Christian Living

A DIFFERENT VIEW OF PETER

by paul hoffmaster
01/21/18
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The Apostle Peter was the “alpha male” in the Divine appointed position of Jesus’ inner circle.  Time and time again Peter would put his foot in his mouth with initiatives and responses to appropriate and inappropriate situations.  For some reason he was always ready to give his opinion or observation to whatever presented itself.  It did not matter what someone said or the circumstances, for he was always ready to give his editorial.  Today, the scale of human interaction leans to displays of opinions on almost every subject.  Everyone has an opinion about something, no matter if they understand what they are responding to or not.  Why do we feel we always have to promote our viewpoints?  Don’t get me wrong, for there is a danger of not speaking when the need arises.  What I am saying is that the world does not go around us, and sometimes the best thing to do is be a good listener.

 As one studies the Gospels, one cannot miss the self-centered Peter.  One day, after Jesus had used Peter’s boat to minister to the people on shore, He told Peter to head out to sea and let down his nets for a great catch.  Peter told Him that they had fished all night and had caught nothing, but he acquiesced and said he would go out and let down “a” net. (Luke 5:4, 5)  Peter was responding, but on his own terms.  Instead of letting down all his nets, he would only put down one.  I wonder how many Believers adjust their submission to qualified obedience.   

 On the Mount of Transfiguration, when he saw Moses and Elijah talking to Jesus, Peter blurted out that it was good for the disciples to be there and what they needed to do was make three tents (tabernacles) in honor of those three.  Peter felt he had to say something, even though it made no sense. (Mark 9:5, 6)

 One day, Jesus began to share with His men that His life would end, but that He would rise again on the third day.  Peter takes Jesus aside and rebukes Him, telling Him it was not going to happen. (Matthew 16:21, 22)  Later, Peter would confront Jesus with his fellow Apostles seeking to know what they would expect to get from Him for their time of service. (Matthew 19:27)  It was in the Upper Room, after the last supper, that Jesus knelt down to wash the feet of His chosen.  Peter questioned whether He was going to wash his feet, and when Jesus implied He was Peter once again challenged Jesus’ authority by telling Him that he would not allow it. ((John 13:5-8)

 It was during a storm on the Sea of Galilee that the Apostles, many of whom were professional fishermen, literally feared for their lives.  It is interesting to note that Jesus had told them to row over to the other side of the sea, not to go down to the bottom of the sea!  Suddenly, appears Jesus walking on the water.  The Apostles think they are seeing a ghost and cry out in fear.  Jesus calls out and tells them it is Him and not to be afraid.  Alpha male Peter then yells out that if it is really Him command him to come out to Him.  Here again, Peter feels he has to say something, even though it makes no sense. (Matthew 14:26-28)  Suppose it was an evil spirit and it told Peter to get out of the boat and come, what would have happened to Peter?  When Jesus told him to come, I wonder what his initial response was.  Did he hesitate, wondering if this was a wise thing to do?  Peter walks on the water for a few steps and then starts to drown.  He cries out and Jesus catches him.  Jesus then asked him why he doubted.  After the resurrection, Jesus tells Peter to follow Him, upon which Peter points to John and asks Jesus, “What shall this man do?” (John 21:21)

 What do we learn from these selected accounts from Peter’s life?  We need to meditate on these incidences and see what the Holy Spirit wants to teach us.  The lesson from Peter’s “foot boarding” incident is to stop being tossed about with everyday problems, and start walking over those problems while keeping your eyes on Jesus.  Stop looking at the problem and start “being of good cheer” for Jesus is in control!  Happy studying!