The Quiet Onez

Jesus Foretells Peter’s Denial

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”

Scripture Must Be Fulfilled in Jesus

And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.”

Luke 22:31-38 (ESV)

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When we live a life that constantly tells us what it means to be “great,” we get lost in translations when we hear God’s voice. God tells us to submit in humility. We fight back with pride. God tells us to forgive those who hurt us. We desire revenge and/or indifference. God desires us to love. We are quick to dismiss people, for no reason.

I think one thing that stands out about Jesus’ relationship with Peter is that even though Jesus already knew that Peter would betray Him, He had already gave Peter a second chance. Peter, Jesus’ closest disciple, of all people, had rejected Jesus because of the pressure of those around him.

Peter was scared that he would end up in on the cross with Jesus if he said he was one of his disciples.

Peter…is me.

I think about my own life and how I have given in to the pressures of what others thought about me and my faith in Jesus. I was “ashamed” to say the least, of believing in God. I always told people, “I follow Christianity, but…” and fill in the blank of whatever excuse there is.

I told people that I’m not a “good” representation of what it means to follow after Jesus. I didn’t want to be accountable for my actions. I feel ashamed just thinking about this and how cowardly my life as been.

I realized that even though I have so many imperfections, truth is, I cannot help but follow after God. I’ve come to realize that even in the imperfections of my life, Jesus still desires to use me and allow me to still, be a part of His grace.

What is Christianity?

I think we often times think too much of Christian life to be a lot of rule following. When we see how Peter interacts with Jesus, it comes down to a simple thing, relationship.

Peter was given a second chance to make up for his failure, but it’s not like he didn’t fail more times after that. It is Jesus who gives us grace and mercy. It’s like a son who failed his father in some way. Does the father disown his own son for a mistake? No, the father continues to give grace to his son until his son grows into the role he was meant to be in.