The Bible clearly shows that St. Peter was a bit of a hothead. We can relate to him, can’t we? He often acted impulsively. And the events in the Upper Room the night Jesus was arrested show his impulsiveness.
Jesus tells the disciples He’s going somewhere they can’t follow. Peter immediately pushes back — “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” In Matthew, he says even if everyone else falls away, he won’t. (Matthew 26:33) In Mark, he insists emphatically. (Mark 14:29) Bold claims, Peter. And Jesus simply tells him the truth he isn’t ready to hear: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” (Mark 14:30)
As John MacArthur said, “Vows are easily made in a warm room, with full stomachs and no opposition.” St. Peter was about to face opposition.
Soon after Jesus was arrested, the disciples scattered. However, Peter followed the crowd to the high priest’s courtyard. It was cold, so he stood by a fire — a charcoal fire. John specifically uses the Greek word for it: anthrakia.
As Peter was going into the courtyard, the doorkeeper approached him; in an odd way, she asked him if he was also one of Jesus’ disciples. She wasn’t a soldier, and she certainly didn’t have any authority. But she asked the question in a way that almost invited him to say no — and he did. Once that first lie was out, he had to stay in character. Two more denials followed. Then the rooster crowed.
“The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the words the Lord had spoken to him… And he went outside and wept bitterly.” (Luke 22:61—62)
More Grace
After the Resurrection, Peter and some of the other disciples decide to go fishing. Jesus calls to them from the shore. They haul in a miraculous catch, and when they get to the beach, they find that Jesus has made breakfast over a charcoal fire. An Anthrakia. Indeed, it is the same kind of fire Peter denied Jesus over. This is on purpose.
Three times Jesus asked Peter: “Do you love me?” And Peter reaffirmed his love for Jesus each time. Jesus could have easily rebuked Peter or said something passive-aggressive like, “We’ll see about that…” Instead, Jesus forgave him. Not only that, but Jesus gave Peter responsibility and instruction on how to care for His Church, the very thing He came to die for. He told Peter to feed His sheep and urged Peter to follow Him.
He knew all about Peter’s failures an eternity before He chose him. Just like He knows all about yours, too. Your sin doesn’t cancel your calling. Remember, “Where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” (Romans 5:20)
With A New Boldness
Fast forward to Acts, Chapter 2. The Holy Spirit shows up on the day of Pentecost. It’s miraculous and seemingly chaotic with wind, fire, and God being glorified in multiple different languages. It seems to be so chaotic that the crowd thinks the people are drunk.
This isn’t chaos, though. This is orderly because our God is a God of order. Someone needs to set the record straight, and who stands up to address the thousands? Peter! The man who lied to a servant girl now steps up with a new boldness. With no handout or PowerPoint, he tells the crowd plainly: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.
Instead of stoning him, they’re cut to the heart, and ask, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Then Peter gives them one of the simplest Gospel presentations in the entire New Testament: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)
Unleash The Power
God saved 3,000 people that day. Not because Peter was such a great speaker, but because the Gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. Spurgeon said it best: “The gospel is like a lion. You don’t have to defend it. Let it loose — it will defend itself.”
Peter’s new boldness doesn’t come from anything within himself. On the contrary, it comes from the humility of letting God do His work through him.
Later, people crucified this new humble Peter along with his family. Why? Because, by the power of the Holy Spirit, he refused to deny Christ even one more time.
Let’s pray for opportunities to be bold and unleash the powerful Good News of Jesus.
Thankful for His grace,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor