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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Great (07/06/06)
One Sunday, the pastor lectured on the discourse between Jesus and Peter at the Sea of Galilee when Jesus restores Peter. The pastor asked the definitions to the words used for love in the dialogue. After a brief explanation, the Scripture, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13, KJV) came to mind. The notion that Jesus having foreknowledge would demonstrate His greatness by His death, and after the resurrection restore Peter at the Sea of Galilee is a profound study.
At the Last Supper, Christ’s foreknowledge of Peter’s denial demonstrates His character of compassion and love. Christ knowingly hearing an inflated statement from Peter did not become annoyed at Peter’s exaggeration; rather, Jesus forewarns Peter of his pending denials. Indeed, Jesus Christ’s response to His foreknowledge is remarkable. Despite the pending death and abandonment, Christ continues on his plan. Having knowledge of His own death did not deter Christ from his mission: to be that greater love. Not only is Christ greatness demonstrated at the cross; in fact, His forgiving and restorative nature is revealed with Peter.
After the resurrection, Christ’s discerned how deeply His words cut into Peter’s conscience in response to Peter’s inflated statement. Upon hearing the rooster crow, Peter’s heart was ripped to shreds as Christ’s image and words at the Last Supper were imbedded on his heart permanently. Christ reminds Peter of his denial not to embarrass him or inflict injury on his conscience, but to restore and mature Peter from an impetuous person to a deliberate mature believer.
The greatness of Christ is found in His deliberate quality. His sacrifice is the only way to restore His creation. On many occasions, we have taken the role of the immature Peter speaking in inflated attitudes, prayers, and impulsive passions. Yet, when we reflect on our relationship with Christ and honestly consider ourselves, it is only then that we can appreciate Christ deliberate actions. In other words, Christ’s preplanned death continues to restore the Peters of today by His great love.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Jan Ackerson
07/17/06
Precious devotional--consider "bringing it home" for your readers by adding a more personal touch.
Joanne Sher 
07/18/06
Excellent points here - I would suggest expanding your last paragraph - people who have been "Peter", and working it in throughout the piece. This definitely made me think!