The Fall and Rise of Simon Peter

Daily Devotional – Friday, October 20, 2023
But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.
Mark 16:7 (NKJV)

If Apostle Peter would have written an autobiography, he would probably identify the most difficult time of his life as Thursday night to Sunday morning on the crucifixion week. These few days witnessed the fall and rise of Simon Peter, one of the fiercest defender of the faith,

The Humiliation of Simon

On Thursday night, Peter witnessed the arrest of Jesus and attempted to protect his Master by cutting of ear of the High Priest’s servant. Shortly after, all the disciples forsook Jesus and fled. Later that night, Simon managed to enter the courtyard of the high priest where Jesus was on trial.

If Peter wanted to prove his loyalty to Christ by venturing this far into enemy territory, he was mistaken. Just as Jesus had predicted, Simon denied Him three times before the cock crew. Realizing the enormity of his sin, the penitent loser “went out and wept bitterly,” (Luke 22:62).

Peter’s Nadir

On Friday, from wherever he was, Simon followed the proceedings as Jesus was tried, found guilty and sentenced to be crucified. What excruciating pain Peter must have felt when the Jewish leaders and Roman rulers nailed the son of God on the cross! If Peter’s sin had troubled his soul, what he saw on Friday crushed it.

On Saturday, the disciples rested according to the commandment but it is doubtful whether Peter’s conscience was at rest. Now that the Messiah was dead, what hope was there for Peter and the other ten apostles? He wandered. Perhaps returning to his fishing occupation was the only option available.

Peter Elevated

Very early on Sunday morning, though, everything changed. The angel of God told the three women who had visited Christ’s tomb that the Lord had resurrected. He added, “But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.”(Mark 16:7).

Mentioning Peter in this message was deliberate on the part of Jesus. He had witnessed the humiliation of His loyal lieutenant as well as Peter’s genuine sorrow for sinning. Christ had forgiven Simon and was ready to work with him for the salvation of souls. Peter’s bitter’s experience became the platform on which Jesus restored and uplifted him.

The Fall and Rise of Simon Peter

Every Christian will have a Peter moment, when guilty threatens to overwhelm. If in those moments of remorse we turn to God in repentance, He will restore and give us another chance to live and work for Him. We will realize that during our soul-searching exercises, Jesus was right there with us.

How far you have fallen is not important. Like Peter, respond to the lobe of Jesus by repenting your sin. Only Jesus can cleanse your mind from the pollution caused by sin. He knows you by name and is calling you to forget the past and return to His work. Let the fall and rise of Simon Peter inspire you to go back where you belong – to God.

Prayer
Whenever I am tempted to give up because of my sin, remind me of Your unfathomable grace as exemplified in the fall and rise of Simon Peter.