Our HUMAN of the Bible Reflection for May, Peter, became a very close friend to Jesus in addition to being one of His disciples.  

Peter was a part of the inner circle with Jesus.  Jesus brought them together with Him to places where He greatly trusted.  One of these special sites was the Garden of Gethsemane.  Jesus invited the core friends to go further into the garden to pray with Him. Soon He would face betrayal, accusations, and death on the Cross. 

However, just days before these events would occur - Jesus had a conversation with His disciples.  

Matthew 26:31-35 NIV

31 Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:

“‘I will strike the shepherd,
   and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’[a]

32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

33 Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”

34 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”

35 But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.

After telling the disciples they all would fall because of Him, Peter declared he would not.  Jesus predicted to Peter that before the rooster crowd twice - Peter would have denied Him three times.  And he did.  

(Matthew 26:69-74) 

It happened just as Jesus said it would. Peter was devastated.  Jesus was, too.  It is distressing to be betrayed by someone so close to you.  It is heartbreaking especially when you know they are and will continue to do so.  

Peter found himself remembering the words of Jesus and wept mournfully - painfully.  

Matthew 26:75 NIV

Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Peter and Jesus had a relationship that went beyond discipleship.  Peter was a dear friend to Jesus.  The devastation and loss experienced was incomprehensible.  Yet, the betrayal wound went deep in these friends.  After all - they both were human.  Jesus - God - yes, but He was human and He felt the abrasion of unfaithfulness from someone so valued.  While Peter knew the grief of disloyalty to his close friend and Lord. 

There are so many amazing things about Jesus.  His love and forgiveness are greater than we can comprehend.  Here we’ve seen all that He was so willing to endure for our sins - for our salvation.  Yet, there are human experiences we get glimpses of in His Word.  If we discern enough - allow the Holy Spirit to enlighten us - we can  understand the humanness, the friendships, the heart of Jesus as He lived out His life.  

Something my precious dad shared with me years ago was the insurmountable compassion of Jesus toward Peter.  It was a touching lesson my dad had learned for himself and passed on to me.  In Mark 16:1-6 the women that had been alongside the disciples and Jesus went to His tomb.  When they arrived, the stone had been removed.  They were met by a man in all white who told them that Jesus was not there - He was alive!  Jesus had risen- just as He said!   

He told them not to be frightened and then He said this -

“But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.”

(Mark 16:7 NIV)

Through His angel Messenger, Jesus sent word to His disciples that He was alive!   He specifically instructed that the news be communicated to his defeated friend, Peter.  Oh, what a Savior!

Three Times Denial.  Three Days Later “Go, and Tell …” 

This message personalized to Peter breathed life into this dejected disciple.  He who boldly proclaimed that he would not fall, he would not fail, he would not deny - did so and did so disastrously.  Oh, there is no judgment here - for haven’t we each fallen short, dear Reader?

BUT GOD!  Once again, we see Jesus offer more to this human with faults.  Could it be that His ability to reach out is beyond what you and I can extend …or maybe even in some situations, are willing to?   What a powerful point to ponder.  Might we consider asking the Lord to search our hearts.  Should we have an area where we need to give forgiveness - may we recognize it and do so.  For Jesus showed us how, didn’t He?

A beautiful scene of love and forgiveness.  A wonderful assurance of Jesus and restoration in relationship.  A special story of friendship with Jesus. 

If you need prayer, you can complete and submit a prayer request form at my Prayer Request page.   

Should you want to know Jesus more or as your personal Savior, please see my Invitation and Prayer page.  

You are welcome to contact me at thumanburgin@gmail.com for feedback, comments, questions.  If it is your preference, you can also email your prayer requests to me. 

We can be encouraged that as we enjoy a close friendship with our Lord - no matter our choices - His love and mercy are great and extended toward us.  We need only receive Him and welcome Him into our hearts - our lives.  Jesus is ready to not just be Savior of our souls, but the closest friend we have known, and ever will. 

Three times denial …or more?   Three days later and maybe less.  Jesus will say, “Go and tell …” Jesus calls you by name, dear Reader, and wants you to know He is here and you are dear to Him.  

Seek Him, friend, and let Him tell you how He loves you so!