One purpose of the written biblical record is to demonstrate to future generations both what “to do” and what “NOTto do.” Hebrews 11, often called The Hall of Faith, lists many excellent men such as Abel, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David, and Daniel. There are also many exceptional women of faith such as Sarah, Deborah, Hannah, Rahab, Ruth, Elizabeth, and Mary. These faithful servants are fantastic examples for us. But, honestly, I’m no Hannah, no Ruth, no Mary… not even by a long shot.
There is one particular biblical figure who sometimes kind of gets a bad rap for his flaws. But I can deeply identify with him… with his struggles, his behavior, his feelings of doubt, discouragement and fear. Of course, I’m talking about Simon Peter.
Peter was just an average, hard-working, blue-collar family man. He was originally from the small, rural town of Bethsaida but settled in Capernaum (John 1:44, Mark 1:29). His father, Jonah, was in a business partnership with another man, Zebedee (John 1:42; Luke 5:10). Together, with their adult sons, the men ran a fishing business. So, the sons worked together, shared close bonds, and became four of the disciples – Peter, Andrew, James and John (John 1:44; Mark 1:116; Luke 5:10). Peter was a married man and according to church tradition, also a father1(1 Cor 9:5). By all accounts, he was just an average, run-of-the-mill person. He was like the rest of us.
Like the rest of us, he had some issues. Seriously… and I can relate. Here’s a glimpse of Peter the person – the good, the bad and the ugly.
Peter was passionate and rash. Amazed when he saw Jesus walking on water, Peter asked to come out and meet him; but after he thought about it for a second, he sank. I can relate. I’ve acted on impulse in one second and had buyer’s remorse the next… on more than one occasion.
So excited at the Mount of Transfiguration, he spontaneously blurted out the desire to build an alter on the spot when God interrupted him and told the men to listen to Jesus (Matt 17:4)! I can relate, my tongue sometimes gets the better of me.
He got excited, even zealous, declaring his intent to defend Jesus to the end and carried a sword to back it up. He even cut off the ear of Malchus at the arrest of Jesus (John 13:37; 18:10). Ok, I haven’t cut off anyone’s ear, but I can still relate. I have certainly wounded others with my rash reactions.
Peter was boisterous and inquisitive, often asking questions on behalf of the group. He was often confused about the actions and words of Christ. I can totally relate. I ask tons of questions and often find myself still confused. Just when I think I understand something; I find out there is so much more to learn.
Peter was plagued with doubts, such as the walking on water event, during the arrest of Jesus, and after the resurrection. I can relate. I have struggled with doubt and discouragement, the devil’s playthings.
Peter could be quick tempered. When pressed a third time regarding his association with Jesus, his temper flared, and he cursed and swore that he didn’t know Jesus (Matt 26:74). I can relate. My own anxieties have led me to verbally attack others and even lie.
Know what else about Peter? He loved Jesus. He learned from his mistakes. Under the grace and mercy of God, he grew spiritually. He drew close to the Lord. He served Jesus. Peter made his best effort. I can relate. Although deeply flawed, I LOVE CHRIST. I try to learn from my mistakes and grow.
Peter is an excellent example of what it means to be human. His walk with Christ is an excellent example of what it means to be redeemed. Paul tells us, “For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare to even die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:6-8, NASB2)
Christ died for Peter, for me, for you. Romans 5:6 says that Christ died at the “right time.” I think about that, particularly in relation to Peter. Christ didn’t wait until Peter had reached some spiritual apex and then die for him. NO! Christ died for Peter at the time Peter denied him, at Peter’s lowest moment. I can relate. God has remained with me through my own low points and bad behavior. I just hope, in spite of all my flaws, sins, doubts and fears that I can press on and do my best. That I will get up when I fall, because I will certainly fall. All humans do. But God loves us anyway.
Further Evidence: After composing this blog post I was washing dishes when my 20-year-old entered the kitchen complaining about “what a pain” the 12-year-old is because the bathroom floor was sopping wet. My response was, “Well, he’s 12. I hate to break it to you, but you’re 20 and guess what? You’re still a pain sometimes too, but I absolutely love you.” My purpose here was to dash any illusionary hope he might have of the “pain phase” passing anytime soon. I got a “pfft” and a contemplative, eye-narrowed expression as he exited. As soon as he left the room, I felt convicted as the Spirit impressed, “Well, he’s 20. I hate to break it to you, but you’re (let’s just say not a spring chicken) and guess what? You’re still a pain sometimes too, but I absolutely love you.” Tellin’ the truth in love… that’d be Jesus.
[1]Peter H. Davids, “St. Peter: The Underestimated Apostle,” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 54, no. 3 (September 2001): 640.
[2]Unless otherwise noted, all biblical passages referenced are in the New American Standard Bible.