Paul wrote that, “we have this treasure in jars of clary” (See 2 Corinthians 4:7). While clay can make useful containers, it is fragile and brittle. Similarly, we also can be useful to God but remain frail and vulnerable. That’s why it is important not to look at our usefulness as a sign of strength. While we should be thankful that God uses us, our various ministry roles do not change our vulnerability. Peter found this out the hard way, and it completely caught him by surprise.
Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of 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.”
But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”
Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.” Luke 22:31-34
Based on all the stories we read in the Bible, Peter seems to be the bravest and the boldest of all the disciples . He was the one who declared Jesus to be the Messiah. Peter was also the only disciple who stepped out of the boat and walked on water. Finally, he also had the bravery to defend Jesus and cut off the ear of the solider that tried to arrest Him.
Peter had an impressive resume of boldness and zeal, but those qualities did not buy him immunity from being vulnerable. He never thought in a million years that he would ever deny Jesus, but in his moment of weakness, he did the unthinkable. Peter didn’t deny Jesus just once but three times!
If you were Peter, how would you have felt about denying Jesus? It would have been easy to feel like a failure or a hypocrite. He could have questioned his faith and wondered how real was his experience in ministering with Jesus for three years. Peter found himself bankrupt and perplexed while he had been trained by powerful teachings he had received from Jesus.
Peter had a mixture of fleshly and spiritual confidence up to that moment. This made him presumptuous of his abilities to the point that he refuted Jesus’ prediction about the denial of him! In addition, his association with Jesus may have given Peter false confidence, and in time, he had to stand on his own spiritual feet!
While our circumstances look very different than Peter’s, we can also suddenly find ourselves bewildered and weak in a moment of pressure. Jesus knew that Peter was going to deny him, and He told Peter that he had prayed for him. Similarly, Jesus understands our frailties. Our weak moments do not surprise Him, but they expose something that we need to address with God. Jesus restored Peter for the work He had for Peter was far more important than letting Peter sulk in his failure.
Praise God for His grace and mercy! It takes a huge burden off of our shoulders when we realize that not only God is not surprised by our frailty, but Jesus is interceding on our behalf, so we can get through the situation and come out stronger on the other side!
