Free Grace Women

Called to the Inner Circle

Of all the turnaround stories in the Bible, one of my favorites is that of Peter. Peter was one of the twelve men  called and chosen by Jesus to be a disciple. He was also one of the privileged three who was a close companion to Jesus. Peter was one of three who saw the Lord transfigured on the mount (Matt 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-10, Luke 9:28-36), saw Him raise a young girl to life (Mark 5:37-43, Luke 8:49-56), and invited into private times of prayer as Jesus spoke with the Father (Matt 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, Luke 22:39-46). 

Peter was outspoken, passionate, headstrong, and fiercely protective of Jesus. He even went so far as to cut off the ear of a guard who had come to arrest Jesus. I’m certain he never would have imagined that he would deny that he knew Jesus and that he was one of His followers.

Cowardice by the Coals

On the night that He was arrested, Jesus warned Peter that he would deny their association. Peter was shocked. “No way! I would never do such a thing!” But he did. Peter watched from dark corners as Jesus was questioned by the high priest. Three times he was asked if he was a member of the Teacher’s close group. Three times he denied it. Three times he refused to identify with the One Who was called “King of the Jews.” He was afraid of the ridicule, or worse, a trial of his own. In John 18:18 (NKJV), leading to Peter’s betrayal, it says:

“Now the servants and officers who had made a fire of coals stood there, for it was cold, and they warmed themselves. And Peter stood with them and warmed himself.”

John notes that it’s not just any fire. It’s a charcoal fire. Peter sought the warmth and safety of that fire, and the result was Christian failure. Following this, Luke tells us: 

“Then after about an hour had passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, ‘Surely this fellow also was with Him, for he is a Galilean.’ But Peter said, ‘Man, I do not know what you are saying!’ Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, ‘Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.’ So Peter went out and wept bitterly.” Luke 22:59-62 NKJV

In his moments of weakness and fear, his eyes met the loving gaze of his Savior and Friend. Jesus saw his angry denial. Peter was swallowed up in grief and shame. In the coming hours, his Friend would be tortured and crucified. What a crushing weight to bear as three days stretched on like years. The warmth of the fire could not quench the cold reality of his failure. 

Comfort by the Coals

The end of those dark days arrived as news reached the disciples that Jesus was alive. Peter and John raced to the tomb to see this for themselves. The Lord is risen indeed! What joy and what relief! But Peter’s denial had yet to be dealt with. Jesus could have sharply rebuked Peter, but instead, we see a tender exchange (John 21:15-17). And the setting of this exchange is noteworthy. 

“Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread.” John 21:9 (NKJV)

This is the same Greek word for charcoal fire –anthrakia (ἀνθρακία)—that was used in chapter 18. The Lord then draws Peter back into service.  Jesus didn’t just recreate a moment. He took Peter back to the scene of the crime—same setting, different outcome. The first fire was where Peter denied Him. The second? Where Peter was restored. The Lord doesn’t avoid the place of your failure. He meets you there… and redeems it.Three times Peter had denied Jesus, and three times Jesus gave Peter the chance to correct himself and proclaim his love for the Lord. Three times Jesus gives Peter the special charge to feed His sheep. 

The Coals of Courage

Peter moved forward with a boldness and passion that seemed to be supercharged by a love for his Savior. After the Lord’s ascension into Heaven, Peter confidently preached the truth of the Messiah to anyone who would hear. Through the power of the Spirit, Peter healed the sick, brought the dead back to life, and loudly proclaimed good news in households and on hilltops. 

Peter’s bold message often ignited the wrath of the religious leaders. In one account, the high priest reprimanded and questioned Peter and the other apostles. Peter’s reply made them quite angry. They beat the apostles, commanded them to stop preaching, and sent them away. The apostles’ reaction to this experience is golden. 

“So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.” Acts 5:41-42 NKJV

Peter made the turn from fear and self-protection into boldness and selfless service. Peter’s story and his letters in the Bible have been an inspiration and encouragement to millions throughout the years. I pray that the account of Peter’s life will serve as a reminder of the merciful longsuffering of Jesus and our eternal assurance in Him. Every difficult story holds hope when Jesus is inserted. Through the power of the Spirit, each of us has the ability to overcome fear and uncertainty. Peter’s story urges us onward to victory! 

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love.” 1 Peter 1:6-8a NKJV

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