What Peter Shows Us about Jesus

Let’s consider Matt 17: 1-8 and the Mount of Transfiguration. Jesus gathers Peter, James and John and takes them up a high mountain to have a life changing experience. They don’t even have a clue what is about to transpire! At one point Jesus is ‘transfigured’ before them and he sheds his earthly disguise. His radiance, glory and power are revealed. Verse 2: “There Jesus was transfigured before them, his face shone like the sun.” Just as this was occurring Moses and Elijah appear before them having a conversation with Jesus about this departure from the earth (Lk 8:31). This supernatural even is unfolding with Peter, James and John watching the tail end of it. They had been sleeping and became ‘wide awake’ as Moses and Elijah were leaving, Peter speaks up, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters – one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” Now, the funny thing is that no one is speaking to Peter! Heaven is revealing itself to Peter and he takes it onto himself to come up with a bright idea! Before he can get too far scripture says, “While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!’ When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. ‘Get up,’ he said, ‘Don’t be afraid.’ When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.” This is a fascinating part of terrestrial history! The eternal realm breaks in on the temporal realm on earth and one of the morals decides he wants some input! It is mind boggling. But consider Jesus. He isn’t annoyed, he isn’t distracted, he isn’t tense. Jesus tells them to get up and not to be afraid. They are terrified! But Jesus is steady. He is patient with them and instructs them as he constantly works with them for their growth, maturity and wisdom. Jesus doesn’t snap at them for ‘doing something stupid.’ He answers their questions on the way down the mountain regarding Elijah. That is Jesus. He always builds us up whether in encouragement or in discipline or in constancy in relationship.

Mark 10: 28 is another interesting passage where Peter asks some very honest questions and Jesus is not offended but fully answers in every detail. Jesus has just finished saying that it is very difficult for rich people to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Peter gets a little confused and distressed because the current thinking is that those who are rich and relieved of the daily struggles are surely the ones ‘blessed by God!.’ Jesus repeats Himself saying how very difficult it is for the wealthy. The disciples are so amazed that they begin saying to one another, “’Who then can be saved?’ Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” Peter then break out in a moment of real honesty. Often I think modern people are too self aware and self conscious to be so revealing. However, Peter bursts out, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” (Matt 19:27) Now try asking that to a holiness preacher? Or try asking that to a significant and serious leader in the body of Christ. “What is in it for me?” You may find yourself severely rebuked for selfishness and self-centered thoughts. You might be told to “Repent, God can’t tolerate your thinking!” But Jesus does no such thing. He speaks right to Peter’s heart. He assures Peter that every sacrifice that he makes in this life will be rewarded both here and in the next life! But there will also come real persecutions. Jesus gives them the full answer. Jesus is capable of severely chastising people like He did the Pharisee’s on multiple occasions. But for those who are sincere and really trying to grow in God, he answers the questions of the heart and mind without reproach. Jesus is not threatened by the sincere searching of the human heart. It is wonderful!