Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - PETER

PETER

We are once again approaching that time of year when we commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus. We do this at Easter even though there is really no connection between that day and the events we are remembering. And that may account, in some cases at least, why so many have a problem in accepting those events as being factual.

And, in some ways, that may not be so difficult to understand because even those closest to Christ did not understand or accept all that was taking place. Let us take the case of Peter for example.

He was a fisherman by trade. Most likely a hardy, rough and tumble sort of person, quick-tempered, not apt to be educated, but loyal to those who were loyal to him. As a result, he was not known to be really close to Christ and often ended up in some difficulty regarding his behaviour. For example, when in Caesarea Philippi, Jesus said to him:

 

…“Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offence to Me, 

for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” 

(Matthew 16:23)

And in the garden, when Jesus was betrayed, it was Peter who acted rashly and:

…Simon Peter, having a sword, 

drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, 

and cut off his right ear… 

(John 18:10)

causing Jesus to once more somewhat rebuke him with the words:

…“Put your sword into the sheath. 

Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?" 

(John 18:11)

And further it was Peter who denied Jesus three times when confronted by the servant girl in the house of the high priest.

Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, 

‘‘You are not also one of this Man’s disciples, are you?” 

He said, “I am not.” 

(John 18:17)

There is also no indication that Peter was there at the time of the actual crucifixion. And so, he does not present as the brave and fearless individual who was expecting the miracle which was about to happen. And yet, when Mary Magdalene discovered the empty tomb, it was to Peter she first reported the news, and it was Peter, along with another disciple, who entered the tomb and saw the clothes lying there. And, although not well educated, was readily willing to perceive and accept what had taken place.

Within a few weeks, he was boldly able to state:

“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, 

a man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, 

and signs which God did through Him in your midst…

Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, 

you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; 

whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, 

because it was not possible that He should be held by it. 

This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses.

(Acts 2:23-24,32) 

Peter was essentially uneducated, impetuous, and a somewhat rough sort of a man who became a disciple. Although loyal and steadfast, he was not the bravest of men, and while under pressure denied Christ, showed troublesome behaviour, and even ran when the situation became difficult. But when confronted by and convinced by the truth, he became among the boldest and outspoken of men. When he determined who Christ really was, there was no stopping him. When we look at the resurrection and the empty cross at this season, may we determine to be as convinced and as emboldened as was Peter.

It certainly is something for one to think about.