Since the beginning of the year I have discussed each apostle to see if there is one or more with whom we can identify. It's hard to believe that we have reached the last man of the inner circle of Jesus's followers. For many years I thought these men were the only ones who followed Jesus everywhere. Then I read Acts 1:15, 21-22 carefully. There were many others that traveled with Jesus the whole time. Not just twelve men and some women. So when we look at the twelve we can truly say they were the inner circle who received the extra explanations of Jesus.
Our last man is definitely not the least of the group. In fact, Peter is the most regarded of the entourage. He is such a colorful person. He wasn't thundering-explosive like James and John but his well known mistakes and blunders continue to serve as lessons. Some of them, I can relate to more than I want to admit.
Like the rest of the inner twelve, God called Peter to walk away from something he knew and felt secure with, to head toward something only slightly familiar or maybe even totally unknown. The one difference is as he stepped away from a successful business (with partners and hired workers) into a life following Jesus as a disciple, he also allowed his name to be changed in the process. (John 1, 21; Matt 4) That's something you don't see everyday.
Before the Spirit of God got a hold of him I notice his demeanor takes on an "if He can do it then so can I" bent or an "I know better" attitude. Jesus walked on water, Peter wanted to do it also. (Mt 14) Jesus said he was going to suffer, Peter offered to die with him. (Mt 26) Of course, things being what they were, Peter was shown he wasn't Jesus. He couldn't do the things Jesus could do successfully. Nor did he know better than Jesus about what needed to happen. (Mt 16; Jn 13, 18)
In spite of his mindset, Peter was seen as the leader, evidenced by being mentioned first in the list of apostles. (Mt 10) He was the one who inquired what kind of reward the apostles would receive. (Mt 19) He asked for clarification of the parable in Matthew 15. And gave the confession of faith for the group in John 6 and Matthew 6.
But even as a leader, have you noticed how often he shows a spastic energy causing him to speak and act before thinking things through? He was going to build tents on top of a mountain with no tools or supplies present. (Mt 17) He wanted Jesus to wash his whole body not just his feet. (Jn 13) He drew a sword and cut off a servant's ear as his form of protection when Jesus was arrested. (Jn 18) He jumped off a boat twice - once in an attempt to walk on water and once to reach Jesus before the others - never mind the boat was a football field away from the shore and he chose to swim with all his clothes on. (Mt 14; Jn 21)
Perhaps it was this spastic energy that caused Peter to set himself up for the greatest attack he experienced before the crucifixion of Jesus. Possibly he thought he had all the courage and guts needed to face any and all opposition. But we see in Matthew 26:33-59, John 18:10-27, and Mark 14:70-71 that he announces a "never" action, fails to recognize the warning Jesus is offering, opts to follow from afar then stops in the middle of a crowd blinded by anger rather than sticking close to John.
All this set him up for a "bring it on" spiritual attack leading to the failure for which he is known.
It's easy to say he should have been stronger. But have you ever had to change your wording because of those in the room? Or kept your opinion to yourself because the people around you hold opposing viewpoints and you don't think you can defend yourself? Or failed to correct another who's cursing the name of God? The list could go on. How many of us would have dropped the ball too? Especially without the support of another believer. I know I have.
Peter knew he failed when it counted. Yet, even with this fiasco, his love for Jesus did not stop. He risked being seen as he ran from seclusion to check out the empty tomb; racing John all the way. (Lk 24; Jn 20) He exploded off the boat to swim to the shore toward Jesus in hopes of being the first one there. (Jn 21)
Later on that same beach, walking with Jesus by his side, Peter discovered that Jesus forgave him. With each confession of his love for the Messiah, Jesus asked more of Peter in the care of His flock. (Jn 21)
And when the Spirit of God got a hold of Peter, he became the influential man we know him to be. He spoke to a large multi-nation crowd right after the tongues of fire settled on him. (Acts 2) He stood strong in his belief of Jesus when brought before the council. He was arrested for teaching and healing people. He exposed the unrighteous people who pretended to be righteous. (Acts 4, 5, 12) He was thought of as a pillar of the church. (Gal 2:9) He wrote two books to encourage and instruct believers. (1, 2 Peter) Traditionally, he ministered to Jews in Antioch and Corinth, Babylon and Rome. (Note: he took his wife with him as he traveled. See 1 Cor 9.) He was even crucified, but not like Jesus. He was crucified upside down.
Do you have something in your past or present for which you're not sure God can forgive? This forgiveness Peter experienced is here for all of us. We can encounter the same change Peter received. Remember, there is always hope. Scripture tells us, we can do all things through Jesus. (Phil 4:13) And if Peter can do it then so can we.
