Matthew 26: 69-75 Meanwhile, as Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, a servant girl came over and said to him, “You were one of those with Jesus the Galilean.” But Peter denied it in front of everyone. “I don’t know what you are talking about,” he said.
Later, out by the gate, another servant girl noticed him and said to those standing around, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” Again Peter denied it, this time with an oath. “I don’t even know the man,” he said.
A little later some other bystanders came over to him and said, “You must be one of them; we can tell by your Galilean accent.” Peter said, “I swear by God, I don’t know the man.”
And immediately the rooster crowed. Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went away, crying bitterly.
EIt’s been a very discouraging week. We’re in the midst of auditing files we completed four months ago. That was a particularly busy time for our office, and several mistakes I made during that time have surfaced. It’s nothing that can’t be fixed, and yet is enough to make me realize I’ve once again fallen short of that perfection I so foolishly strive for.
I’ve been forced to face my humanity this week, and it hasn’t been easy.
In Matthew, Peter faced the same reality on a much larger scale. I made a few mistakes at work. Peter denied knowing the Son of God. And yet, knowing the reaction I had to such trivial blunders makes me understand and empathize with the horror that Peter must have felt when he heard that rooster crow.
As I look back at what we know about Peter, I think he was probably a lot like you and me. He was crazy and outspoken, and sometimes these traits reared their heads when they were least needed! He wasn’t satisfied to be a “yes man” and on at least one occasion challenged Jesus to explain himself further (see Matthew 15: 13-20).
He was brave and willing to take risks. Matthew 14: 22-36 tells us that there was one incident where Peter was in a boat with his fellow disciples, while Jesus stayed on land to pray. It was dark, and they were far from land when a strong wind came up causing heavy waves to plummet the boat. Since many of the disciples were fisherman by trade, I can only imagine how treacherous the conditions must have been to get them into trouble.
So the disciples are cuddled together, braving out the storm, and look up to see Jesus strolling over the massive and raging waves toward the boat. Well, such an unexpected event in the middle of their traumatic experience was enough to push the men over the edge, in fact, they “screamed in terror” when they saw him. Can you imagine? Twelve men screaming like girls. That would be something to see!
But Peter rallied. “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you by walking on water.”
And Peter left the relative safety of the boat and stepped out onto the water. What must he have thought as he took his first few tentative steps? Were his fellow disciples cheering him or jeering him? How exhilarating it must have been! That is, at least, until he took his eyes off his target. So long as he focused on Jesus, it was the experience of a lifetime. When he faltered and looked down, it turned into a nightmare.
Sound familiar?
And Peter did the same thing you and I would probably do when faced with the same situation: “Save me Lord!” he cried.
Jesus did save him, just the same as he saves you and me from our mistakes. And he gently admonished Peter for his fear: “You don’t have much faith. Why did you doubt me?” And they went back to the boat and the storm calmed.
Peter had flaws; he was human; just like you and me. But the lesson I learn from him is that it’s better to step out onto the water and fail than to stay in the boat, hoping to just make it through the storm. Mistakes can’t happen if you play it safe, but look at all you can miss out on!
You would think that after an experience like that, Peter would never doubt or fear again, but in the hours before Jesus’ crucifixion he blows it again, demonstrating that even those closest to Jesus were human like you and me. First, Peter assures Jesus that, while the others may be weak, he would never betray Jesus (see Matthew 26: 31-35). I can just imagine the bluster and ego with which this statement was made. Then, not 24 hours later, he had to eat his words after he betrayed Jesus not once, but three times!
Talk about the mistake of a lifetime!
His response: he cried bitterly.
I don’t even have to ask you if you can relate.
There were no other disciples around Peter when he denied Jesus on Good Friday morning. The only reason we know that it happened is that Peter took responsibility for his mistake and confessed his error. Peter had to have told someone that he messed up again. There’s no other way we’d have this story.
Or the rest of the story: that after he rose from the grave, Jesus directed Peter to feed his sheep as a response to Peter’s love for Jesus. That Peter did just that, providing spiritual nourishment through the message of Jesus Christ that he preached for the rest of his life. That Peter became known as the Great Encourager, probably because he could relate so readily to other’s weaknesses and doubts.
Can God make good things happen through the mistakes I make in my life? You bet he can. And I thank Him for the reminder He gives me through Peter that even the flawed can achieve wonderful things for His Kingdom. Amen to that!
More to Explore:
Matthew 26: 31-35 Have you ever had to eat your words? Can you think of an instance where someone has promised to do something for you, and hasn’t followed through? Who do you suppose hurt more, Jesus or Peter at his betrayal? Does thinking about this help you to forgive others?
Romans 7: 15-15-25 Can you relate to Paul’s mental struggles? Is it hard to believe that God can forgive over and over and over? Is it hard for you to accept God’s forgiveness?
John 21: 15-19 What is the purpose of this exchange between Jesus and Peter? Do you think Jesus doubted Peter’s love or was it Peter who doubted? Was Peter ready to do the work Jesus was calling him to? Prayer:
Dear Lord, I confess that I am a flawed human being. I make mistakes, and then I make them again, and again. I want to sincerely to trust You and to follow Your ways, and yet I am weak. Thank You for Peter’s example, for showing me that perfection is not required, just a sincere commitment to follow Your way. Please help me to pass on the same message to my children, so that they may know Your love and your grace. In Your name, Amen.
About the author: Sue Dickinson Sue Dickinson is a mom, a business woman, and the founder of www.Unlimited Mom.com, a web site and e-newsletter designed to celebrate the many facets of Mom - including her walk with God. Sue is also the author of the book: "What's a Mom to Do? Overcoming the Urge to Put Your Life on Hold", which can be purchased at unlimitedmom.com.
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