Peter: Positive Change

If the All-Knowing God commented on your faith, what would He reveal?

There are a few times when Jesus comments on the faith of others. Interestingly, those He found most favorable were those of a Gentile background. As for those who were the esteemed teachers of the Law, their faith was lacking (Matt 5:20). As for those who followed Him closely as friends and students, their faith was lacking. In a previous article, we commented on Jesus’s remark to Peter falling into the water, “O, you of little faith…” (Matt 14:31). Peter was not alone in this struggle; three other times, the same refrain would ring forth in response to the whole of His disciples (Matt 8:26; Matt 16:8; Luke 12:28).

In keeping with the theme of Peter, I am reminded of Jesus’ perception of Peter while in the garden of Gethsemane. “…the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matt 26:41). What was Jesus saying? We are reminded of the context: Jesus is preparing to surrender Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world, and Peter is making bold claims of his undying allegiance to Christ. Is Jesus saying there is no possible way of making good on promises of perpetual faithfulness? Is Jesus saying that we will always choose the side of flesh because we are inherently incapable as humans?

Jesus commented such because He knew Peter on a level that Peter couldn’t even predict to be true about himself. Peter had good intentions but didn’t possess the faith necessary to make good on those intentions. This was shown true by Peter’s three-time denial of Jesus. Peter recognized this tearfully (Luke 22:62).

What am I to learn from this? That your undying loyalty is tied to your immovable belief. What became of Peter post-resurrection and post-ascension? Was there concern for self? Peter preached confidently (Acts 2-3), unceasingly (Acts 4:12, 5:29), and peacefully endured persecution (Acts 12:6). What motivated this change? The hope which is provided through Christ (1 Peter 1:3-4, 13). What else am I to learn from Peter? If he can change, so can I. Like Peter, any mistakes forgiven are so: forgiven. The future holds opportunity. Now, prepare your flesh for strength to follow through with the willingness of your spirit.