Stumbling, Falling, Rising: Peter's Lessons for Today's Believers

Let's dive into the New Testament where we encounter Peter for the first time in the Gospel of Matthew. It all begins with a powerful verse, Matthew 4:18 (New International Version), setting the stage for an incredible journey:

"As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen."

This marks the initial introduction of Peter, also known as Simon, as one of the disciples of Jesus.

Following his initial introduction in Matthew 4:18, Peter is depicted as becoming one of the closest and most prominent disciples of Jesus in the New Testament. In the Gospels, there are numerous accounts of Peter's interactions with Jesus and his experiences during Jesus' ministry. Some most notable events include:

• Walking on Water: In Matthew 14:22-33, there is an account of Peter walking on water toward Jesus. However, his faith wavered, and he began to sink, prompting Jesus to rescue him.

• Confession of Christ: In Matthew 16:13-20, Peter makes a significant confession, proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Jesus responds by declaring that Peter is the rock on which he will build his church.

Matthew 16:13-20: "When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

• Transfiguration: Peter is one of the three disciples (along with James and John) present at the Transfiguration, a moment when Jesus' appearance is gloriously transformed (Matthew 17:1-13).

• Denial of Jesus: One of the most well-known events is Peter's threefold denial of Jesus during the night of Jesus' arrest, as foretold by Jesus himself (Matthew 26:69-75):

"Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus and of Galilee. But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.

And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee. Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out and wept bitterly."

Isn't it remarkable how in Peter's life, God personally revealed that Jesus was the Christ? Peter, an ordinary man, was singled out by God for such a profound revelation. Just imagine the hope and amazement that must have filled Peter's heart when he declared, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." Yet, merely 10 chapters later, we see Peter denying Jesus not just once, but three times. How could this happen? Peter, this great man of God, faltering so drastically?

Have you ever felt like Peter? You take your eyes off what matters, your faith wavers, and you stumble in moments of fear. 

Peter, with so little faith when he sank while walking on water, experienced the forgiveness and unwavering hope of God. It's a profound reminder that our shortcomings don't hinder God from speaking to us. If Peter's faith faltered when he took his eyes off Jesus, can you relate to times when distractions led to a weakened faith and you felt like you were the one drowning?

Consider those moments when fear crept in, and like Peter, you may have run scared, denying or hiding your true self. Peter, in a chaotic moment, denied knowing Jesus out of fear. Yet, the story doesn't end there. In the book of John, despite Peter's failures, he is told to "feed the sheep." Isn't that a beautiful display of God's forgiving and hopeful nature in the midst of our own failures? Have you ever felt unworthy or afraid that your past mistakes disqualify you from serving a higher purpose?

 John 21:15-1: "So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep."

Isn't it intriguing how Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him? It resonates with the three denials Peter made during the chaotic night of Jesus' arrest where Peter denied knowing Jesus. It's almost as if Jesus, in His grace and wisdom, sought to counteract those three denials with three profound confessions of love and a corresponding triple commissioning.

Picture this: Peter, once full of fervor, denied knowing Jesus three times. Fast forward to this moment on the shore, Jesus, with a divine sense of symmetry, asks Peter three times, "Lovest thou me?" So, why would Jesus ask three times if Peter loved him? It's in the word right here:

1 John 4:18 (KJV): "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."

Jesus wasn't seeking reassurance about Peter's love; He already knew it. Rather, Jesus was gently reminding Peter of his transformed state, now immersed in love unlike before. Through this repeated questioning, Jesus was affirming that the Peter being called and commissioned was different from the one who faltered in the past. It was for Peter's benefit that Jesus posed the question three times, emphasizing the profound change within him.

While one may learn from the past, dwelling on it excessively can render one incapable of action in the present and future. Embrace the lessons, but do not allow the shadows of yesterday to eclipse the potential of tomorrow.

And did you notice the repetition of the commission as well? Three times Jesus emphatically declares, "Feed my sheep." It's not just a casual request; it's a deliberate and potent assignment. It's as if Jesus is entrusting Peter with a monumental responsibility, erasing the threefold denials with a triple call to service.

In this pattern, there's a profound message of forgiveness, restoration, and purpose. Jesus doesn't merely forgive; He reinstates and commissions. There's a divine symmetry, a meticulous weaving of grace into the fabric of Peter's story. It's a powerful reminder that there are no coincidences in the grand narrative of redemption. Each detail seems purposeful, bringing forth a beautiful tapestry of forgiveness and purpose, even in the face of our human frailties.

WARNING:

Peter's denial occurred in the tense moments leading up to Jesus' crucifixion, a time before the profound impact of Christ's death and resurrection. Today, in the aftermath of Jesus' redemptive work, denying Him carries even more weight and significance.

The Apostle Paul, writing in 2 Timothy 2:12 (KJV), emphasizes this gravity, stating, "If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us." These words echo the stern warning against denying Christ in our present times. Unlike Peter, we now live in the era illuminated by the sacrifice and victory of Jesus.

To deny Christ today, after the ultimate act of redemption, is to reject the very foundation of our salvation. It's to overlook the grace poured out through the cross and the transformative power of Christ's resurrection. In Matthew 10:33 (KJV), Jesus Himself warns, "But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven."

Our denial, in the light of Christ's completed work, is not merely a momentary lapse; it's a rejection of the eternal truth. As we navigate the complexities of life, let us remember the weightiness of our confession and the consequences of denying the One who granted us salvation through His sacrificial love. In this post-resurrection era, our allegiance to Christ is not only a declaration but an acknowledgment of the profound impact of His redemptive work on our lives.

Walking with Jesus is a journey where, even after years of companionship, stumbling is a reality. The spirits of doubt and fear often loom large, but the promises of God stand stronger. As Isaiah 54:17 (KJV) reassures, "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper." This truth shields us from the adversarial forces that seek to undermine our faith.

In facing doubts and fears, it's crucial to remember 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV): "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

Both fear and doubt are deceptive tools deployed by Satan to divert us from our purpose and, ultimately, to lead us into denying Christ. Remaining anchored in the Word is our defense, allowing our faith to persist and thrive.

Despite occasional failures, God's grace teaches us that it's okay to stumble. Being accountable for our shortcomings and seeking forgiveness is the key. Remember, no matter the extent of your mistakes, rise again. God, in His infinite love, always welcomes us back home. So, cautiously navigate the spiritual challenges, stay grounded in faith, and find peace in the enduring mercy of a forgiving God.

Can you find comfort and hope in the fact that a flawed and ordinary individual like Peter, like me, like you, can still play a pivotal role in God's grand plan?

The stark difference in today's scenario lies in the unwavering declaration of one's faith. When questioned about our knowledge of Jesus, the resounding response should unequivocally be, "YES, I do." This steadfast affirmation is anchored in a commitment to stand firm, irrespective of circumstances or pressures. Unlike the hesitations of the past, today's response reflects a resolute determination to openly acknowledge and profess our connection with Jesus, regardless of the challenges that may arise. It encapsulates a newfound strength to boldly affirm our faith, embodying a transformative shift from doubt to unwavering conviction.

Copyright © Amanda Allen, Kingdom Revelations, 2024. All rights reserved. This article may be shared with acknowledgment of the author and the original source. Artwork included.