Peter's Bad Example

God would have us deal truthfully, and not in a way that leaves the impression that we assent to lies or wickedness.

The problem is that doing so exposes us to ridicule, isolation, and even violence and oppression.

The Apostle Peter gave us a bad example in this matter. When Jesus was taken and tried by the wicked rulers of Israel, Peter tagged along behind, but he tried to leave the impression that he wasn't actually a disciple of the Savior. After all, Peter had never agreed with Christ's promise to suffer and die on the cross.

Peter had a self-centered view of his place in Christ's kingdom. Jesus needed real men who would put it all on the line for the kingdom.

But Jesus said Peter couldn't go with Him to Calvary or to glory, whereupon Peter asserted he would die for the Lord Jesus.

Peter saw himself as loyal and brave, and so he missed Jesus' teaching, that Jesus must die for His people, and not the other way around!

Nobody could help Jesus out in His work of redemption - it was His alone to accomplish!

There was no help possible from Christ's people. In fact, everything they attempted to do only interfered with Christ dying to save us.

There was not a thing any of them could do to assist in His death at Calvary.

Ironically, the acts of wicked men in betraying and murdering Jesus were used by God to accomplish Christ's sacrifice on the cross for us.

What a lesson about our Redemption! There is nothing we can bring to Christ except our crimes!

In a sense, Peter is the beginning of the false view that somehow we can participate in salvation. No wonder the Roman Catholic system made Peter the first Pope! But Peter learned better later.