No-one flops like Peter
by Emma Strelan
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Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: ‘Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.’ And he went outside and wept bitterly (Matthew 26:75).
Read Matthew 26:69–75
Shame. It’s a powerful feeling. When we have acted in a way utterly opposed to our morals and intentions, it makes us question our very identity. Who are we if we can’t do what we know to be right?
I’m sure Peter felt that way. So aware of the words of passion and challenge that he’d spoken to Jesus that same evening: ‘Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you!’ Peter’s words were rendered seemingly meaningless by his own weakness.
How often have we made a commitment to God, a promise of faithfulness, obedience and willingness to do whatever it takes to follow him, only to turn and fall down the next moment? The burden of our shame weighs heavily upon us.
Over the past few years, I have taken my spiritual formation seriously. I’ve completed a six-month intensive discipleship and mission course, read spiritual formation books by renowned authors, practised various spiritual disciplines and met with a spiritual director. I have learned enormous amounts about myself and God during that time and have been constantly challenged in many of the foundational parts of my identity and beliefs.
However, after all these years of seeking to go deeper with God and asking him what’s next and what I can learn now, it has been my experience of grace in the face of failure that has had the most profound and transformative impact on me.
Peter had many powerful first-hand experiences with God, both building him up and reminding him of his humanness. As one author I’ve been reading put it: ‘No-one flops like Peter.’
Jesus knew Peter would fail. Our flops don’t surprise Jesus. Neither does Jesus need nor want our bravado. He knows our flesh is still weak, no matter how willing the spirit is.
But the gospel story is one of redemption for Peter – and for us.
Maybe we all flop like Peter.
But no-one succeeds like Jesus.
God, our victorious king, may we rest in your victory, which covers our failures. Please keep picking us back up when we fall. Thank you for your eternal grace that never ceases to amaze and transform. Amen.
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