It's hard to find anyone more real than Peter. What you see is what you get. Peter is also rough around the edges. One foot out of the mouth, only to make room for the other one to go in. Shoot first, aim later. He is a fisherman, so he also swears and curses sometimes. Occupational hazard of some jobs.
Peter has quite a history with Jesus. He dropped everything to follow Jesus. He recognizes Jesus for who He is – God’s Messiah, the Savior of the world. Peter walks on water with Jesus. Peter declares that he is willing to go to prison with Jesus and to die with Jesus. Peter defends Jesus with a sword.
If this is not love, I don't know what it is.
It's passion.
It's sacrifice.
It's risk.
It's revelation.
Then Peter gets really, really scared. And this guy doesn't get scared easily. He is so scared that he flees from Jesus. He leaves His master and friend alone. He hides. But, he also can't stay away...just can't stay away.
So he inches as close as he can get to Jesus while still trying to keep safe.
Have you ever tried that? Being close to Jesus while trying to stay safe?
It turns out it's not close enough...
And it turns out it's not far enough.
So, Peter denies Jesus.
Not once. Not twice. But three times.
Jesus dies. Three days later Peter inspects the empty tomb. Sees resurrected Christ again. And again. . …
After all this, Peter decides he is not cut for fisher of men job. He is going back to what he is good at - back to fish-fishing, and brings his fishing buddies along. It’s the dawn of the morning after their trip. They are coming back empty-handed. No fish. Peter remembers, long, looong time ago another fishing night like this...... Then he hears a voice shouting out from the beach.
A Stranger gives the experienced defeated fishermen simple instructions. Great catch.
The Stranger, of course, is Jesus. He cooks the breakfast for the tired crew. Even though nobody is asking any questions, there is this big AWKWARD hanging over Peter.
In his head, he might have known that Jesus has forgiven Him.
But, could he forgive himself?
All those words, all those declarations... Imagine Peter's internal turmoil. Imagine the questions swirling around his head and his heart...
A Stranger gives the experienced defeated fishermen simple instructions. Great catch.
The Stranger, of course, is Jesus. He cooks the breakfast for the tired crew. Even though nobody is asking any questions, there is this big AWKWARD hanging over Peter.
In his head, he might have known that Jesus has forgiven Him.
But, could he forgive himself?
All those words, all those declarations... Imagine Peter's internal turmoil. Imagine the questions swirling around his head and his heart...
Then, after they all ate, Jesus asks Peter a question. Not once. Not twice. But three times.
Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?
Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?
Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?
... Do...
...you...
...love...
...Me?
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