Flawed but faithful: What Peter’s story teaches us about knowing Jesus

This past Sunday, I asked my Sunday School kids who they resonated more with and we played a game where we had to match a gossip description to a Bible character from the resurrection story.

Some said they resonated more with Thomas, a disciple we equate to a doubter, someone who needed proof to believe Jesus was Who He said He was and did what He said He did.

Another said they knew someone like Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus. We hardly talk about the sorrow he felt when he realized what he did, but mostly we see him for the huge betrayal he played. Even still his act was part of the plan and bigger overarching plot.

I pointed to Peter. He was impulsive. He was flawed and man was he passionate. I can relate to that.

Often I find myself with good intentions making a very impulsive decision. Sometimes I even regret choices even when I felt they were driven by the right mindset and heartset.

We know Peter. The one who walked on water towards Jesus. The one who spoke his mind and was brave and courageous, yet so afraid which led to him denying Jesus when asked if he was a follower. Peter had depth. He had flaws. And he was driven by passion I believe.

But that moment he denied Jesus sticks.

Then I picture him running to the tomb.

Then preaching with authority and later dying for his strong faith.

It makes you wonder and think on the power of knowing Jesus.

It’s always bothered me deeply, growing up in church, when I watch people walk away from the faith and tell God they don’t believe or care.

Because when you know Him it changes everything.

That love.

That life made new with purpose and meaning.

How can one go a day without thinking of God?

Peter’s life was changed and his journey was empowered by what Jesus did for him and humanity. He was not the same again. He was boldly preaching no matter the cost.

I wonder if we pondered this Easter a bit about what that must have been like. To be there. To watch your thoughts of your Savior crumble. Then to see Him sucker punch death and do the impossible.

What’s your impossible today?

How can you step back and let God handle it for you?

I’m going to let ChatGPT bring it home for us with some scripture and a nice call to action below.

Luke 22:61-62 (NLT)

“At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: ‘Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.’ And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly.”

— Peter’s breaking point. The weight of regret.

John 20:6-8 (NLT)

“Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus’ head was folded up and lying apart from the other wrappings. Then the disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed.”

— That moment hope began to rise again.

Acts 4:13 (NLT)

“The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.”

— Peter’s transformation. A boldness born from knowing Jesus.

Ephesians 3:20 (NLT)

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”

— God is able — even in your impossible.

May we live like Peter—flawed but forgiven, once afraid but now bold, walking in the power and purpose of knowing Jesus.