It's human nature

 

I got to thinking today that the life of Simon Peter, the Apostle, is a wonderful story about human nature.  He was so much like each of us.  He knew his limitations and past unfaithfulness early on in his relationship with Jesus.  In his boat by the lakeside [Luke 5:1-11] he begged Jesus, “Leave me Lord.  I am a sinful man.”  Again, at the Last Supper [John 13:1-20], he told our Lord: “You shall never wash my feet!”  After Jesus told him, “If I do not wash you, you will have no part in my heritage.”, Peter replied, “Then my hands and head as well.”  It was a humble Peter growing in self-knowledge.

Then at Caesarea Philippi Peter answered, “You are the Christ.”  Peter must have felt he had arrived.  Maybe the other apostles were more intelligent, more holy, but he was the only one to proclaim Jesus the Messiah.  And for that God blessed him.  But He also let Peter know that it was the heavenly Father who gave him the grace to know this truth.

Seems like Peter forgot this circumstance.  Later on, when Jesus predicts His passion and death, Peter decides to let the Lord know how things should progress.   “God forbid that any such thing should happen to you.”  Peter would take charge.  Christ needn’t suffer.  And Jesus played no favorites [James 2:1-9].  In front of all the disciples He let Peter feel the sting of His rebuke.  “Get behind me Satan. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.” [Mark 8:27-33]

Peter recovered fast.  Again, at the Last Supper He told Our Lord: “I will lay down my life for you.”  Trusting in himself, once again he fell flat on his face.  Denying Christ three times, he heard the cock crow [Luke 22: 31-34, 54-62].

But after Christ’s Resurrection, at the ‘fish fry’ on the seashore [John 21:1-19], Peter was again true to form.  “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”  He was as much as saying; Lord if you’re God, and I believe you are, then you know all things.  You know that I love you.  Don’t ask me to prove it.  I can’t.  And don’t look at my track record.  It’s a disaster.  But since you are God and know all things, you must know that I love you.  Peter had finally begun to know himself and to know God.  No wonder he was Christ’s choice to feed the lambs and feed the sheep.