Peter: Two important lessons he learned
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Today’s Scripture: Matthew 17:5; John 13:8-10
Practical Application: If we fail to listen and learn we will fail.
Action Statement: Today, regardless of my position, I will strive to listen and learn!
INNER CIRCLE: Peter was selected by the Lord to be one of His apostles, and in all of the lists of the apostles his name appears first (Matt. 10:2-4; Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16; Acts 1:13). He, along with James and John, were often in what most refer to as the “inner circle” with Jesus.
Being in this position, they were able to enjoy an intimacy or closeness to Jesus unknown to the other apostles!
LESSON # 1: LISTEN TO JESUS: Soon after Peter’s great confession, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matt. 16:16), Jesus took Peter, James and John up into a high mountain apart from the other apostles (Matt. 17:1). “And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his Garment was white as the light. And behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking unto Him” (Matt. 17:2-3).
Although Peter knew that Jesus was indeed the Son of God, having just acknowledged Him as such, he was overwhelmed by the appearance of those other two great men, and thus declared the need to honor all three (Matt. 17:4)!
The voice of God came from a cloud, even before Peter finished speaking, and said concerning Jesus, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him” (Matt. 17:5). They needed to learn, recognize and truly accept, as do we, that Jesus is greater than any man, and so only His teachings are to be obeyed! We must listen only to Him and His divinely inspired word!
LESSON # 2: THE NEED FOR HUMILITY: After eating with His disciples for the last time before His crucifixion, “He riseth from supper, and lay aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poured water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded” (John 13:4-5).
Washing feet was a servant’s job, not a job for the Son of God! I expect that is what most thought, that Peter was not alone in such thinking. As usual though, we don’r have to guess at what Peter thought!
Even after Jesus told him that he would not understand until a later time (John 13:6-7), Peter declared, “Thou shalt never wash my feet” (v. 8). Upon hearing Jesus say, “If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me,” Peter boldly and emphatically declared, “Lord, not my feel only, but also my hands and my head” (John 13:8-9). He was all in, but confused!
It was necessary for Peter to learn, as it is necessary for you and me to learn, that we are not above the Master. Being followers of Christ we must be willing to do even the most humble tasks for Him and for others!
Eugene Jenkins is the preacher at Rockford Church of Christ, located on U.S. Hwy. 231 south of Dollar General. He invites you to worship with us on Sundays, with Bible study at 9 a.m. and worship at 10 a.m. Study with us as we continue to Search the Scriptures!
