The Apostle Peter Reflects On His Forgiveness
The Apostle Peter denied knowing the Lord Jesus. Although we might think that would end his career as a disciple, Carol demonstrates otherwise.
The Apostle Peter’s Perspective
Easter, a time to remember Jesus death and resurrection, the culmination of his earthly ministry, the reason he came to earth – to be the supreme sacrifice.
A number of years ago our church did an Easter celebration called a Living Museum. A guide took groups of people to various locations in the church Spotlights shone on a scene from long ago and a character stood like a statue in the scene until someone pushed a button. Then they sprang to life and told the Easter story from their perspective.
I had the honor to write several of the monologues. Today I want to share Peter’s thoughts of that first Easter.
The Apostle Peter at the Sea of Galilee
We find Peter looking out over the Sea of Galilee
“Fishing here on the Sea of Galilee is where Jesus found me – both times. The first time I had been a fisherman to earn my living. That’s what I did. I was just an uneducated fisherman. The second time – well that happened early one morning after Jesus had been crucified and then had risen from the dead. I had convinced a few others of the disciples to go fishing with me. For me – I just needed to do something to escape the guilt I felt in denying Jesus. How could I have done that?
Being in the boat is a good place to contemplate all the things I had seen and heard over the last three years, especially since we weren’t catching anything tonight. No matter what teaching or miracle I tried to focus on, that last night of Jesus’ life kept pushing all other thoughts away. So much changed that night – for Jesus- for me – for everyone. Jesus tried to prepare us – even told us about his impending death. He said one more thing – he said we’d all deny him.
Huh! Not me! I’d been quick to jump into that discussion. I assured my Lord and anyone else within ear shot how I’d never deny Jesus. I’d follow him anywhere. Later that night I even cut off a servant’s ear when that mob came to arrest him. I’d show them I was hanging out with Jesus to the end.
Jesus just healed the guy right there – put his ear back on and stopped me from doing any more violence – said it had to be this way. I didn’t understand.
The Apostle Peter Follows
“After that encounter I followed at a distance – quietly. I had to see what would happen. I needed to know what he’d let them do to him. Even then I was still sure I’d stay strong and never deny him no matter what he said. He told me I’d not just do it once but three times before the rooster crowed in the morning – three times! I couldn’t even imagine denying him once.
The mob led Jesus into where the high priest and Sanhedrin waited for him. I hung out in the courtyard sitting by the fire to warm myself. I felt someone stare at me. Then this servant girl, never taking her eyes off me, told everyone else at the fire I had been with Jesus.
I opened my big mouth and denied even knowing the man.
I moved away to another part of the courtyard, keeping my distance, listening, waiting. Again the accusation of another person telling everyone I was one of “Them!”
I blurted out my reply without thinking – “Man, I am Not!”
Shifting my position yet again, trying to remain anonymous, an hour passed before one more person declared for the whole world to hear, “This man certainly was with Jesus for he is a Galilean.”
Why couldn’t people have just left me alone. My angry report burst out before I could stop it, “You don’t know what you’re talking about.””
Peter and the Rooster
“Unbelievable – the rooster began to crow and I realized for the third time I had denied even knowing Jesus. Then I saw him look at me. I slunk away, embarrassed at this look. Ashamed of myself and my weakness – he knew me before I knew me.
I never had the chance to make it right. Never had the chance to say I’m sorry because the Roman soldiers led Jesus out to be crucified the next day. He’d been beaten so much I almost didn’t recognize him. I saw him hung on the cross. He died and I knew I’d failed.
Every morning the rooster crowed and my despair grew. “
The Apostle Peter and the Empty Tomb
“Then on the third day the women told me the most amazing story – the tomb where Jesus body had been laid was empty. They said Jesus had risen from the dead. This I had to see for myself. I raced John to the grave and ran right inside. Sure enough Jesus was gone.
Oh the good news didn’t end there. Jesus showed himself to us more than once. Jesus was alive. That was exciting. I never got to say I was sorry.
But the rooster still crowed each morning – like he was taunting me for my failure – my denial of Jesus of Nazareth whom I had followed for three years. So I went fishing to take my mind off my troubles. All night we fished and caught nothing. Then Jesus came in the early morning misty hours – the rooster crowing time of day. Everything changed. He told us to put the nets on the other side of the boat. We listened – no questions asked even though we weren’t sure it was Jesus. The nets were so full of fish they began to break. I knew without a doubt the man on the shore was the Master. I jumped out of that boat so fast and headed for shore. I had to be with him.
Jesus fed us breakfast. Then he asked me, not once but three times if I loved him.
Loved him – oh yes more than ever. Three times he asked. Three times I answered wondering why once wasn’t enough. Then I knew. Three times I had denied him. Three times now I professed my deep love for him. Oh Master I’m loved too – forgiven – useable by you to feed your lambs. Yes Lord – I’ll become a fisher of men – for you. “
Are you seeking forgiveness? Do you have a story to tell? Comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio.
Carol Harrison
Listen to Carol’s program Puzzle Pieces Of Life or visit Carol’s website carolscorner.ca
Carol Harrison B.Ed is a speaker and published author with one book, Amee’s Story and stories in twelve anthologies. She is passionate about helping people of all ages and ability levels find their voice and reach their fullest potential.
She knows, through personal experience that some of life’s experiences are tougher than others. She encourages people that even in the twists and turns of life God’s amazing grace provides hope.
She lives in Saskatoon, SK with her husband Brian. They have four adult children and a dozen grandchildren.
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Images courtesy of:
Peter and John Running to the Tomb – public domain
Sea of Galilee – dozemode
Mouth – 2977540
Fish – lim_bau
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