Whenever I consider the life of Peter, I’m drawn to his story for so many reasons, but the one I find myself reflecting upon more than others is his denial of Jesus in His darkest hour.

In my youth, I was bewildered by Peter’s weakness that would fuel his denial of the Man he had walked beside with for three years. Despite the miracles he’d witnessed, despite the perfect love showered upon him and others, despite the warning, Peter denied Jesus three times in short succession.

How in the world could he be so spineless?

His disloyalty at the first sign of danger to himself, despite Jesus standing only a few feet away, disgusted me and like Peter, I boastfully proclaimed in my heart that I would never have denied Jesus. Even if my association with Jesus cost me my life, I would remain bold in the face of danger.

As I grew older, my attitude toward Peter’s betrayal underwent a slow transformation. Overwhelming compassion eroded my outrage. The pain Jesus’ beloved apostle no doubt suffered when he recalled those dark dark hours and considered his weakness as his Master was ridiculed, beaten and spit upon during a joke of a trial must have been unbearable at times. Can you imagine the weight of guilt he labored under?

Today, my heart groans with compassion for Peter. I’ve grown to understand that my own betrayal may not be documented in the the same manner we see Peter’s in the holy, historical text of the bible for the judgement of future generations, but my failures are no less egregious.

Impulsive. Boastful. Weak. Flawed. Rash. Each adjective worthy of association with Peter yet Jesus loved him fiercely despite his shortcomings. Each worthy of me as well.

Christ’s declaration that He makes all things new (Rev 21:5) does not exclude Peter, whom we see transformed from a cowardly, fearful, inconsistent follower of Jesus to the solid bedrock of Christianity.

In the days following His Resurrection, we find Jesus standing on the shore, calling across the sea to Peter where he and others sit amidst empty nets. After John informs Peter that it is the Lord speaking to them, he throws himself into sea to go to Him, unable to wait for the ship to return to the shore.

God bless him. In his excitement to see the Savior, Peter didn’t pause to consider his betrayal or his shortcomings. He just wanted to be with Jesus.

Despite his failures, Peter knew his presence would be welcomed.

Faithful. Eager. Repentant. Bold. Each adjective worthy of association with Peter and his ministry in the days that followed Jesus’ ascension.

Each, I pray, I may be worthy of as well.