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Jesus Met Peter (1)
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Peter said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know Me.”
Luke 22.31-34
“I can sure identify with Peter,” someone says. Without question, there are many things to learn from Peter’s life, one of which is evident: He was seemingly courageous, impulsive, and aggressive. The word “human” may best describe him, because he becomes someone Satan desires.
When Luke 22 describes Peter as someone Satan desires to “sift...as wheat,” we must consider the trials and temptations Satan plans to place upon us. Every one of those trials and temptations are a test of the stability of our faith. Will we leave or stay with Christ? It is Jesus’ prayer Peter will come through - determined - and be truly converted. If Peter could stand like a rock against any an all Satan puts him through, denial of the Lord will not likely happen. Yet, we know the story. We know the outcome.
Although we know the story of Peter’s denial of Jesus, Peter believed Jesus. It was first witnessed in Luke 5 when Jesus entered the boat of Peter, spoke to the people, turned to Peter, and said, “Let down your nets” (v. 5). No other person could have persuaded Peter to do so, because he knew they had not caught any fish the night before. “At Thy word,” Peter said, “I will.” There was no disagreement. He did not say, “It can’t be done. It will not work.” He said, “At Thy word, I will.” Faith and submission to the Lord’s word brought opportunities and blessings. Peter also learned at that point he could and would fish for men. Doing so the Lord’s way would be the most useful and fruitful means of evangelism.
Peter also showed his faith in John 6.51,53-54. Peter heard Jesus speak of eating His flesh and drinking His blood. Both concepts were cannibalistic and unreasonable. The “hard saying” of Jesus caused others to walk away (vv. 64-66). Jesus asked His disciples if they would go away. Peter’s answer was, “Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we have believed and know that Thou are the Holy One of God” (vv. 68-69). Peter testified that Jesus is the only giver of life and would continue with HIm.
In Acts 5, Peter in prison (along with John) was told not to preach about Jesus, but in v. 29, they both say they will obey God, not man. Neither Peter nor John respond this way unless they both truly believe and stand upon the words of Jesus. It is the faith of Peter which exhorts us to have full courage and stand for the words of Jesus on baptism, the church, marriage, holiness, godliness, and say, “At thy word, I will...”
It is not only Peter’s initial faith in Jesus which provides a lesson for us. It is his continual, staying faith over time, under the harshest and strongest of trials and temptations.
Jesus sent the disciples ahead of Him to sail to the other side of the Sea of Galilee in Matthew 14.22. While on this boat, the disciples encountered a storm, and Jesus appeared to them in the midst of the storm walking on water. Jesus spoke to all those in the boat saying, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid” (v. 27). Peter asked to come out of the boat onto the water, and Jesus said, “Come.” Peter fastened his eyes upon Christ, but then witnessed the strong wind kick up the water. Peter feared and began sinking. Jesus rescued him, and Peter learned that day a person can do “the impossible” with Jesus. When faith falters and fear trembles the heart, we sink into the depths of our surroundings. It takes a faith fixed upon Jesus while engaged in the race in order to finish faithfully (Hebrews 12.2). We can do what seems impossible in this world - live pure lives, be godly parents, be godly children, have patience, be kind, love, and manage our tongue - if we hold to our faith in Christ.
There is a difference in starting faith and staying faith. Think about a train or car. Both means of travel start differently from what it takes to keep going at 55 mph. Peter understood this and was converted to a staying faith, like the faith he spoke about in 2 Peter 1.5-10. For this to be true of us, it matters for us to stop watching everyone else and look at Jesus. Start looking at Him and stay looking at Him.
This is something every disciple of Christ should soberly consider as Peter did when he and the other disciples heard Jesus say the words of Matthew 16.24-28, Mark 8.34-38, and Luke 9.23-27; 14.25-33. People who anxiously want to follow Jesus often do not know how much it will cost to be His disciple. A person never imagines he/she may have their parents mock what they believe. They never expect a boss to fire them or replace them in their job because they refuse to work on Sunday morning or night due to attending worship services. Young who believe in Jesus may not think their coach will not want them to play on his team if they miss a game because they attend Bible class on Wednesday night. Who would imagine believing in Jesus would mean friends are ashamed of you and criticize you because of your faith?
Peter shows us where faith in Jesus will lead. “Wherefore girding up the loins of your mind, be sober and set your heart perfectly on the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1.13). The destiny of our faith in Jesus is not a dream. It is a reality by faith. It brings us to the same place Peter spoke of so clearly - heaven. Have faith in the One who desires for you to be in heaven with Him - Jesus.
