Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.” But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same.

What is the difference between a trained soldier and a battle-tested soldier? The trained soldier has the knowledge and training he likely needs, but he lacks the battlefield testing to fortify his resolve. Who knows how they will respond when a real war is raging around them? Battle-tested soldiers are tried and true. They can fight through pain, they can stay “on mission”, and they understand the importance of loyalty and faithfulness.

Jesus understood how his disciples would respond to this severe test — his trial, torture, and ultimate crucifixion. And he calls out Peter here for his eventual response. But why? Was it to dig into Peter and make him pay in front of his friends for his heart of unfaithfulness?

No, this was not Jesus’ purpose. He clearly had some other ideas in mind. First, Jesus wanted Peter to acknowledge the depth of his sin problem — the root sin issues in his life that got in the way of following Jesus to the end. Second, he called Peter to repent of this sin. And third, he wanted him, as a leader, to remember the grace Jesus showed to him and be gracious with others who were not yet mature enough to remain faithful to the end.

Take a look at this interaction between Jesus and Peter after his resurrection, right before he ascended into heaven: “When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he said, ‘you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my lambs.’ Again Jesus said, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He answered, ‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Take care of my sheep.’ The third time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ He said, ‘Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.’ Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, ‘Follow me!’” (‭‭John‬ ‭21‬:‭15‬-‭19‬)

Jesus was helping Peter recover and build his spiritual battle resolve. He showed him grace, upon grace, upon grace (three times he called him forward to counteract and create a faith marker for the three times Peter betrayed him). And he showed Peter that nothing he did could ever take away the unconditional love Jesus had for him.

Lord, this is such an important lesson for me to learn and remain focused on. You have allowed me to be tested and to fail you. And time and again you pick me up, restore me, and strengthen my faith as I follow you. Help me to keep forgiving others and being patient with them, just as you have forgiven and been patient with me.