October 15, 2013 (Tuesday)
One of the most fascinating people who knew Jesus in the days of His flesh was a fellow by the name of Simon. Jesus called him, “Peter.” Sometimes he is known by both names, being called, “Simon Peter.” He obviously loved Jesus with all his heart. When he told Jesus that he would never deny Him, he really meant it. Sadly, within hours, he broke his promise.
Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, and taken immediately to a place where members of the Sanhedrin, official leaders, questioned Him. Peter stood outside, warming himself at a fire, when a a servant girl spoke to him. “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” she asked Peter. He replied, “I am not.” Soon others asked him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?” He denied it, saying, “I am not.” One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off when Jesus was arrested, challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?” Again Peter denied it. Realizing what he had done, Peter was stricken with horrible debilitating feelings of guilt, and he stumbled into the night, weeping.
Peter’s next encounter with Jesus was on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus asked him three times, “Do you love me?” Each time Peter answered, “Yes.” And each “Yes” from Peter brought Jesus’ words, “Feed my sheep.” In other words, “All is forgiven. You have a second chance.”
Do you find compelling evidence of the Lord’s love in His question to Peter, “Do you love me?” Why didn’t He ask instead, “Why did you deny me?” or “Why did you fail me?” or “What’s wrong with you?” No, Jesus was, is, and ever shall be our Savior. He loves us. He forgives us. He did not come to earth to condemn us, but to save us.
He wants us to share this message with everyone in the world: “Jesus loves you!”