Uncle Peter

      As I’ve been preparing for Easter, I find myself again deeply moved, overwhelmed with gratitude, and humbled by the sacrifice Jesus gave out of love for me (and you).  However, as I read through the Bible’s account of Jesus’s last days on Earth, another person captivated my heart this week.

      You remember Peter, right?  (The guy who jumped out of the safety of his boat, walked on water, and nearly drowned in a span of just a few minutes.) Scholars seem to have one common theme in describing Peter, impetuous. A less pretentious way to describe Peter’s style would be hotheaded, hastily rushing to action, emotionally charged. And there we have it, that strange connection I felt to Peter! Perhaps he is somewhere in my family tree.  Uncle Peter?  While it may be hard to believe, I tend to run a little on the impetuous side myself.  (GASP!—for dramatic effect and see last week’s post if you’re confused!) 

      I discovered something else about the connection between Peter and myself while reading through Luke’s account of Jesus’s final days.  If you remember correctly, Jesus and His disciples had gathered in the upper room of an anonymous man’s home to take part in the Passover.  During their fellowship, Jesus breaks bread and has wine with his disciples.  He communicates that these are their final moments together, there just isn’t much time left.

As their meal is winding down, Jesus turns to Peter and says, “Simon, Simon (Peter’s other name), Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat.  But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

      “But he (Peter) replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”

      Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.” (Luke 22:31-34)

      I think Peter is being sincere here.  When you look at Peter’s highlight reel, his sincerity is evident.  In addition to his sincerity, I can relate to Peter’s fierce loyalty.  I feel bad shopping at a different grocery store for crying out loud!  (Which has proved to make our recent move slightly uncomfortable in that sense.)  I hate the thought of betraying those who count on me and I think Peter does too. I think Peter really believed and hoped he had what it would take to stand by Jesus no matter what.

      As we follow along in the story, we find out that Peter does betray Jesus.  Not once, not twice, but three times. Luke 22:60-62 says, “Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed.  The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter.  Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.”   

      Oh man, can I relate to Peter!  I’ve been there.  In all my passion, sincerity, and loyalty, I’ve still been the betrayer.  (Hey, sometimes it’s in my passion and sincerity that I betray the ones I’m most loyal to.  Again, see last week’s post.)  Just like Peter, I know how it feels to weep bitterly with regret.  I don’t know if you’ve ever been there, but can’t you just feel the heartbreak Peter is experiencing?  The regret?  The shame?

      Thank God, the story doesn’t end there.  We know the good news of Jesus’s resurrection three days later, but Peter’s story doesn’t end there, either.  You know how I know?  Go back and check out verse 32.  Jesus says, “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail.  And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”  Did you see that big important word there?  WHEN!!!  Jesus didn’t say, IF you turn back, he said when you turn back. I’m sure Peter didn’t catch this.  Heck, I didn’t catch it until a few days ago! 

I find such great hope in Peter’s story and in Jesus’s encouragement to him.  Jesus knew what was about to happen and yet He wanted to use Peter to strengthen other believers…after he messed up!  If Jesus could still use Peter, He can still use me!

I could end here, but I'm not. I actually found the most moving part of Peter's story at the end of the book of John.

"When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?"

"Yes, Lord," he said, you know that I love you."

Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."

Again Jesus said, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?"

He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."

Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."

The third time he said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?"

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."

Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.  Very truly I say to you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go."  Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God.  Then he said to him, "Follow me!"

Did you catch what Jesus did there?  Go back and take a look.  He asked Peter not once, not twice, but three times if Peter loved Him. I love how God redeemed that moment of betrayal.  He restored Peter through his own words.  This time, instead of words of betrayal, words of loyalty would define his story.  Peter went on to become one of the most influential people in the early church, strengthening his brothers.

I love Peter.  I love that God could redeem Peter.  I love that God can redeem me and my failures.  As you go through this weekend, I hope you too find hope that because Jesus died for your sins and because of the hope found in His resurrection, you too can be redeemed!

Happy Easter!