'Tell Peter'

Peter was a man of contradictions - impulsive and bold, yet affectionate and loyal. He responded eagerly to the call of Jesus to follow him. (Matthew 4:18 20:14:28-31) He left his net, his boat, his fishing trade, and his familiar surroundings. He was also the first of the disciples to recognise who Jesus was. (Matthew 16:16). But when Jesus was foretelling his death, Peter began to rebuke him, saying: 'Far be it from you lord; this shall never happen to you!

Peter was firmly put in his place by the Lord's reply: 'Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but this things of man' (Matthew 16:21-23).

Peter who, only a few verses before, had been commended by Jesus as blessed to have the revelation of the father, was now reprimanded for being used as a mouthpiece for Satan. Jesus said later, 'Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail. And when you have returned to me, strengthen your brothers.' (Luke 22:31-34).

Jesus knows what Christians will be facing in this life. Our faithfulness will be tested many times. We will be tested many times. We will be buffeted by the enemy through different ways - through temptations, rejection, opposition and discouragement. But, in those words Peter, we can see the desire and the will of our Lord that we will be able to bounce back and prevail. And as those times come to us, we too can be a source of strength and inspiration to others.

The impulsive Peter answered Jesus with a solemn pledge of loyalty: 'Lord, I am ready to go with you in prison and to death!' Brave words, but he was setting himself up for his greatest fall.

'Not me, Lord'

Peter's difficulty in accepting Jesus' caution showed clearly the night before the Lord's death. Jesus said to his disciples, 'All of you will be made to stumble because of me this night, for it is written: "I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered." But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.' (Matthew 26:31-32)

Peter found that too hard to accept. He may have said to himself, 'Maybe the others, but not me!' But soon, he denied the Lord three times, fulfilling Jesus' prediction. Just as the cock crowed and Jesus was led by the soldiers, he turned his eyes to Peter. That gaze was too much to bear. He had betrayed his friend and his Lord in his hour of greatest need. He was no different from Judas. Overcome with guilt, he wept bitterly.

He knew of what happened during the next few hours. Jesus was beaten, crowned with thorns, and killed by the soldiers. All the disciples were filled with grief, but perhaps none among them knew the depths of Peter's discouragement and shame.

Judas hanged himself on a tree for betraying the Lord. Could not Peter thought of doing the same? How could he face the other disciples? Would they - would anybody - trust him ever again?

Mentioned by name

The resurrection of Jesus brought new hope, and fresh anxiety. The angel at the tomb that morning had told the women who had come to anoint Jesus body: 'Don't be alarmed, you seek Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples - and Peter - that he is going before you into Galilee; there you will see him, as he said to you.' (Matthew 26:31-32).

How do you think Peter felt about that? Not only had the Lord risen again, but he mentioned Peter's name in particular. Wow! Imagine what powerful effect that could have had upon Peter -'And he asked me to meet him in Galilee!' - but why?

By this time Peter knew for sure that Jesus was indeed Christ, the Son of the living God! All his claims about giving his life as a ransom for all were true. His redeeming work had been accomplished. But would he have anything to do with Peter, after being denied by him?

'But he mentioned me specifically. Could it be that Jesus was willing to accept me still, trust me still and love me still even if I denied him so? I wonder...' Peter soon found out that the words, 'tell Peter' were an expression of love, confidence and forgiveness from Jesus.

'Tell Peter' - what loving words of assurance for one who had been unfaithful. Could the Lord be saying, 'No matter what you have done, there is forgiveness, there is hope. I am alive. I am with you all the way. I offer you a new beginning ...'?

The rest is history. Peter spent the rest of his days proclaiming boldly the good news of the Lord he once denied, but now without any doubt. He became a mighty witness to the gospel of Jesus, finally sealing his faith with his own blood in martyrdom. Peter left us a legacy of one who failed, but, with the power of Jesus, had a new beginning, and meaningful life for the glory of God.

So - do you feel discouraged? Are you like Peter, dismayed at the extent of your inadequacies, the pressure of living faith, and those times when you too may have been tempted to deny Jesus in your life?

Take heart! Be encouraged by the words of the Lord through the angel. His message is as much for you as it was for the one who felt he had gone too far to be ever be accepted again.
'Tell Peter!'