The Following Paper is by Dr. Marylou Dodd, a summertime cottager on Lake Muskoka who attends Worship Services at Zion Presbyterian Church and conducts a Lecture Series each summer.
Dr. Dodd completed her undergraduate work at Tyndale Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX and her Doctor of Ministries at Louisiana Baptist University in Shreveport, LA. She is passionate about the Word of God and teaching women the absolute joy of studying Scripture verse by verse, and interpreting it accurately.
How Will You Be Remembered – By Dr. Marylou Dodd, D. Min.
The Apostle Peter liked to be first. He stood out because he was willing to take a stand. Peter was known for being outspoken, outgoing, passionate, impetuous, impulsive and brave.
He and his brother were the very first of the disciples to answer Jesus’ call to follow Him and did so without hesitation.
Peter was the first and only disciple to get out of the boat on a stormy sea. Jesus had come walking on the water and the disciples thought He was a ghost! But Peter the brave, said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water”. (Mt. 14:25-31) Peter’s strong faith got him out of the boat but weakened with fear as he took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink. But at least he got out of the boat!
Peter was the first disciple to boldly proclaim the deity of Christ. When Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?”, Peter without reservation replied, “Thou art the Christ, Son of the living God”. Jesus told him only His Father in Heaven had revealed that to him. (Mt.16:16-17)
With audacity Peter was the first to rebuke Christ after He told them He would be killed and raised up on the third day. Peter reprimanded Him saying, “God forbid it Lord! This shall never happen to You!”. (Mt.16:21-22) Jesus instructed Peter that he was setting his interests on man and not God.
Confident Peter, never shy in his willingness to speak out, was often first to ask questions and give answers. He was the spokesman for the group. (Mt. 18:21, Luke 8:45, 12:41, Jn6:68-69, 13:6-10)
Peter, ever inventive and resourceful, was present at the Transfiguration of Christ along with James and John. After witnessing Jesus’ face shining like the sun as He spoke with Moses and Elijah, Peter declared he could make three tabernacles for them. The voice of God, out of a bright cloud overshadowing them, ended that conversation, and they fell on their faces in fear. (Mt.17:1-6)
At the Passover Meal, Jesus shared the betrayal that would happen soon. Judas, indwelt by Satan himself, had exited to set the events in motion. Jesus told His disciples that this very night they would all fall away and abandon Him, as it was written. “I will strike the shepherd and the sheep of the flock will be scattered”. Peter sounded offended by this, and emphatically insisted, “Even if all fall away because of You, I will never fall away”. He continued. “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You”. (Mt.26:33, Mk.14:29)
The gospel of Luke reports that Jesus revealed an interesting detail here. “Simon, Simon behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when you have turned again strengthen your brothers”. Peter, always the quick responder, replied, “Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death” (Luke 22:33). The apostle John reports Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you”.
Under the leadership of Judas that night, a multitude arrived in the garden to arrest Christ. Chief priests, elders, teachers of the law, some officials from the Pharisees, officers of the temple guard, and a cohort of Roman soldiers (500 men), a large crowd was armed with swords and clubs, torches, lanterns, and weapons. (Jn.18:3)
Impulsive and protective Peter, having a sword drew it and struck the high priest’s slave (Malchus), and cut off his right ear! (Jesus healed him).
Now here’s where it gets really interesting! (Matthew 26:56-58) “ALL the disciples left Him and FLED, “BUT PETER was following Him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest and entered in and sat down with the officers to see the outcome”. Brave, loyal Peter walks right in to the lion’s den, the hornet’s nest, a very precarious and dangerous place to be after committing a crime worthy of death! But Peter SHOWED UP!!
Many remember Peter for his three denials of Jesus in the courtyard that night, even though he had been forewarned by Jesus. We recall his devastation upon the realization that he had done that very thing. And he wept bitterly!
But I think we need to remember a principle we can apply to our own lives looking at the passion of Peter. Did Peter make some mistakes? Certainly, but he tried and he showed up! There’s a good possibility as we serve our Lord that we may make a mistake, as Peter did, but SHOW UP anyway!!
How will we be remembered?
Hopefully as a person willing to get involved, having passion, loyal and brave, standing up, showing up!