Jesus responded, “What appears humanly impossible is more than possible with God. For God can do what man cannot.”
Of all the apostles, I relate to Peter the most. I can be impulsive, eager to learn and committed to Jesus, but boy have I disappointed Him more times than I would like to admit!
Despite Peter’s outward commitment to Him, Jesus knew Peter was going to disappoint Him. As the days of Jesus’ crucifixion drew close, the apostles and any other followers of Jesus were being hunted as “accomplices” to what the Pharisees determined to be crimes against the laws of Moses. Peter was certain he was ready to die with Jesus if caught and expressed just that to Jesus. But Jesus knew better. He said to him, “Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crow’s tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me” (Luke 22:34).
I would like to imagine Jesus was offended and hurt knowing one of His devoted apostles would deny he knew Him to save his own life. But that was not the case. Jesus wasn’t surprised by Peter’s response. In fact, He assured Peter that despite his impending denial, his faith would be renewed.
Grace like this is hard to imagine but we are called to do the same. It can be hard to get on board the grace train when we have been hurt or disappointed. But if we remember we have been saved by the grace of God through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, it becomes a little easier to offer grace to those who have offended us. It will not be easy, but all things are possible with God.
