The Repentant-Peter Model
Peter is known as that impetuous disciple who always had something to say on everything. Luke 22:33, 34 says he was so sure of himself and his discipleship that he promised to go with Jesus even to prison and death. Of course, not long after, he had to retract those words (Matt. 26:69-75).
Read John 18:1-11. What does this tell us about the personality and character of Peter, especially in light of Matthew 26:69-75?
We all know about Peter's failure. It exists as a powerful lesson to all disciples of Christ. We cannot work for the Lord in our own power. How crucial it is that we day by day surrender ourselves to Jesus. He is the Vine, we are the branches; without Him we can do nothing, especially not be faithful disciples. Again, zeal for the Lord and His cause is wonderful, but it must be done under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Read John 21:15-19. What does this teach us about what Jesus can do for those of His disciples who, repenting of their mistakes, do not give up on Christ?
"Here is given a lesson for all Christ's followers. The gospel makes no compromise with evil. It cannot excuse sin. Secret sins are to be confessed in secret to God; but, for open sin, open confession is required. . . . By giving proof of repentance, the disciple, so far as lies in His power, is to remove this reproach. . . . Three times Peter had openly denied his Lord, and three times Jesus drew from him the assurance of his love and loyalty, pressing home that pointed question, like a barbed arrow to his wounded heart. Before the assembled disciples Jesus revealed the depth of Peter's repentance, and showed how thoroughly humbled was the once boasting disciple."—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, pp. 811, 812.
Notice what Jesus said to Peter in John 21:18, 19. Jesus basically, was telling Peter that in the end, Peter would end up dying for the Lord he so fervently loved. Peter's words, in the end, came true, but only after he had learned some hard lessons about discipleship.
Have you made boastful promises, only to fail time and again, from fulfilling them? What can you take away from the story of Peter that can help you not to give up?
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