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The Converted Peter, an Undershepherd, July 29
When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
Luke 22:32
.
Three times Peter had openly denied his Lord, and three times Jesus drew from
him the assurance of his love and loyalty, pressing home that pointed question, like
a barbed arrow to his wounded heart. Before the assembled disciples Jesus revealed
the depth of Peter’s repentance, and showed how thoroughly humbled was the once
boasting disciple.
Peter was naturally forward and impulsive, and Satan had taken advantage of
these characteristics to overthrow him. Just before the fall of Peter, Jesus had said
to him, “Satan hath desired to have, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed
for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren”
(
Luke 22:31, 32
). That time had now come, and the transformation in Peter was
evident. The close, testing questions of the Lord had not called out one forward,
self-sufficient reply; and because of his humiliation and repentance, Peter was better
prepared than ever before to act as shepherd to the flock....
Before his fall, Peter was always speaking unadvisedly, from the impulse of the
moment. He was always ready to correct others, and to express his mind, before he
had a clear comprehension of himself or of what he had to say. But the converted
Peter was very different. He retained his former fervor, but the grace of Christ
regulated his zeal. He was no longer impetuous, self-confident, and self-exalted, but
calm, self-possessed, and teachable. He could then feed the lambs as well as the
sheep of Christ’s flock.
The Saviour’s manner of dealing with Peter had a lesson for him and for his
brethren. It taught them to meet the transgressor with patience, sympathy, and
forgiving love. Although Peter had denied his Lord, the love which Jesus bore him
never faltered. Just such love should the undershepherd feel for the sheep and lambs
committed to his care. Remembering his own weakness and failure, Peter was to
deal with his flock as tenderly as Christ had dealt with him....
Jesus walked alone with Peter, for there was something which He wished to
communicate to him only. Before His death, Jesus had said to him, “Whither I go,
thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.” To this Peter
had replied, “Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy
sake” (
John 13:36, 37
).... Peter had failed when the test came, but again he was to
have opportunity to prove his love for Christ.... Jesus thus made known to Peter the
very manner of his death; He even foretold the stretching forth of his hands upon
the cross.... He felt willing to suffer any death for his Lord (
The Desire of Ages,
812-815
).
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