From Disciple, Denial then Declaration: The story of Peter

Peter

Fishermen

one of the first chosen disciples

brother of Andrew and son of John

Was there for most of if not evert miracle that Jesus did

was the leader of the disciples

known for asking the hard questions

So outspoken that he is even rebuked by Jesus because of his zeal in attempting to disagree with Jesus

Peter was the definition of a day 1, never switches up and stays consistent

If guns had been around when the high priest came to capture Jesus, Peter would’ve air it out

Peter was one of the ones who fell asleep when Jesus was praying (Matt. 26:36-45)

What does it mean to be a disciple? (Matt. 28:18-20)

It means you as a Talmid or an student live with the Rabbi or teacher or Master

you’re effectively an apprentice of someone much more well learned, you fetch, you listen, you obey, you answer questions, you do everything the Master tells you to the letter and the master corrects and pour into the student

you eat with, live with, sleep in he same dwelling learn under, study under observe, and duplicate the master.

Jesus calls Peter, his first disciple Matt: 4:18-20

the disciple would have established a close relationship with the master. over time, it would’ve developed into a close friendship. Peter being the of the first chosen along with his brother and actually walking with the master for as long as he did, was most certainly friends with Jesus. (John 15:15)

After a while, the emotions between Jesus and Peter was one of sincere hope of this truly being the Messiah and my best good friend.

Right as Peter sees this hope and comes to grips with it, his best good friend is killed.… and Peter denies him in Jesus’ most vulnerable time.

I remember one of my friends was about to get jumped in High school, he made a phone call and immediately got backup… But i remember one time a buddy was by himself with one other brother, and they stood tall and nothing happened. But i’ve seen friends allow their friends to get jumped. Where I’m from, you stand by your mans… Win, Lose or Draw you stand by ya mans

and Peter the disciple does exactly what Jesus the master foretells him in Matt. 26:36 and denies him.

and Peter has to live with that look that Jesus gives him after the third time and the rooster crows Peter has betrayed almost worse than Judas the Lord and Rabbi Jesus

how many of us have betrayed Jesus? with our choices, with our actions, with our words, our thoughts? we claim to love Jesus while its convenient… what about when the chips are down?

see the gag is we are Peter in some respects

hanging our head low wallowing in self pity, guilt and shame, hating ourselves replaying the moment or moments wondering when the guilt and shame will vanish?

peter questioning all that he has experienced over the last few years. was he the messiah? is he really dead? did i really abandon him? how could I have done that? can i be redeemed? if i had it to do over...