Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 NIV
One of the stories we remember one way or another during the Lent and Easter season is the story of Peter and his inconsistent loyalty to Jesus. It’s easy to look at Peter and declare how we would have handled things differently if we were in his shoes. After following Jesus for the better part of three years, sharing miraculous days and an ever-deepening relationship, Jesus and the disciples were in the garden of Gethsemane when a mob of hostile religious leaders and Roman soldiers came to capture Him. Spontaneously, Peter grabbed his sword and swung it to defend Jesus. In his rush, his accuracy was not the best – he cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant.
By the way, did you ever wonder why Peter even had a sword? Luke 22 tells us that Jesus reminded His disciples on the day of the Last Supper, just hours before they were in the Garden, that when He had sent them out before, He had told them not to take anything – not a purse, bag, or sandals, yet He cared for them and they lacked nothing. Then He said, “But now, if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.” Then He said the time that had been written about Him was about to be fulfilled.
The disciples pulled out two swords and said, “Look, we have two!” He told them that was enough. Apparently, Peter, known for his boldness, took possession of one of them, and when the need arose, he used it. But to Peter’s shock and confusion, Jesus rebuked him and healed the ear. He told the soldiers to leave His followers alone, then let them lead Him away. Later that night, Peter, the sword-swinging brave defender, three times denied even knowing Jesus. Jesus had warned him that he would, and Peter declared he would be faithful forever. When he heard the rooster and realized his faithlessness, he wept bitterly. Did he forget for a moment how faithful Jesus was? Or didn’t he really understand yet? It was probably confusing that Jesus responded consistently with faithful love as He always had, now in the face of such hostility and danger. Defense seemed right. Maybe he didn’t know what to do now. Jesus was tried and crucified. Peter wasn’t there. He was hiding with the others. Three days later Mary said the tomb was empty and Jesus was alive again. Impossible. He ran to the tomb with John and sure enough, the grave was empty, just grave clothes there. It was confusing again, just impossible. So, Peter went back to his fishing business. If Jesus was gone, what else could he do? Who would care for him? Even if Jesus was somehow alive, Peter had failed Him miserably.
But then on the beach, Jesus showed up. He went straight for Peter, reassured him of His love and Peter’s place in His forever plan. Peter discovered the hero of the story is always faithful Jesus, the One who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The story depends on Him. This is the same faithful Jesus who is your King too.
- Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever – consistently faithful to undeserving people – that includes you and me.