Peter’s Flaws
Peter's foundation was in Christ, as we saw yesterday. But getting the foundation right isn't the whole answer. Because even though he had his faith in Jesus, Peter's flaws soon begin to show.
Peter kept getting it wrong, in spite of his faith.
Peter Getting it Wrong
It's Peter whose doubt is rebuked by Jesus when he panics as he walks on the water: "Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14:29-31)
It's Peter who misunderstands Jesus' mission and actually tries to rebuke Jesus: "Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!" Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns." (Matthew 16:22-23)
It's Peter who tries to push Jesus away when He begins washing feet: "He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." "No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me." (John 13:6-8)
It's Peter who gets violent in the Garden of Gethsemane: "Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?" (John 18:10-11)
It's Peter who ultimately denies Jesus when He is arrested: "About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean." Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly." (Luke 22:59-62)
Why So Many Christians Relate to Peter
This is why many of us relate well to Peter! He's the guy always willing but always getting it wrong.
You see friends, placing your faith in Jesus doesn't guarantee perfect trust. Maybe you'll still focus on the waves and the wind instead of fixing your eyes on Him. Maybe you'll still misunderstand the Jesus message and mission. Maybe you'll still keep Jesus at a distance sometimes, when He wants to wash and cleanse you. Maybe you'll still mistreat people here and there in a moment of weakness. Maybe you'll even deny Him.
If that's you today, don't despair. You might weep bitterly, like Peter did, when you realise how short you've fallen. But there is hope for even the most flawed and sinful person. Jesus redeemed Peter in spite of his flaws. Friends, don't let your flaws discourage you today. Take them to Jesus, and as we shall see tomorrow, you will be offered forgiveness, like Peter was.
Peter had the right foundation in Christ, but his faith didn't stop him from repeatedly getting it wrong. Take heart today if you feel like you keep failing - there is always hope and forgiveness in Jesus.