Encounters with Jesus 4: Peter - The Fickle Follower (video)

In our Lent-Easter worship series, Encounters with Jesus, we’re following Jesus from his raising of Lazarus to his resurrection (based on John 11-20).

Over the last 3 weeks, we’ve heard the stories of Caiaphas, Mary the sister of Lazarus, and last week Andrew – one of Jesus’ first disciples. This Sunday we will hear the story of Andrew’s brother: Peter – The Fickle Follower.

With his propensity to speak first and think later, I so get Peter! It’s not easy for an extrovert to remain silent or bite one’s tongue. One’s words can gush out like water from a fire hydrant… and do untold amounts of damage!

Peter wants to prove himself worthy of being Jesus’ right-hand man. But the harder he tries, the more he keeps messing up. Think of when he hopped out of the boat amid the swell, took a few steps towards Jesus, and then sank like a rock!

Even after three years with Jesus and the others, Peter is still making impulsive promises. At the last Passover meal, Jesus talks of imminent betrayal – and of being deserted by his disciples. With characteristic boldness, Peter declares to Jesus: “I will lay down my life for you” (Jn 13:37).

But as the night wore on, Peter’s resolve ran dry. Before the dawn crowing of the rooster, Peter denied having anything to do with Jesus… three times.

Yet Jesus did not give up on Peter! This is good news for every one of us. Jesus never gives up on us! His mercy triumphs over judgment. He is always walking towards us to do us good – to forgive us, to restore us, to grow us, to keep loving on us, and to bring us into his story for his world.

A widely held attitude in many cultures: “Three strikes and you’re out!”

I’m glad that Jesus is not like that!

Shalom!
Pr Rolly