722. JOH 6:68. HISTORY OF PETER. [NO. II.]

Joh_6:68. History of Peter. [No. II.]

"Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life."’97Joh_6:68.

We parted with Peter at a time when he had brought on himself the severe reproof of our divine Lord. But like the sun under the cloud, we see him soon come forth again, with increased light and beauty.

Christ had been very faithfully discoursing on his own character, and the mysteries of his kingdom. Many who had followed him now abandoned him, and ceased to walk with his disciples. "Then said Jesus, Will ye also go away?" To which Peter replied in the text: "Lord, to whom," &c.

Let us on this occasion notice,

I. Some of the peculiar traits in the religious character of Peter.

Of these we cannot fail to see,

1. His marked humility.

Two instances are on record, where this self-abasement of spirit was peculiarly displayed. On the miraculous draught of fishes, as given by Luke, Joh_5:1-8. And when Christ washed his disciples’ feet; Joh_13:3, &c. Hence he evinced the most profound reverence for the Saviour, and the deepest self-humiliation.

2. His courageous faith.

See Mat_14:25. We see a similar act after Christ’s resurrection: Joh_21:3, &c. He was evidently distinguished for holy boldness, and believing determination. A similar display he gave, though it was rash and unadvised, when he drew forth his sword to defend the person of his Lord, on the night of his arrestment in the garden.

Observe,

3. His entire heartedness in the cause of Jesus.

His whole career shows this. No one can read the sacred pages of divine history, and doubt it. And how worthy is Christ’s cause of this, and what honor it confers on those who evince it! Christ and his kingdom absorbed the thoughts and emotions of this distinguished disciple.

Consider,

II. The striking privileges of which he was the favored subject.

It is probable that he witnessed all Christ’s miracles. That he was one of the personal and most favored friends of Jesus. Christ addresses him in terms of marked familiarity, and conferred special favors. See Mat_17:24, &c. Also, remember that he was one of the favored three, who only were present at the transfiguration’97at the raising of the ruler’s daughter’97and when Christ endured the agony in the garden. But consider Peter,

III. In his personal and spiritual defects. He was not distinguished for prudence and self-control. Much the subject of impulse,’97with powerful passions,’97easily excited,’97not vigilant, &c. This weakness led him into the sin which formed the great blot on his religious character. Eager, enthusiastic, he had averred his readiness to die with Christ. He had been admonished as to the coming storm: Mat_26:31, &c. He had reiterated his resolution after this admonition; Mat_26:33. Christ then directly forewarned him, and predicted his fall, Mat_26:34; and Peter again affirmed his courage and constancy. He afterwards appeared ready to vindicate this resolution, in drawing his sword for Christ. But Jesus is apprehended. The disciples flee. Peter most likely with them. Then he rallies,’97follows afar off,’97witnessed Christ hurried before the high priest, &c.,’97sat to see the end of the matter in the hall of the palace. Is interrupted, not publicly by the officers, but by a servant, and denies his Lord. Is asked again by another maid, and again denies Christ. And a third time by those who stand by; and then he curses and swears, that he knows not the man. How marvellous! how wicked! how weak is man! how deceitful the heart, &c. Then notice Peter,

IV. In his recovery, and reinstalment in his office.

He had sinned basely, ungratefully, heinously. But it was precipitately. Not from an unsound affection, or insincere principles; but rashly and immediately.

(1.) But see, his heart is broken. Luk_22:61, &c. Christ looked on Peter. What that look implied! What it said, in condemnation! in pity! how effectual it was!

(2.) He seeks Christ at the sepulchre. Ran with John. But the young disciple first reaches the spot. John only looks in,’97Peter descends into it; just like Peter’s ardor: Joh_20:1-6.

(3.) He is favorably included in the message of the angel, concerning Christ’s resurrection. The angel said to the women, "Go tell his disciples, and tell Peter," &c. Mar_16:1-7.

(4.) He is positively restored to his Lord’s favor, and the apostolic work. The manner of his recovery was instructive and affecting. "So when they had dined," Joh_21:15, &c.

Here then again we must pause, in the history of Peter.

1. Let us earnestly seek to copy his excellences.

These were many. His humility, ardor, zeal, faith, &c.

2. Let us guard against his errors and sins. His rashness and impetuosity,’97his presumption,’97his unwatchfulness.

3. Let the backslider be cheered by his recovery.

What hope there is for all who have gone from the fold, &c. Finally we would say to all,’97

"Beware of Peter’s word,

Nor confidently say,

I never will deny thee, Lord;

But grant’97I never may."

Autor: JABEZ BURNS