John 18:5b, “He said to them, ‘I am He.’” 17b “He said, ‘I am not.’”

Have you ever noticed this? In the same passage about Jesus’ betrayal we read that Jesus readily admitted Who He was with the statement “I AM.” But Peter, when he was confronted by the crowd about being one of Jesus’ followers, quickly said, “I am not.” Literally it could read, “NOT ME!”

I AM…..

How about you? Do you admit to being a follower of Christ? When someone confronts you about your beliefs do you respond like Jesus or Peter? One answer takes boldness. The other…well…it takes nothing!

How do we teach our children to stand up for Christ? How do we show them that it is better to take a stand for truth than shrink away and hide our faith? One may lead to ridicule or even death in some places. The other may give temporary safety but eternal consequences.

TEACHING MOMENT

Once again, the best method to teach our children is by modeling it ourselves. When confronted about taking a stand for Christ, take it! The problem with most of us Christians is that we are never in a place of confrontation. We tend to hide out in the safe places (Church, Bible Studies, Christian’s homes). Our kids never see us having to “stand up” for Jesus.

I don’t mean we should put ourselves in harm’s way. But we shouldn’t shy away from rubbing elbows with unbelievers so that we can be light and truth to them. Our kids can then see us saying, “I am” when asked if we are a believer.

Take the stand! Be bold! Let Jesus be your strength and shield.