Peter: From Recognizing to Denying

"Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16).

Painting of Peter by El Greco

Peter is an interesting biblical character. He was one of three closest disciples to Jesus, but he could be bold, brash, and put his foot in his mouth. When they were discussing who people thought Jesus was, Jesus asked Peter, "But whom say ye that I am?" Peter answered immediately, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus told him that God, the Father, had revealed this to him. But just a little later, Jesus was trying to explain to them what would soon happen and that he must die. Peter blurted out, "Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee" (Matthew 16:22b). But Jesus turned and said unto Peter, "Get behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things of God, but of men" (Matthew 16:23). We also must recognize Jesus for whom He is and what he did for us.

But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried saying, Lord, save me (Matthew 14:30).

You might also remember when Jesus came walking across the water in a storm to reach the boat with the disciples. Peter saw Him and wanted to walk out to meet Him. Jesus told him to come, and he did. Peter walked on the water toward his Lord until he let the storm take his focus off Jesus. Once he had his focus on the storm, he began to sink (see Matthew 14). That is true for us, too. As long as we keep our focus on Jesus, we are fine. If we give our attention to situations around us, we'll begin to sink into despair.

And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it and said, I am not (John 18:25).

And when Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter slept with the others while Jesus prayed, but when Judas brought the soldiers to arrest, Jesus, Peter pulled his sword and cut off a soldier's ear, thinking to protect his Lord (see John 18). Yet, a few hours later, he would deny he even knew Jesus three times. What happened? First, Peter was always bolder when he could see Jesus. Secondly, in his fear and uncertainty, he started putting self-preservation above anything else. As Jesus told us, we must deny ourselves to follow Him. This is true for us, too. To live a godly life, we must get rid of selfishness and willfulness, and surrender to God. These are good, timeless lessons for us all.

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me (Matthew 16:24).

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