Peter - an inspiration

²¹ From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.  ²² Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”  ²³ Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” Matthew 16: 21 – 23

I love the fact that over the next week after Peter’s well-meant but ill-judged rebuke of Jesus which showed a lot of pride and earned him a rather shocking rebuke in turn, Jesus showed Peter such grace. Within a week Jesus chose Peter, James and John to go up the mountain where he was transfigured.

Jesus didn’t hold Peter’s foolishness and pride against him but continued in his plan and purpose to bring the best out of him and use him for his glory. We all know Peter’s mouth constantly let him down but it was this impetuousness that Jesus turned around.  Even at the very moment of Jesus’ transfiguration, Peter was still coming up with his own ideas of building three booths or shelters so everyone could stay on the mountain. However Jesus never gave up on him.

After they came down from the mountain and Jesus healed the epileptic boy, some collectors of the temple tax approached Peter to ask if Jesus paid the tax. Peter confirmed that he did and Jesus sent him to the sea to catch a fish which would have a coin in its mouth to pay the tax for both Jesus and Peter (Matthew 17: 24 – 27).   Peter did not hesitate to obey, he just did it. Time and again Jesus did not hold Peter’s zeal against him, even when it was misplaced but used it to bring out the best in Peter.

After Peter denied Jesus three times, Jesus restored him and following the anointing of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost that impetuous yet bold voice spoke to the crowd and 3000 got saved.

Jesus does not give up on us - ever - no matter our sins and weaknesses. So often the worse things in our character are also the strongest when in Jesus’ hands. Peter’s rashness turned into faith-filled bravery when anointed by the Holy Spirit. Peter’s weakness in speaking before he thought was also turned into the courage to step out of the boat when Jesus walked on the water.

Jesus takes our weaknesses and turns them into his strengths. His grace towards is endless and his patience with us infinite. Jesus will never give up on us so we must never give up on ourselves. We must never disqualify ourselves through our failings, perceived or real. We must give them into Jesus’ hands and let him with limitless grace turn them into great strengths which he will use to bring glory to himself.