By Olubunmi Adebayo
*Without any doubt whatsoever, Peter was a critical member within the inner circle of the ministry of our Lord Jesus Chris.*
*The intention of Jesus to raise vital followers that will succeed him after just three and half years of followership in ministry prompted a closeness that was deliberate and coordinated by Jesus Christ.*
*This situation saw Jesus monitoring Peter closely and correcting him very hard, and this was from time to time as occasions demanded.*
*This scenario saw Jesus rebuking Peter sharply when Peter’s words or actions contradicted God’s expectation and standard.*
*Note that every chastisement from Jesus was always followed by a comforting restoration.*
*Here are some of the instances that Jesus chastised Peter :*
*1) “Get behind me, Satan” – Matt 16:23.*
*In this case, Peter had just confessed “You are the Christ,” Jesus then predicted His own death, and Peter was vehement in saying : “Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you!”*
*Jesus was equally very firm when He replied Peter in clear terms “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to the plan of God. You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human consideration.”*
*The chastisement of Peter here was because he was tempting Jesus to avoid the cross. He meant well, but he was opposing God’s plan.*
*Note that Jesus was not necessarily calling Peter Satan — He was only identifying the source of that thinking and declaration.*
*Lesson : sincere love can be wrong if it contradicts God’s purpose.*
*2) Rebuked for sinking – Matt 14:28-31*
*Peter was walking on water toward Jesus Christ when he saw the boisterous wind, and he got scared, and started sinking into the ocean, and he shouted : “Lord, save me!”*
*Jesus quickly caught him and said “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”*
*3) “Put your sword away” – John 18:10-11.*
*Remember the encounter in the garden of Gethsemane when Peter drew a sword during the betrayal of Judas Ischariot and cut off Malchus’s ear.*
*Jesus told Peter: “Put your sword back into its place.”*
*Note that Peter was using worldly methods for a spiritual mission. He was fighting the wrong battle with the wrong weapon. Jesus had to stop him from derailing the arrest that was meant to happen.*
*4) The foot washing pushback – John 13:6-10*
*At the Last Supper, Jesus came to wash the disciples’ feet, including Peter’s feet. But Peter responded with “You shall never wash my feet.”*
*And Jesus told him: “If I do not wash your feet, then you have no part with me.”*
*Peter then over reacted : “Not just my feet but hands and head also!”*
*5) After denying Jesus – Luke 22:61-62, John 21:15-19*
*Peter swore that he would never deny Jesus, then did just that 3 times within an hour. “The Lord turned and looked at Peter.”*
*The chastisement : No word was recorded — just a mere look, and Peter went out to weep bitterly.”*
*The restoration : after the resurrection, Jesus asked Peter 3 times, “Do you love me?” — mirroring the 3 denials. Each “Yes” was met with “Feed my sheep.”*
*Lesson : Peter got rebuked more than any other disciple because he spoke up more than any disciple.*
*Jesus was not out to destroy him, but to mould him to become better by and by because of the assignment ahead of Peter.*
Top of the day to you 👍.
©️ Olubunmi S Adebayo.Timothy 6
