Leave It to Peter 

   3rd in series 

     Peter has been a work in progress. He and his brother Andrew were fishermen. Jesus shows up at the Sea of Galilee and says, "Come. Follow me." And they did.

     After the 12 disciples had experienced his teaching and healing, he sends them out to witness. Later, Jesus sends the disciples across the lake, at night. A storm makes them fear for their lives. 

     Jesus shows up, walking on the water, and they think he might be a ghost. He tells them not to fear. Peter, responding to the teaching and miracles he has seen, reacts: "Lord if it's you tell me to come to you on the water." Jesus says, Come." Peter walks on water, until he notices the storm again and begins to drown. Jesus saves him, saying, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" 

     Later, Jesus takes Peter, James and John up a mountain where he was transfigured, and Moses and Elijah appear. They hear a voice, "This is my Son who I love; with him I am well pleased, Listen to him!" Leave it to Peter to tell Jesus, "If you wish, I will put up three shelters, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." 

     Fast forward to the night of Jesus' arrest. He tells the disciples they "will all fall away on account of me. But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee." Guess who replies? "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will." 

     Jesus tells Peter, "This very night...you will disown me three times." Peter still doesn't get it. "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." The other disciples said the same. Peter did keep his promise, 30-some years later. 

Wednesday: Peter disowns him