also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother
their trespasses."
Do you think Peter would ever forget that lesson?
THE REWARD OF SACRIFICE
[Sidenote: The Rich Young Ruler]
One day Peter and others listened to a conversation between their Lord
and a rich young ruler. He was a young man, rich, and, as painted by
the old masters, very handsome. But with all, he had kept himself
morally clean, and desired to get eternal life. [6] But his heart was
set upon his riches; so when the Savior said, "Sell all thou hast, and
distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and
come, follow me," the young ruler went away very sorrowful.
Then Peter said, "Lo, we have left all and followed thee." As much as
to say, Lord we have left everything for Thee, now what shall be our
reward? Jesus said:
"There is no man who has left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife,
or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, who shall not receive
manifold more in this present time; and in the world to come, life
everlasting."
"But," He added, "there are many who make themselves first, that shall
be last; and the last first."
[Sidenote: Humility.]
This last statement must have contained for Peter, the first among the
Twelve, an important lesson in Humility.
A LESSON IN FAITH
It was probably on Tuesday of the last week that Jesus spent with His
apostles, that Peter called attention to the result of a divine curse.
[Sidenote: The Barren Fig Tree.]
A day or so before this, Jesus had gone out of His way to get some figs
from a tree that stood some distance off. When he found that the tree
bore no fruit He said it should never bear fruit again.
On this Tuesday morning as the disciples were passing by, "they saw the
fig tree dried up from the roots."
"And Peter calling to remembrance said unto Him, Master, behold the fig
tree which Thou cursedst is withered away."
[Sidenote: Power of Faith.]
Jesus answered: "Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, that
whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou
cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe
that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have
whatsoever he saith." [7]
On that same day, Peter was undoubtedly with the Twelve on the Mount of
Olives when they asked Jesus "privately" about the destruction of the
Temple. [8]
[Sidenote: Keep Commandments.]
To Peter and to all He said: "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, and
keep my commandments, that ye may be counted worthy to escape all these
things which shall come to pass and to stand before the Son of Man when
He shall come clothed in the glory of His Father."
Footnotes:
1. Ex. 30:13.
2. Matt. 17:24-27.
3. Matt. 18:21.
4. Matt. 18:22
5. See II Kings 4:1; Lev. 25:39.
6. Read Luke 18:18-30.
7. Mark 11:22-28.
8. Mark 13; Matt. 24; Luke 21.
LESSON 9
ON THE NIGHT OF THE BETRAYAL
"The weakest spot in every man, is where he thinks himself the wisest."
IN THE UPPER ROOM
On Thursday of the Passion Week, Jesus called Peter and John to Him,
and said: "Go, and prepare us the passover, that we may eat." [1]
[Sidenote: The Passover.]
The Passover, you remember, is the name given to the feast established
to commemorate the time when the destroying angel _passed over_ the
houses of the Hebrews, which had been marked by the blood of the lamb.
At this festsival, a lamb was killed, and called the Paschal Lamb. It
was on the day that "the passover must be killed" that Peter and John
were requested to make preparation.
"Where wilt thou that we prepare?" they asked.
[Sidenote: An Upper Room Prepared.]
"When ye have entered into the city," replied Jesus, "there shall a man
meet you bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he
entereth in. Ask him, Where is the guest chamber, where I shall eat the
Passover with my disciples? And he shall show you a large upper room
furnished; there make ready." [2]
The two apostles did as they were directed, found everything just as
the Lord had stated, and made the necessary preparations.
At the appointed hour Jesus and the Twelve gathered in this upper
room. Some think it was in Mark's house, some the house of Joseph
of Arimathea, but we do not know, nor does it much matter. We are
interested most in what took place there.
[Sidenote: A Solemn Meeting.]
Jesus sat at the head of the feast. On one side, close enough to
recline on His Master's breast sat John, and on the other side sat
Peter. It was, perhaps, the most solemn meeting at which the Twelve had
ever gathered; for the Savior said at the beginning:
"With desire," that is with longing earnestness, "I have desired to eat
this passover with you before I suffer: For I say unto you, I will not
any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled which is written in the
prophets concerning me."
Meaning that His hour had come when His enemies should take Him and put
Him to death.
Near the end of the supper, Jesus rose from where He was reclining,
laid aside His outer garments, took a towel and tied it around His
waist, thus assuming a servant's dress. He then took a basin of water
and proceeded to wash the disciples' feet.
[Sidenote: Jesus Washeth Disciples' Feet.]
It may be that the Savior had detected in the minds of some the same
thought which had caused a dispute among them once before, as to who
was the greatest among them. Perhaps this thought arose when they saw
Peter and John occupying the places of honor. At any rate, their Lord,
the greatest among them, assumed the attitude of servant, the least and
humblest of them all.
[Sidenote: Peter Objects.]
When He came to Peter, the latter said: "Lord, dost _Thou_ wash _my_
feet?" Peter would serve his Master, but his Master must never serve
him!
"What I do thou knowest not now: but thou shalt know hereafter,"
answered Jesus.
"Thou needst not to wash my feet."
"If I wash thee not," continued Jesus, "thou hast no part with me."
When Peter thought that his refusal to submit to be served by the Lord,
was really putting the Savior away from him, he said,
"Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head."
[Sidenote: An Example.]
"So after He had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was
set down again. He said unto them: Know ye what I have done to you?
Ye call me Master and Lord; and ye say well, for so I am. If I then,
your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one
another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I
have done to you."
Thus did these twelve men receive in an impressive and practical
manner, the divine lesson of service. Thus did they learn that those
who were greatest among them were really the servants of all. Indeed,
in the Church of Christ, there are no masters and no servants, but all
working for every one and each one for all.
[Sidenote: "One of You Shall Betray Me."]
Immediately following this impressive and sacred ceremony, the full
significance of which very few understand, the Savior said, "One of you
shall betray me."
This announcement cast a gloom over all. To make it caused "trouble"
to come over Christ's "spirit;" and to hear it, made all "exceeding
sorrowful." [3]
They began to inquire among themselves which one of them should be so
faithless; and soon each asked the Master, "Lord, is it I?"
Judas, last of all answered and said, "Lord, is it I?"
Jesus' answer, "Thou hast said," must not have been heard by the
others, because Peter beckoned to John to ask the Master "who it should
be of whom he spoke."
Jesus replied, also in a quiet manner, "He it is, to whom I shall give
a sop, when I have dipped it."
[Sidenote: Judas Iscariot.]
When he had dipped the sop, he handed it to Judas Iscariot. Peter and
John, then, knew who the traitor was; but the others probably did not;
for they wondered what Jesus meant when He said to Judas: "That thou
doest do quickly."
LOYALTY AS PETER FELT IT
After the traitor went out into the night--oh such a night for him!
Jesus continued to teach and to comfort the Eleven.
[Sidenote: Love One Another.]
"A new commandment I give unto you," He said, "That ye love one
another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."
Among other things, He said, referring to His approaching death,
"Whither I go ye cannot come."
This stirred Peter's love and he inquired, "Lord, why cannot I follow
Thee now? I will lay down my life for Thy sake." [4]
[Sidenote: Peter to Be Tried.]
"Simon, Simon, behold Satan hath desired you that he may sift you as
wheat. But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not; and when
thou art converted, [that is, "brought back afresh as a penitent
disciple"] strengthen thy brethren." [5]
This grieved Peter very deeply. To think that his Master would even
suspect that he, _Peter_, would even weaken in his steadfastness to
his Lord! (It is significant that the Lord called him by his old name,
_Simon_).
Peter protested, saying, "Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into
prison, and to death." [6]
[Sidenote: A Prophecy.]
"I tell you, Peter," continued the Savior, "that the cock shall not
crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me."
But, he spake the more vehemently. "Though I should die with thee, yet
will I not deny thee. Likewise so said they all." [7]
Peter meant every word he said, and he felt deeply the truth of what he
spake; but his real strength had not come to him yet, and his Master
knew it. It would come but it would be "Born in the deep silence of a
long-suffering heart."
LOYALTY AS PETER ACTED IT
[Sidenote: Gethsemane.]
Later in the night, the company left the upper room, crossed the brook
Kedron, and went to the Garden of Gethsemane, on the west side of the
Mount of Olives.
Bidding eight of the Eleven to remain together. He took the other
three, Peter, James, and John, apart. His soul "was exceeding sorrowful
even unto death."
He said, "Tarry ye here, and watch with me."
[Sidenote: "Not My Will but Thine be Done."]
Soon He withdrew a little from them, and prayed. The Apostles could see
Him, perhaps could hear Him, as He cried, "Father, if it be possible
let this cup pass; nevertheless not my will, but thine be done."
When he returned, and found the three sleeping, He said, "Simon [Simon
again] sleepest thou? Couldst not thou watch one hour?"
"Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation."
"The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak." [8]
[Sidenote: Peter and His Brethren Drowsy.]
A second time He withdrew; a second time returned; a second time found
them sleeping; "for their eyes were heavy; neither knew they what to
answer Him."
When He returned the third time, He said kindly, "Sleep on now and take
your rest; it is enough, the hour is come; behold the Son of Man is
betrayed into the hands of sinners."
After a little longer sleep, the three were awakened by Jesus, only to
see approaching "a great multitude, with swords and staves, from the
chief priests, and the scribes and the elders." At their head was Judas
who approached his Lord, and betrayed Him with a kiss.
[Sidenote: Peter Defends His Lord.]
As soldiers went to lay hands upon Jesus, Peter, who was now thoroughly
aroused, jumped to the rescue of his Master, "drew his sword, and smote
a servant of the high priest and cut off his ear."
This servant, whose right ear Peter struck off with one blow, was
called Malchus.
[Sidenote: A Lesson.]
"Put up thy sword into the sheath," commanded the Savior, "the cup
which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?" What a lesson to
Peter! Even though duty led to suffering and death, yet would the Lord
not waver in His strength.
Then said Jesus, "Suffer ye thus far, and He touched his ear and healed
him." [9]
As the officers led Jesus away, the disciples "all forsook Him, and
fled."
[Sidenote: Peter Follows Jesus.]
Peter's strength and loyalty were wavering; but he could not bring
himself to flee with the others. Neither could he conclude that it was
best to go with Jesus; so he did neither, but "followed Him afar off,
even unto the palace of the high priest."
At first, he remained on the outside, but later ventured in where the
servants were sitting.
WEAKNESS BRINGS MISERY
While Peter was standing by the stove warming himself, a girl came in,
and recognizing him as one who had been with Jesus, said, "Thou, also
wast with Jesus of Galilee."
[Sidenote: In a Moment of Weakness.]
"I know not what thou sayest," said Peter before them all.
He then stepped out on the porch, perhaps to cool his burning
conscience or to try to collect himself to know what best to do.
A man seeing him there cried out, "This man was also with Jesus of
Nazareth."
"I do not know the man," said Simon; and this time he took an oath.
One of the servants of the high priest, who was related to Malchus
approached Peter a little later, and said, "Did I not see thee in the
Garden with Him?" [10]
Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, "Man, I know not what thou
sayest." At that moment, Peter heard the cock crow.
[Sidenote: Sorrow.]
Almost immediately, too, the Savior passing near him, "turned and
looked upon Peter." Then recalling the words of his Lord, "Before the
cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice." [11] Peter went out and
wept bitterly.
Footnotes:
1. Luke 22:8.
2. Luke 22:11-12.
3. Matt. 26:22.
4. John 13:34-37.
5. Luke 22:31, 32.
6. Luke 22:33.
7. Matt. 26:35.
8. Mark 14:38.
9. Luke 22:51.
10. John 18:26.
11. Luke 22:61.
LESSON 10
OUT OF GLOOM, INTO LIGHT
"Strength is born in the deep silence of long-suffering hearts, not
amidst joy."
[Sidenote: Out of Weakness, Strength.]
It is said when Peter "went out speechless from the face of all, * * *
and filled the silence, weeping bitterly," that his grief was so heavy
that he remained alone all day during Friday and Saturday following
the Savior's crucifixion. If so, his sorrow for what he had done was
made all the more acute as he recalled the many kind words the Savior
had spoken to him, and the many, many happy moments he had spent in
the Lord's company. Every word and act and look associated with his
Master would flash upon his mind with a new meaning. Perhaps for the
first time in his life, he now fully realized why the Lord had desired
his nature and faith to be as "The Rock." Through the mist of his
bitter tears, he saw all the true attributes of manhood as they were
personified in Jesus--Reverence, Brotherliness, Patience, Sincerity,
Courage. These and many other noble traits made Jesus appear to him now
more holy than ever. But the more clearly Peter saw Christ's strength
and holiness, the more clearly he realized his own littleness and
misery. This last manifestation of his weakness, which led him to deny
his Lord, made him see himself in a new light, and it had a decisive
effect upon him. Out of the "deep silence" of his suffering, those two
days, there was born that strength which Christ had urged upon him ever
since He called him "Peter."
[Sidenote: A Sad Meeting.]
It must have been a sad meeting when John and Peter first came together
after the Crucifixion. When it was or where, we are not told; but
we are sure that John must have recognized a great change in his
fellow-apostle. Out of the haggard look and the deep lines of grief
there must have shone a humility which John had never before seen
in Peter's face. We can only imagine what Peter's feelings were as
he listened to John tell of all that had happened before Herod and
Pilate, and at the Cross. Mingling with Peter's grief was the keen
disappointment that their Messiah, their King, was not to free the Jews
and rule over them as he had hoped. In doubt as to what to do, they
probably decided to visit the place where their Master had been laid,
and then return to their former vocation as fishermen.
[Sidenote: At the Sepulchre.]
But there was one whose love and devotion took her to the tomb even
before the Apostles. Mary Magdalene, "while it was yet dark" approached
the place where she thought Jesus slept in death. But instead of
seeing her Lord's body in the cold, dark sepulchre, around which
there was nothing but gloom and sorrow, she found an empty tomb. In
alarm, she ran to Peter and John, and breathlessly cried, "They have
taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre." "Peter therefore went
forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre." At first,
they ran together, but Peter already weary with suffering, was soon
out-distanced by the younger Apostle John, who reached the place first.
"And stooping down, and looking in, he saw the linen clothes lying; yet
went he not in."
Just to look in, however, did not satisfy Peter; for as soon as he
came, he "went into the sepulchre." John followed him. They noticed
the napkin that had been on Jesus' head wrapped and placed by itself;
the linen clothes, too, were folded neatly and placed aside with care.
They concluded that thieves would not have done this, and so dispelled
Mary's theory that the Lord's body had been stolen. But "as yet they
knew not the scripture that He must rise again from the dead."
[Sidenote: Mary Beholds Risen Redeemer.]
Filled with wonder and perplexity, the two disciples "went away again
to their own home," but Mary lingered near the tomb, and as a reward
for her faithfulness and devotion, became the first person in the world
to behold the risen Redeemer.
[Sidenote: Peter Sees His Lord.]
Other women who came to the tomb that morning to render, as they
thought, the last slight service to their Lord, were permitted also to
see Him. Later on that same day, it seems that He appeared to Peter;
but where, or under what circumstances, or what was said, we do not
know. We may rest assured, however, that Peter's repentant soul was
filled with joy eternal as he received the divine forgiveness of His
Lord.
[Sidenote: Disciples From Emmans.]
That evening as the Eleven were assembled in a room talking over the
events of the day, and particularly the Lord's appearance to Peter,
there entered two disciples from Emmaus. They were no sooner in the
presence of the Eleven, than they heard the joyous message, "The Lord
is risen indeed and hath appeared unto Simon." They could readily
believe this, for they said, "When we were returning from Jerusalem,
today, after having heard of the angels and the empty tomb, Jesus
Himself drew near and went with us."
[Sidenote: Jesus Appears to Eleven.]
While they were thus assembled, Jesus appeared to them again, "and
saith unto them. Peace be unto you." Such scenes as that cannot be
described, and the evangelists who tell us about it simply state the
fact and leave us to imagine what their thoughts and feelings were on
that glorious occasion. We are sure, though, that we can say of Peter
as has been written of the Prophet Joseph when he, too, saw the Savior,
"O what rapture filled his bosom,
For he saw the living God."
THE FISHERMAN BECOMES THE SHEPHERD
[Sidenote: On Sea of Tiberias.]
Several days after this, Peter and six other disciples were back on the
sea of Tiberias, fishing. They were in Galilee, evidently waiting to
meet the Lord there as He had promised. One evening, as if Peter had
almost despaired of waiting, he said to the others,
"I'm going a fishing."
"We also go with thee," said they.
They entered into a boat immediately, and let down their nets. They
toiled all night, and caught nothing, just as some of them had done on
a memorable occasion several months before.
As morning dawned, they saw a man standing on the shore, but in the
distance, they could not tell who he was. Suddenly the man cried,
"Sirs, have ye any meat?"
"No," was their reply.
[Sidenote: Many Fish Caught.]
"Cast the net on the right side of the ship and ye shall find," said
the man.
They did so, and caught so many fish that they could scarcely draw in
the net.
John, whose loving eyes were made more keen by a loving heart, rushed
to Peter's side and whispered, "It is the Lord."
Instantly, Peter knew John spoke the truth, and man of action that he
was, he put on his fisherman's coat, plunged into the sea, and hastened
to the feet of his Master. The others came in the little ship, dragging
the net of fishes.
Jesus had already started a fire, and' was cooking them something to
eat. After the greetings, He said, "Bring of the fish which ye have now
caught."
Peter was the leader in going to the net and in drawing it to the
land. While the fish were cooking, the disciples counted the number
caught, and found that in that one draught there were one hundred and
fifty-three: "and for all there were so many, yet was the net not
broken."
[Sidenote: Peter a Shepherd of Christ's Fold.]
Jesus had shown them where to catch the fish, He had started the fire
on which to cook them, and now "He taketh the bread and giveth them and
the fish likewise." Surely these little incidents would tend to impress
them with the truth that if they "would seek first the Kingdom of God
and His righteousness all else will be added." At any rate, this is
the lesson taught on that great occasion: The apostles were not now to
spend their lives seeking the things which perish, but in searching for
souls that will endure throughout all eternity. Many are now together
in the fold of Christ, and the shepherd is called away. Henceforward
Peter and his associates must be the keepers of this flock.
When they had broken their fast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son
of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?"
"Yea, Lord," answered Peter, "Thou knowest that I love Thee."
"Feed my lambs." That is, Take care of the little ones in my Church. Do
not let them go astray in paths that will lead them to sin and misery.
He saith unto him again the second time,
"Simon, son of Jonas lovest thou me?"
"Yea, Lord, Thou knowest that I love Thee."
"Feed my sheep." Keep the older ones together and give them the words
of life as thou hast received them from me.
A third time Jesus said,
"Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?"
And Peter, somewhat grieved, answered, "Lord, thou knowest all things;
Thou knowest that I love Thee."
"Feed my sheep."
[Sidenote: Duty First.]
And then the Savior admonished Peter not always to follow his own
inclinations, and impulsive nature; but ever to do his duty as the
Shepherd of the Fold. When Peter was young, and did not have the
knowledge and responsibility he now possessed, he could go fishing, and
make money, or study, or do whatever he wished, but now he must attend
to his duties in the Kingdom of God no matter what might come to him
personally in doing so. Even though Peter's duty led to the cross, the
Savior said, "Follow me."
While this conversation was going on, Jesus and Peter were walking
alone a little ahead of the others. Peter turned, and saw John
following close to them.
"Lord," said Peter, "what is John to do?"
"If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee, follow thou
me." As much as to say, Just attend faithfully to your duty, Peter,
teach others to do the same, and all will be well.
This is the last recorded word of Christ to Peter; but he was present
of course when the Savior gave His final charge to the Twelve. [1]
From this time Peter's zeal in the Work of the Ministry was constant,
and his boldness unsubdued.
Footnotes:
1. Mark 16:16
LESSON 11
A TRUE LEADER AND VALIANT DEFENDER
"The reward of one's duty done is the power to do another."
With a knowledge that Jesus Christ was his Savior, that he was happiest
when he did what his Lord wanted him to do, and that when he did wrong
or yielded to the influence of evil men, he was miserable, Peter, began
his great mission as chief apostle and president of the Twelve.
[Sidenote: In Jerusalem.]
In accordance with the Savior's command "that they should not depart
from Jerusalem" until they received the Holy Ghost, for some time after
the Lord's ascension, made his home in the Holy City. Here he and James
and John, and others of the Eleven, frequently met in an upper room,
perhaps the same room in which Jesus had eaten the Passover with His
disciples. With them were Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and some other
women.
AN APOSTLE CHOSEN
[Sidenote: A New Apostle Chosen.]