This morning once again, I was made aware of my relatively shallow faith, given the depth of this young man called, Jesus.
Here in Matthew, he fully unpacks the long intended purpose of the Passover, with the consequences for Him being massive. "For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." Matt. 26:28.
Imagine speaking these words at 33, then having the inner strength and vision to with confidence state, "but after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee."
Knowing as well that he was standing alone, given maturity well beyond his age, as exhibited in his deep insight of "devoted follower", Peter. "This night before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice!"
Where could such fortitude come from at this relatively early age, except by way of divinity? Yet apparently wrapped in full humanity, given his thrice repeated need to struggle through the moment in prayer.
Luke, the physician even records that Jesus travailed to the point of "great drops of blood."
"Bloody sweating is called hematohidrosis. It may occur in individuals suffering from extreme levels of stress. Around the sweat glands, there are multiple blood vessels in a net-like form, which constrict under the pressure of great stress."
How does one bear such consequences at such an early age, likely known since his early teens, having studied Isaiah and heard the psalms chanted repeatedly, both prophesying his betrayal and torturous death and at the hands of a friend.
Let's be real, at 75, with over 50 years of devotional preparation, it's difficult for me to even express my deepest thoughts for fear of offense and rejection, let alone death!
I can only hope that one day I escape these ties to frail humanity which keep me more in the camp of Peter, than the Sons of God, the latter being my true identity!
The good news is that the very reason so much attention was given to Simon (his name means "hearer") was so that he might become the Rock upon which a sustainable and transformational movement could be built. The same movement is still in process, though resisted for centuries by humanity.
Just in case you are as hard on yourself as I can be at times, just remember, Peter was the first to recognize the voice of the One preparing breakfast on the beach, the ressurected Lord.
As well, he declared "this is that which was prophesied by the prophet Joel" when others thought the uproar in the streets only a morning drunk, even though the diverse crowd, all heard prophetic words spoken in their native language. That must have been one powerful moment!
Good job, Peter, you give me hope!
Hope you have a great weekend