Photo and Commentary ©2025 by Robert Howson
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
The very act implies a loss of stability, but it is, in most cases, required for flight. The act of leaning does put one in a vulnerable position but it can also indicate a focus or intensity needed for learning. To clarify, look at the White-faced Ibis shown here, about to take flight. To become airborne it must first tip slightly forward to redistribute the weight load to the wings. This same action would cause the bird to fall face-forward into the water should the wings not be engaged to do their part. In this case, intent prompted the action which resulted in flight.
We find another example in Scripture which seems to indicate a fear of vulnerability on the part of Peter. To his credit, Peter’s actions show he was more than just passively interested. The setting was this. Christ and the disciples had met in the upper room to celebrate Passover and Jesus had just washed their feet. To unwilling ears He confirmed His death and then, unbelievably, announced that one of them would betray Him. It was at this point Peter’s body language revealed his concern: “He simply leaned forward on Jesus’ shoulder, and asked, “Lord, who is it?” (John 13:25 J.B. Phillips New Testament) I suspect this wasn’t a casual leaning forward, as the word “simply” implies, but a focused intensity that was deeply personal. This particular leaning did not result in flight. On the contrary, each of His followers must have crashed as Christ revealed more of what was to come.
How about our leanings? Does it stem from lukewarm apathy precipitating slumber? Or are we focused on what Christ has to say to us leading to a flight to be with Him.