciples. For decades, when I read New Testament stories of Jesus with Peter, James, and John, I thought they were His "inner three." After all, it’s not uncommon for a minister or pastor to have a few really close friends. Peter, James, and John were just Jesus’ homies - the ones He connected with the most. I get it, I said to myself.
But. In If the Tomb is Empty, Joby explored the idea that Jesus didn’t take Peter, James, and John with Him because they were His favorites. The other disciples could be trusted. (Except Judas, of course.) Jesus just needed to keep a closer eye on the trio.
That makes sense. Peter had a reputation for looking before leaping and speaking before thinking. (We must be related.) Out of Jesus’ sight, he was easily swayed. Hot one minute - adamantly denying a future denial; cold the next - denying Jesus thrice.
In Luke 9, James and John offered to call down fire from heaven on some people. (Not saying I’ve never wanted to do that.)
Quite possibly, Jesus was keeping Peter, James, and John close to Him to protect them from themselves, and to keep them out of trouble. Just like Dixie, even followers of Christ are prone to mischief.
Jesus didn’t discard these special three. He kept them close, teaching them along the way. He knew their potential. He knew their future and how He could use them. He knew they were worth the investment. That thought blesses me immensely. His unconditional love is one of my favorite things.
I read years ago the safest place for a sheep is close to the shepherd. That also applies to disciples - in Jesus’ time and today. The closer I stick to Jesus, the better off I will be. I’ll keep an eye on Dixie and Jesus will keep an eye on me.
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Dawn Reed is a pastor's wife and newspaper columnist. Reach her at preacherswife7@yahoo.com.
