My reflections each Easter season tend to be pretty consistent. As I mull the significance of Palm Sunday, the march to the cross, Christ’s passion, and then resurrection morning, I always zoom in on Peter. I’ve mentioned before that of all the characters mentioned in Scripture, Peter is the one with whom I most self identify. I would rather be like Ruth or Joseph. But like it or not, I’m like Peter. I have had a lifelong problem with my mouth working faster than my brain. Peter had the same problem. God has worked on me for years to shut my mouth, listen, and think before I speak. But as I read each negative situation in which Peter managed to get himself, I can see me doing the exact same thing.
Though I haven’t sworn to the face of Jesus that I would never deny Him, I know had I been given Peter’s circumstances, I would have likely followed the exact same path he did in the hours leading up to the cross. I would vehemently affirm my unending loyalty to Jesus to His face. Then when put under pressure and fearing the outcome, I would deny Him. I know I would because I watch what I do in the privacy of my own head and my own journal. I swear allegiance to Jesus my King. Then when issues heat up my life, I have moments of both anger and doubt. “I can’t believe this?!! How am I supposed to trust You? You are not working for my good!” At least Peter never said those kind of things. Though I never say these things in front of others, God knows my anger and doubt, as does the realm in heavenly places. I didn’t deny Christ to people in front of me sitting around a firepit. I just did it in front of Satan and his demons. It rarely takes long for Jesus to figuratively catch my eye as He did Peter’s. And, like Peter, I weep bitterly at my lack of faith. Why couldn’t I endure?!!
So the image of Jesus coming to Peter after the resurrection means much to me. As someone who has denied Jesus in my own heart enough to know the turmoil Peter must have felt in that moment, I love the thought of Peter’s eyes meeting Jesus’ for the first time after the resurrection. And I praise God that Jesus doesn’t condemn Peter. He is SO GRACIOUS with Peter. Before all of this, Jesus had told Peter He was going to build His church on Peter the rock. And after Peter’s denial, Jesus comes to him in affirmation that His plans for Peter have not changed. I weep as I write this. Nothing had changed. God’s purposes for Peter were still on track! And then Jesus spends precious time before His ascension reaffirming His plans for Peter. Do you love me? Yes. Then feed my sheep.
Christ’s interaction with Peter before, during, and after the crucifixion epitomizes gospel grace to me. I know the theological language for all Christ accomplished for me on the cross. But watching it play out between Jesus and Peter in the gospels (and then reading on into Acts and the epistles to see what Peter became and taught in consequence) puts a face on it for me. Peter earned nothing and nearly squandered everything. But though Jesus knew Peter would betray Him, He loved him anyway, pursued him with His grace, and affirmed to him His purposes for him. And this same Jesus loves, pursues, and affirms you and I. To the praise of His glorious grace.
Here is a great message from Palm Sunday by my pastor, entitled King on a Donkey. This Easter week, I hope you like me will find sustaining joy in the vision of the King of the Universe coming, not on a war horse, but on a donkey with a posture of peace to draw you to Himself through His gospel grace.
