By John A. Huffman, Jr.
Mark, in particular, was quick to show Peter's humanity. Peter tried pressing on Jesus the role of a popular teacher (
Mark 1:35-37). At Caesarea Philippi (
Mark 8:27-33) Jesus receives Peter's confession of Messiahship with a certain reserve and announces that Peter's subsequent remonstrance is the work of Satan. Even on the Mount of Transfiguration (
Mark 9:2-10) we see Jesus somewhat disturbed by Peter's suggestion that they erect three booths associating Jesus with a nationalistic triumph, a kind of painless way to Messianic glory.
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Although close to Jesus, Peter, in those early years of discipleship, is seen as one with his own personal weaknesses. Matthew records him as "walking on the water" and makes clear that Peter is a typical disciple who achieves greatness only in dependence upon the Lord. His role is that of a "spokesman for the Twelve," no more and no less.
Although referred to as Peter much earlier, it is only in the post-resurrection appearances of our Lord and in Peter's future ministry that the "rock-man" characteristics truly emerge. It is after Pentecost that Peter became the leading figure in the apostolic church.
Somehow the Holy Spirit got hold of Peter and took an impetuous, eager, overly-energetic, but not-too-wise person, who denied his Lord three times, and disciplined him into a man who made a major contribution to the life of the Christian church. According to church tradition, he ended his life a martyr, crucified head down, out of loyalty to the Lord he had previously denied.
I would like to focus on that particular event which makes him stand out so graphically as a well-intentioned, but flawed, person. I have already read the story to you of how in the Upper Room Jesus turned to Peter and said, "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers" (
Luke 22:31-32).
Peter wasn't ready for that comment. Eager, bursting with hyperactive energy, he declares his readiness to follow his Lord to prison and even to death. Imagine the feelings Jesus must have had when He responded, "I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me" (
Luke 22:34).
How could that be? Peter is dumbfounded by the thought. Yet we know the rest of the story.
Later that evening as Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, His disciples, including Peter, could not stay awake. Judas came and planted that kiss of betrayal on the cheek of our Lord. What did Peter do? He grabbed his sword, swinging it wildly in the air, and cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest. Jesus demanded, "No more of this!" He touched the man's ear, healing him, surrendering to His captors.