I Will Never
I Will Never
33 Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.”
Matthew 26:33
Peter had a bad habit of speaking first, thinking second. He was one of the most passionate of disciples, one of the most fervent and he truly believed what he said but rarely could actually commit to his words.
In this verse Peter makes two big mistakes. The first is comparing himself to others. He somehow thought he was more than the rest. He thought he could do what none of the others could. We should never define our faith in God by how it compares with others. Our relationship and faith with God is unique. It doesn’t matter how others are. It doesn’t matter whether we are more of less than them, salvation is individual with God.
The second mistake is in using the word ‘never’. Humans should never try and live in the absolutes. We must always remember that we were born into sin and no matter how much we may want or desire something, we cannot in ourselves guarantee anything. That is why Jesus says not to make promises but to simply say yes or no. Absolutes are for God. His promises are sure and trustworthy, ours if when done with a pure heart can never be guaranteed. That is also why Jesus says just a little down the text:
41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Matthew 26:41
In the end, Peter denies Christ more than any other disciple. Although he tried his best, following along from a distance and wanting to know what is going to happen to Christ, he ultimately fails in living up to his words. This is course happens because he has still not received the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. When Pentecost did come, we begin to see a new Peter.
We begin to see a man who he thinks more, analyses the situation and his words to give a good and true report to whomever might be around him. We also see a man whos flesh better matches his spirit. This is something we all can experience. The Holy Spirit is waiting to create a better you if you are willing.
God bless,
Pr. Steven Couto