And Peter
We cannot talk about Bible characters within the topic of failure without considering Peter. His moments of failure are well-known and oft-studied. He is the poster child for moments of failure. How many of his failures can you name quickly? Consider Peter’s moments of failure. How do you compare?
Do you remember his failure in the water? Jesus came walking on the water toward the apostles who were in a boat on the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 14:22-33). “And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out for fear.” (verse 26). But not Peter. He said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” (verse 28). Jesus summoned him onto the water. “And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he was that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’” (verse 29-30). Jesus responded, “…why did you doubt?” (verse 31).
Do you remember his failure in rebuking Jesus? Jesus began to teach that He was going to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes. Finally, He would be killed and raised from the dead 3 days later (Matthew 16:21-23). “Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” (verse 22). Jesus responded harshly, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” (verse 23).
I know you remember his denial of Jesus in the courtyard while was on trial. Luke’s account is the most heart-piercing of the accounts of his denials (Luke 22:54-62). Peter was outside the courtroom warming himself by the fire. A certain servant girl “looked intently at him and said, ‘This man was also with Him.’” Peter denied being with Him (verse56-57). “…another saw him and said, ‘ You also are of them.’” Peter denied being with His disciples (verse 58). Another man said that he was of the group because he was a Galilean and Peter denied knowing what the man was saying (verse 59-60). Then, read Luke’s haunting words. “Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter…So Peter went out and wept bitterly.” (verse 60-62).
These are 3 rather serious moments of failure: lack of faith, rebuking Jesus, and denying Him while He was on trial. What do you think he deserved? Was Peter a complete failure? He may have thought he was but Jesus had a different idea. Now, see these powerful words from Jesus teaching that moments of failure do not make a person a failure. After Jesus was resurrected, Mark 16:1-7, record that the women came to the tomb. When they entered the tomb, they encountered a young man who gave them a message which seems to have come from Jesus. “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee…” Those simple yet powerful words—AND PETER! He was not a failure just because he failed. You and I are not either! I believe I can hear Him say, “AND MIKE!” and you can hear Him say the same thing about you!
— Mike Johnson
