Peter, the big fisherman, the rock on which Jesus would build his Church, crumbles under pressure. Impetuous Peter, forever opening his mouth before he thinks. Peter, who was Jesus’ right-hand man, couldn't bear the thought of forsaking Jesus. He had a deep conviction that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, the Son of God, but despite being determined to remain bravely as close as possible to Jesus,
in the end, he failed. But why? Was it a lack of faith? Was it fear? Was it a lack of understanding?
Peter was turned inside out by the whole experience of the evening Passover supper when he tried to forbid Jesus washing only his feet, wanting more; being emphatically told that he too would do the unthinkable and ‘fall away’; and failing at watching and praying with his Lord who was in agony in the Garden afterwards. Of course, it was
his will and desire that his friend Jesus should not suffer and should not die, but he had to learn that God’s will ‘outranks’ his will. That God’s will will be done!
As Paul wrote many years later, Jesus, “being in the form of God, did not count equality with God something to be grasped. But he emptied himself, . . . becoming as human beings are; . . . he was humbler yet, even to accept death, death on a cross.”
[Philippians 2:2-8] Jesus fully accepted his Abba’s will, and this is what Peter still had to learn.
This is a hard lesson that we all often must relearn repeatedly in our lives. We must accept that God knows best in every situation, no matter how we see it or want it.
How often do I try to impose my will on God? Or on others? Do I earnestly seek God’s purpose
in the things of my life and encourage others to do the same, especially in difficult, life-threatening circumstances? Am I inclined to tackle things with my own strength and with my own knowledge, or do I ask for God’s wisdom and strength?
Reflections by Reggie Venter
