Bible Fails III

Lando Calrissian made a deal with the evil empire. In exchange for sparing his city from annihilation, he would lead Darth Vader to the rebellion. Lando should be the biggest traitor in Star Wars history, but he redeems himself when he frees Han Solo and joins the battle against the Empire on Endor.

Jesus had the perfect opportunity to tell Peter, “I told you so,” when Peter assured him that he would never deny him. But as the story goes, Peter rejected his association with Jesus three times when his savior was being crucified. It was the worst time and Peter would regret it for the rest of his life.

But Jesus wasn’t going to leave Peter off the hook. When Jesus returned from the dead, he reinstated Peter back into the ministry, asking him if he loved him three times. Peter was not fired for disowning his boss, but was strengthened for it.

Sometimes when we experience a significant failure, we become so fixated on our mistakes that we end up sabotaging ourselves. We let our failures punish us. However, in Jesus’ eyes, He is always ready to restore us to our mission. Jesus did not die on the cross for the sins of the world so that we could dwell on our mistakes. He died to free us from guilt and shame, allowing us to share His message.

Like all humans, Peter could not avoid making mistakes; however, history would show that Jesus could transform him into a great servant and leader despite his failures.

Figure it Out:

30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 31 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” 33 Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” 34 Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” 35 Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same

Matthew 26:30-35

15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 

John 21:15-17

  1. Circle any words or phrases that are significant to you. What makes them important?
  2. What made Peter so sure he wouldn’t deny Jesus? Why didn’t Jesus argue with him?
  3. What did Jesus want Peter to have in the end?