Peter was brash. He seemed to spend most of his time during his discipleship either putting his foot in his mouth or showing his butt. He was a tradesman - a fisherman. He didn't likely have the finer education and high-class etiquette one might expect for the future head of the church. Before Jesus was crucified he predicted that Peter would deny he knew him three times - which Peter boldly denied he would do. Then comes Jesus arrest and trial. We then find Peter out in a courtyard around a fire with some strangers who suspect him of being a follower of Jesus. Boldly, and brashly, Peter denies he knows Jesus three times - just like Jesus said he would. We can only imagine what Peter felt as he realized what had just happened as he hears the rooster crow. (John 18:15-27)
Have you ever been the one trying to do something the best you knew how and failing miserably at it? Have you ever been the one in a position of authority watching someone you are responsible for struggle against the current dragging them towards the edge of the dam? What do you do? Odds are that we've all heard the phrase: "It's for their own good." We find ourselves in a position where someone needs help and we are the ones to give it. It might not be nice. It might not be pretty. It might not feel good to the person getting helped, but sometimes medicine tastes bad. It's for their own good.
I would offer one word of caution when following this train of thought: How can the good of the person be truly preserved? How can love be extended while practicing kindness and humility in this situation? What is the best way to be patient and to maintain peace? Often times we strike out against someone for their own good, but no good comes of it - except for us. Think of a time you did something that had a large impact on someone who just wasn't getting along with the program - especially if the motivation was to help them. Ask yourself some questions:
- What were the clear issues that needed to be addressed with the individual?
- What clear steps were taken towards a clear end with the individual?
- What followup was done to confirm that the 'good' was achieved for the individual?
More that one time scripture records Jesus dealing with Peter in a way that seems harsh. But we always find instruction and edification along with the reprimands. After Jesus death and Peter's betrayal we find a few events that not only paint a picture of God's grace in saving us from our sin, but also the restoration of a relationship with a broken man. The women went to visit Jesus' grave and they were met by an angel according to the account found in the book of Mark. In that account the angel tells the women to go and tell the disciples and Peter that Jesus has rose from the dead. God went the extra step to let Peter know that the relationship between them was not over. Later on we find an account of the disciples fishing. Jesus had already appeared to them and now we find him on the shore of the lake watching them fish from their boats. What is really important is what takes place later on the beach with Peter. Jesus asks Peter three times, "Do you love me?" Each time Peter answers and is given instruction. Jesus restores Peter from a place of denial and separation to a relationship of love and direction. We find Peter later on in scripture preaching on Pentecost in the Spirit a sermon so moving that thousands come to faith and believe in what Jesus Christ did for them. We see a man who had messed up and made mistakes having had God do what needed to be done for the good of him so that he could be restored to relationship with Christ and able to lead the church by the grace given him by God.
