And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” But he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.” (Luke 22:31-33)

Big Words From A Weak Heart

Peter is a contradiction of terms. He is a bold and faithful servant willing to go to prison for Jesus and die for the Lord. Peter is also a man of great weakness at the moment of trial to swear he does not know Jesus and reacts with angry cursing when pressed. To compound the misery of his denial, Jesus sees and hears Peter’s disowning of his association with the Lord. Peter had big words sitting at the table with Jesus, but his words came from a weak heart. The apostle had too much pride in his faithfulness. In front of the other apostles, Peter wanted them to see him as a courageous disciple willing to endure the hardship of prison. His faith was bragged before the others to the point of being killed for knowing Jesus of Nazareth. Big words. Weak heart.

Courage is easy when the day is bright and calm. Little did Peter know where Jesus would take him in the next few hours. After the feast, Jesus took the eleven to Gethsemane to wait for Judas. Peter was with James and John as Jesus spent time alone in prayer. When the mob came, Peter took a sword in hand to defend Jesus. His action was more an act of fear than courage. He sliced the ear of Malchus off. Jesus healed the servant’s ear, and the mob put Jesus in chains and led him away. Peter did nothing. He followed at a distance. His courage was gone. The big words that filled the upper room were lost in a heart weakened with fear.

The detachment of troops and officers of the Jews took Jesus to the house of the high priest, Annas. Peter stood outside with John. When John brought Peter into the courtyard, someone asked Peter if he was a follower of Jesus. He denied knowing the man. His courage was gone, and he was unwilling to go to prison or die for Jesus. Peter is asked two more times if he is a disciple of Jesus. He denies knowing Jesus, cursing and swearing he is not one of His disciples. The rooster’s crowing drowns out the big words of Peter.

It is easy to have courage on Sunday morning when the church family is assembled in a common hall, praising the Lord with gladness of heart. The challenge comes when the days of the week are busy with life and living in a crooked and perverse generation. Identifying oneself with Jesus Christ becomes a greater struggle when standing for truth and righteousness. The world can be unkind to those who profess a moral compass based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. Coworkers will ridicule and laugh at the Christians. Family members will shun those who seek to live pure lives. The world is against the church of Christ on every level. Persecutions are coming because the gospel demands it. As the world draws farther away from godliness, the Christian stands increasingly more alone. What will become of the big words of faith and courage?

Peter denied the Lord three times, crushing the heart of Jesus. Joy would return to Peter when Jesus rose from the dead. Hope comes in the power of the resurrection. Peter resurrected himself when he reaffirmed his heart to serve the Lord. It was a bumpy ride for the apostle, but church history suggests Peter died a martyr’s death. He lived up to his words. When Peter’ returned to the Lord,’ he came all the way. Death was not the end for Peter; it was his beginning. Faith can be difficult. Do not give up. Let the light of Christ shine in your heart to show the world the glory of the Father. It’s not big words that save. Faith made perfect – that’s what is needed.