The Denial of St. Peter
Posted by Drew Coffman | | Posted On Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 1:49 PM
- Gerrit van Honthorst
After recently going through 1 Peter, then 2 Peter, then 2 Peter again quite a few times, I was really blown away with who Peter became throughout his lifelong walk with Christ. I sometimes find it very easy to separate teaching figures in the Bible and forget they had past mistakes, and Peter is a great example. Only lately have I really been grasping what it means that the same man who gives us great wisdom also repeatedly showed his fear, shame, and insecurities to the world while walking beside Jesus.
Peter is such a great encouragement to me, because He wasn't so great. Not only did he fear, but he feared to the point of literally denying Jesus. I think we should look at that and see the similarities in our lives, and then look at the rest of his life to see what great things he accomplished afterwards, and how we can do the same.
Because Peter understood that his life wasn't perfect. He understood that his faith wasn't "on" or "off." Instead, he realized that "you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." That, and that alone, is just what he did. I'm going to try and follow that excellent example.
I've been reading so much about Peter lately. First God kept leading me to read 1 Peter, and then today I was reading about his denial. I love the idea that God used his darkest moment as a testimony to us all, that things will get hard. Yet, Jesus showed such great love for Peter, like showing Himself to him first after the Resurrection. (I'm pretty sure that happened, but don't quote me). I, too, want to follow the example of his life.
So good. That's encouraging to read.. especially after thinking about some of our own mistakes and denials. If he can do it, I can do, right? Plus I love that you include a lot of art in your blog! :)
Thank you for this, Drew.
Reminds me of my favorite scene from Jesus of Nazareth, also involving Peter. This line is not biblical, but it's not hard to imagine this scene playing out. It sure does in my life...:
"I'm just a stupid man."
http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=2d6574639410f37289b9
Very nice insights. Simple, yet profound.
Yet another wonderful masterpiece of art too.
The art and post are always most thought-provoking.
Grandma says you should make a book out of these posts... Just sayin'.
:D