The Apostle Peter

John 18:12-18 & 25-27
 
John 18:17 The girl at the gate said to Peter, “Aren't you also one of the disciples of that man?” “No, I am not,” answered Peter.
 
FOR centuries, Peter has been judged, condemned and mocked for this. One time when I was preaching on Peter’s restoration as recorded in John 22, I first asked the congregation what came to mind when Peter’s name was mentioned.
     “Denied Christ,” was the first response. Eventually words such as “passionate”, “reactionary”, “impulsive”, and “rock” were mentioned. I don’t think anyone said “apostle”. I don’t think anyone mentioned he authored two epistles of the New Testament and had much to do with giving Mark the information to write his gospel. I’m sure no one said Peter was the first recorded missionary to the Gentiles, even though he and Paul later argued regarding this. In Acts 10, God showed Peter that the Gentiles needed Jesus, too, and he obeyed.
    My point here is this: let’s not dwell on a person’s mistake, even grievous sins. Let’s focus on their salvation. Jesus did that with Peter. Jesus would make Peter whole again, and Peter would live determined to proclaim Jesus and to literally bear his cross as his Master did.
    Living a resurrected life is turning our doubt and denial into determination to follow our Lord at all costs. In the power of the risen Lord, that is the way we can summarize Peter’s life. That’s who Jesus wants you to be in him.
 
Resurrection Truth: pray your doubt becomes determination.