“The disciples began to look at one another, worried and perplexed to know which of them he was talking about. One of his disciples, the one Jesus loved, was at the table to the right of Jesus in a place of honor. So Simon Peter gestured to this disciple to ask Jesus who it was he was referring to.” —John 13:22–24
Impulsive Peter seemed always to be the first to respond. He was generally the leading man, appearing to be the most eager, the most likely to speak up, the most likely to jump out of the boat, as well as the most likely to draw the sword and cut off an ear of the opposition! He would have been a wonderful 911 worker! I have to believe Jesus loved Peter’s zeal and passion even if it could be off base! To his credit, Peter was right on target—some of the time! Consider his fine response to Jesus’ query regarding who the disciples said that He was:
“When Jesus came to the area of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ They answered, ‘Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus answered him, ‘You are blessed, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father in heaven! And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven.’ Then he instructed his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.” —Matthew 16:13–20
Then there were the other times when Peter’s star did not shine quite so brightly. Such as the time when he was thoroughly convinced that he would never betray his Master—insisting that he would never disown Him, even to the point of death.
Being the very impulsive type, I have no trouble relating to Peter. I can readily see myself jumping out of the boat to walk on water. It is easy for me to think I can handle something—then realize I am in over my head! However, I need to remember that apart from Christ I am always in over my head.
But, the promise of Scripture given through the pen of Paul in Philippians breaths hope to my soul:
“I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me.” —Philippians 4:13
Become More
In our verses for today, the disciples were heartsick over the Lord’s news of betrayal and were certainly at a loss as to whom He could be referring. They saw their Master troubled and they too were troubled. It is God’s desire for our hearts to break over the things that break His and rejoice over those things that bring Him joy. Jesus wept over the lost in Jerusalem:
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those who are sent to you! How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you would have none of it!” —Matthew 23:37
Further Reflection
“Oh, how great peace and quietness would he possess who should cut off all vain anxiety and place all his confidence in God.” —Thomas a Kempis