John 18 – In The Family

 I was proud of my heritage and proud to be known as a van Leerdam. 

John 18:1-40

Reference:  v.17  “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” she asked Peter. He replied, “I am not.” (NIV Bible)

Explore:   It was a big thing for me to change my name when I got married.  Growing up in a country town and being involved in a small denomination you only had to mention your surname and someone would know some connection to you.  The 'van Leerdam' name is also quite unique in Australia and so we always knew that if people recognised the name they had some connection with our close family.  When I moved away from home it was always exciting when someone recognised my name, and it made me feel connected into something special.  I was proud of my heritage and proud to be known as a van Leerdam. 

Application:  When we accept Jesus as our Saviour we then become a part of a new family.  To be called a child of God is the greatest honour we could ever have bestowed upon us.  We may not change our surname but it certainly should have a change on our actions.  However there are times when we are not so proud of the family we have become a part of.  There are times when we are ashamed of what our 'brothers and sisters' do and so we try to remove ourselves from them.  There are other times when we are embarrassed to be known as a Christian because of the stereotype it carries and so we underplay our connection into this family.  It's at these times that we can relate to Peter in the courtyard.  Three times he was asked if he was with Jesus and each and every time he denied it.  There are times when it's difficult to stand firm in being a part of God's family but we need to remind ourselves that there is no greater honour than to be called a child of God. 

Prayer:  Lord, thank You for accepting us into Your family.  May we be proud of such a heritage and aim to uphold the family name.  Amen.

When did you become a part of God's family?

John