My Daily Journal:
I love Peter because I can see my own dimwitted self reflected in his approach to things. I have no doubt of his immense love and admiration for Jesus. I have no doubt that he recognized, through the power of the holy spirit, who Christ was, just as it is written in the scriptures. But he gets in his own way.
Basically he says, I know you are the Christ, the Son of the Living God, Creator of all, All-Knowing, All-Powerful, Eternal, but, uh, you’re wrong. I know better than you do.
Jesus didn’t ask them, he told them what would happen. But instead of accepting this and using this knowledge as strength, Peter jumps into denial. In his journal down the river of denial he and the other apostles miss the promise of a risen Lord to meet with them in Galilee. They want to take up arms to prevent this from happening. While they think they will raise up arms to be standing for Jesus, they in fact are standing in direct opposition to the words and promise he has just made. This is not a surprise to Jesus. He is not a victim. He knows who, what, when, where, why and how. There is no mystery. There is simply a gift.
How often do I argue with God? Every time I insist on doing things my way first, I tell Him I know better. Every time I rely on myself more than on Him, I yield to temptation.
But, there is one other amazing part in these verses and that is Jesus prayer for Peter in Luke 22:32 – “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Temptation and testing is not something to just be endured and survived, it is something that strengthens us so that we can strengthen others. Like exercise, it may tear us down and wear us out temporarily, but when we heal, we heal stronger.
My Answers:
8.
a.
Contradicted Jesus – Convicting that I will never fall away while simultaneously doubting Jesus’ word
b.
33. Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will
c.
Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you (other disciples agreed)
9.
a.
i.
There are no surprises – Satan is only allowed to tempt/test God’s people as God allows
ii.
Self confidence will not prevail, only trust in the Lord
iii.
Prays for us and directs us to use strength given through trials
b.
Reluctance to be a cheerful giver has given me insight into understanding the traps of “wealth management”
10.
a.
you will all fall away on account of me
b.
After I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee
The Notes are Good 