Would I? Could I?

The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. (Acts 3:13)

As with many Bible passages, there is so much going on here. Peter is pointing out truth to the people. Harsh and raw truth that may be difficult for them to swallow. Peter is stressing to the crowd their guilt before God in rejecting the Messiah, joining the mob, and demanding His death. 

The stark reality is they killed Jesus - The Holy One, The Righteous One, The Author of Life. (Acts 3:14-15) Isn't it easy for us to smugly acknowledge 'their' sinfulness? But, how often did/do we reject Jesus, dismiss His love as too demanding and walk away from Him? 

How often did I miss my appointed duty? How many times did I stand by and denounce Jesus as Lord? Have I lost opportunity to tell someone of Jesus and His Love? Is Heaven lined with people that I encountered, but did not Disciple? Did someone else do what I was supposed to do? Tough questions, right?

I wonder sometimes, just what I would have done had I been in the crowd that day...when Pilot washed his hands of the entire matter and let the mob rule. Could I have been strong enough, faithful enough to be a voice of reason - unto death? What about now, today? When the world is struggling against good, turning their backs on Light and Truth, only to embrace what is safe, comfortable and non-threatening, could I make the difference?  

As we approach the Lenten season, how does this passage touch you? Discuss the questions above and share here if you are inclined to do so.