Distance: The First Step Toward Denial
At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, our mission to be the change as Jesus has changed us requires staying close to Jesus. Through “Just 3″—Study, Share, and Serve—we maintain that vital connection. But Peter’s story warns us what happens when we create distance.
The Critical Detail
Luke 22:54 contains a phrase that’s easy to miss: “Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house, and Peter was following at a distance.”
That word “distance” is crucial. When you read Scripture, read every single word. This detail explains everything that follows.
How Distance Leads to Denial
Distance is always the first step toward denial. When we start pulling back from Jesus, we begin denying who He is and what He means to us.
Think about your relationships. When you create distance from a friend, you’re already in the process of denying that friendship. The same is true with Jesus.
Peter had just tried to fight for Jesus, drawing his sword in the Garden of Gethsemane. But when Jesus was arrested, Peter didn’t stay close—he followed “at a distance.” That distance made the next step easier.
As Peter warmed himself by the enemy’s fire, surrounded by those who opposed Jesus, the denials came quickly. Three times he was accused. Three times he denied even knowing Jesus.
The Modern Application
How do we create distance from Jesus today?
- Skipping prayer for a day becomes a week, then a month
- Missing church occasionally becomes a pattern
- Putting off Bible reading until it’s forgotten entirely
- Avoiding Christian community when life gets busy
- Staying silent about our faith when it’s uncomfortable
Each small step backward creates more distance. And distance makes denial easier.
Staying Close Through “Just 3”
This is why our “Just 3” commitment matters:
Study keeps us connected to God’s Word and His voice. Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
Share keeps us in authentic Christian community where we can encourage one another and maintain accountability.
Serve keeps us actively engaged in God’s mission, preventing spiritual drift.
The Warning and the Hope
Don’t pull back. Don’t create distance. Stay close so you don’t lose your way.
At Lakeview Christian Church, we’re committed to helping you stay connected. Whether through small groups, worship services, or service opportunities, we provide ways to maintain closeness with Jesus and His people.
Action Step: Identify one area where you’ve created distance from Jesus. What specific step will you take this week to close that gap? Don’t wait—distance only grows when left unaddressed.
