THE ONE WHO CHOSE TO DIE

It is very easy to criticize Peter, as if we would not have felt the same way and said similar things. It is always hard to accept that a loved one is going to die, let alone a strong one, one who has always been the leader. In responding to Peter’s notorious denial, we have the benefit of hindsight—2,000 years of hindsight, of over-familiarity with the story and the knowledge of what will happen. Peter does not have such knowledge and he reacts to Jesus’ predictions of future suffering the way most people would: deny them. Taking it a step further, Peter protests that he would never desert Jesus—but Jesus knows that in a short while he will. In Luke’s version, Jesus calls him “Simon,” the name from his old life, as well as “Peter” (“Cephas” in Aramaic), his new name as a disciple.

One of the central aspects of discipleship that Jesus teaches is that denial of suffering is not the path to life. Only those who deny themselves find eternal life. Peter’s denials are also prompted by another misconception: that Jesus’ death would mean the end of the road, the end of their relationship. Dying is not what people were hoping the Messiah would do. Jesus’ impressive preaching and healing logically leads to power and glory, not to the cross—but Jesus has a totally different agenda. The cross will not be the brutal victory of Jesus’ enemies in a fatal power game but rather an offering for others. God’s power exceeds death. We know now what Peter does not know then: that God will bring Jesus and his disciples through the horror of the next few days to become the foundation of the new people of God.

Pray the prayer of David in Psalm 131:1: “Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor my eyes lofty. Neither do I concern myself with great matters, nor with things too profound for me.”