Simon Peter's human failings and faith

I found myself pondering some of the words and deeds of Simon Peter as told in the Gospel of Matthew this morning.

Peter was told by Jesus (26:34) that he would deny him three times before the cock crowed in the morning (some choose to enter into a frankly irrelevant discussion about how many time the cock "crew" - surely the essential part of the story is Peter's denial of Jesus?).

And indeed he did. Then, as he heard the rooster call, he remembered what Jesus had said to him and "went outside and wept bitterly".

Earlier in Matthew (14:22-33) one reads of how the disciples saw Jesus walking across the waters of the lake towards their boat, where they had strayed into trouble. Jesus asked Peter to leave the boat and walk out towards him, which he did. At first Peter was actually able to do as he had been instructed, then he panicked and began to sink. Jesus famously remarked about his "little faith".

What can we learn from this, both about Simon Peter and, just as importantly, about ourselves?

It is tempting to conclude from these events that Peter the man lacked courage. And yet one must always put oneself into his position before dismissing him as a faintheart. Just how would we have reacted, given the same circumstances?

Furthermore, on both occasions it was Peter who ventured forth. Not so the other disciples. Peter did at least try. He may have denied Jesus, but he accompanied him at least when fear and danger were all around. And he tried - and in fact succeeded, momentarily at least - to walk upon the water when encouraged to by Jesus.

It is not without good reason that Jesus told Peter he was the rock upon which his church would be built. He was only human, subject to human failings and frailties, but he perceived his duty to be at Jesus' side, and in spite of his understandable fear he felt he had a duty to walk with Jesus and to protect him. As such he had a sense of duty which was possibly less evident in his fellow disciples.

I believe Peter displayed qualities that are what is best in us, but also that the story highlights our own mortal weaknesses. It put clear blue water (no pun intended) between the Messiah and those who followed him. One divine and the other ordinary, capable of good things but also vulnerable and sometimes lacking in faith. It is to Peter's credit that he recognised his failings, indeed they reduced him to tears.

Why Holy Joe?

Why indeed? My name isn't Joe and I'm not outstandingly holy. Indeed, let me tell you a little bit about myself and where I'm coming from before I begin.

I am a Christian living in the UK. I am a member of a congregation, not a minister, in a small non-conformist Church in the UK. Whilst I'm comfortable in my Christian beliefs I am no theologian. Neither am I fanatic. I enjoy a beer from time to time, have a flutter on the Grand National and have even been known to lose my temper and utter rude words. I am far from many people's notion of perfectION.

So why blog about Christianity? Well, I guess I thought somebody ought to. More precisely I mean somebody who isn't going to lecture; somebody whose calling isn't to analyse and scrutinise the finer points of theological argument. There is a place for that, but it isn't here. Holy Joe is about writing and (hopefully) debating the everyday aspect of Christian experience.

When people ask me how an intelligent person can believe in God, and the Resurrection, I reply by pointing to two aspects of our existence which no human being has even been able to rationally explain. Those aspects are Infinity and Eternity. To put it simply, where does the universe end and what is beyond that end? And when did the universe begin and what was there before that? Sure, a couple of guys have managed to draw up mathematical equations which are supposed to explain it all, but they don't. Whilst many scientists like to pretend otherwise, these are two concepts that it is impossible for the human intellect to properly comprehend. Try it for a moment and see for yourself.

I've no doubt Holy Joe will start off slowly, with me posting my thoughts to a readership in equal parts silent and non-existent. But I would like to invite comment and debate and, in good time and with God's blessing, turn this humble venture into a thriving centre of discussion.

I hope you enjoy the site, please feel free to add your comments. Post about anything you like. If your comments are not rude or offensive I will publish them.