BS7D- A SPECIAL MEETING WITH PETER
Peter had been one of Christ’s closest disciples. A cocky Peter had boldly boasted that he would never allow Jesus to be handed over and killed. No, HE would die instead of Jesus if he had to.
Matthew 26:33,35
Then came the test and Peter had collapsed like a house of cards.
Matthew 26:69-74
With the rooster’s crow Peter suddenly remembered what the Lord had told him. What did this big burly fisherman do next?
Matthew 26:75
He had acted like a coward. He was no longer worthy to be part of the disciples or a close friend to Jesus.
But, Luke records in his gospel that after the resurrection Jesus met with Peter. There is no record of what is spoken at that meeting. But when the two disciples from Emmaus proclaimed that Jesus was alive, the other disciples were able to say that they already knew because Jesus had met with Peter!
Luke 24:34
We can only assume at this private meeting that Jesus had extended his grace and forgiveness to Peter. A relieved Peter probably accepted his forgiveness but never thought he could again be used by the Lord.
But now, he and the other disciples had received a strange message from some of the women disciples. They had seen an angel in the tomb where Jesus had been laid to rest. And that angel told the women to tell ALL of the disciples that they were to meet Jesus in Galilee --- including Peter!
Mark 16:7
Side Note: Mark wrote his gospel based on Peter’s testimony. The fact that Jesus told the women to tell all the disciples --- including Peter --- to meet Him in Galilee must have been like music to Peter’s ears!
Still in emotional pain from all he had done, Peter needed this word of encouragement. He needed to feel he was still in the family. He loved Jesus and wanted to be back on the team as His disciple! While they were waiting for Jesus to come, Peter decided to go fishing and six other disciples joined him. John records what happened.
John 21:1-6
What did John, who was the most spiritually perceptive amongst them, realize?
John 21:7a
With that announcement what did Peter do?
John 21:7b
He had run away once, but never again!
Jesus was ahead of his disciples on the shore preparing them a breakfast of bread and fish.
John 20:9-14
And while they were all on the beach eating, Jesus addressed Peter in front of everyone. It was a private and yet a public engagement.
John 20:15-19
Peter had denied Jesus three times and now Jesus had given him the opportunity three times to affirm his love. In this way Jesus recommissioned Simon Peter. He had already forgiven Peter but now with each affirmation of love he gave Peter an assignment. It was like Jesus was saying, “Peter, your work isn’t over. I need you to feed my lambs and tend my sheep.”
Simon was the name Peter was born with but it would be Peter the rock that would emerge from this special meeting with new love and authority. He had been a miserable failure, but God’s grace had covered all his sin, and he was back on track to follow Jesus.
This special meeting with Peter should be a glimmer of hope for all the rest of us too. Some of us have done some pretty unthinkable things. But like Peter Jesus wants to meet us so we can move on and get back on track for doing what God made us to do.
Next Study: BS7E- Time to Go - Waiting For the Promise