I have a soft spot for the apostle Peter, partly because we share the same name and partly because we’re both prone to making dumb decisions. In Luke 22, we find a prelude to one of Peter’s greatest missteps—the denial of Jesus (Luke 22:54-62).
What strikes me about this passage is that Jesus knew Peter was going to fail big time. Despite His passionate insistence, Peter would deny Jesus not once, but three times (Luke 22:34). Jesus was fully aware of this, and even predicted that it would happen. But these verses also reveal that not only did Jesus know of Peter’s impending failure, but He was also actively interceding for him. He looked forward to the day when Peter would repent and He would forgive him (Luke 22:32). A plan for Peter to move forward was already in place.
Jesus’ response to Peter’s failure wasn’t simply to point it out—it involved intercession, forgiveness, and restoration! And this dynamic can also be seen in the life of the apostle Paul. God’s plan wasn’t simply to judge him for his grave crimes, but to heal him and use him as an instrument to proclaim the good news of Jesus (Acts 9:15-16).
These accounts from Peter and Paul’s lives give me great encouragement. For I know that when I make mistakes, Jesus doesn’t leave me in my sin—He has a comprehensive plan to restore me. But I’m also challenged by what the two apostles experienced, for how do I treat others when they make bad decisions? Is it the same way that Jesus treats me?
Unfortunately, the answer more often than not is “no.” May we all truly grasp the meaning of the parable of the unmerciful servant (Matthew 18:21-35): What God did for me, I should in turn offer to others.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Mark 15:6-24
More:
Read Ephesians 2:1-10 for a beautiful description of God’s plans for us.
Next:
How does the apostle Peter’s story change your perspective on mistakes and bad decisions? How can you learn to be more forgiving when people fail you?
Gary Shultz on September 25, 2014 at 6:20 am
This is such a great reminder. We often wallow around in all kind of thoughts when sin is found. It is great to remember Christ never wanted us stuck there and He has those “plans for good” for us. I don’t think we just should brush it off; however, we need to move into the light and move on following Jesus.
peter chin on September 25, 2014 at 11:54 am
Amen – I think that the verse about God’s good plans very much apply to how he deals when our failures. What a thought, that he has a plan for them as well!
Gene on September 25, 2014 at 7:51 am
This is an amazing passage, Peter. There’s a lot going on here and what an assurance on our part that Jesus is interceding for us. Jesus prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail even though he knew about the denials and how he would be restored.
peter chin on September 25, 2014 at 11:55 am
What is interesting is that we can only discern that this was God’s plan for Peter by seeing the whole of his story, and not just individual parts. that in itself is a good reminder that we need to let God finish the story that he began in us.
angelinatan25 on September 25, 2014 at 9:07 am
We can be rest assured that JESUS is always with us, as HE would haul us off our mistakes and after which restores us.
As such, we should exemplify HIM by forgiving others of their mistakes too – not only seven times but seventy-seven times; also by not judging any one, as commanded by HIM.
Such that HIS SECOND COMMANDMENT OF “LOVE OTHERS AS THYSELF” CAN ALSO BE FULFILLED.
peter chin on September 25, 2014 at 11:58 am
Yes! I think that is often where we fall short, is in extending the same grace that we received to those in turn. Jesus actively forgives, and so should we.
Tom Felten on September 25, 2014 at 9:33 am
Peter, love this line: “When I make mistakes, Jesus doesn’t leave me in my sin—He has a comprehensive plan to restore me.” What amazing grace! May we pour it out on others, letting them experience the heart of God.
peter chin on September 25, 2014 at 11:59 am
Thanks Tom! Yes, I’m realizing that this is a component of amazing grace, that God knows my sin and still loves me and actively forgives, even continues to use me. That is truly the heart of God, as you said.
cjlock68@hotmail.com on September 26, 2014 at 3:18 pm
My name is not Peter, but I thought this was a really good read to share, because of bad decisions I have made in my life, I went for years running from God because I thought I didnt deserve his Love or forgiveness, the day I realized that we all do, and that was a lie from satan, and that day I ran to God instead of away. I could could truly have is favor on me and my life and he would reach down and pull this broken man up, was the day I started to heal.
peter chin on September 29, 2014 at 12:22 pm
Thank you for sharing this – there is no mistake that can put us beyond the long reach of God’s grace.
cjlock68@hotmail.com on September 29, 2014 at 3:37 pm
Thank You so much for your comment, that is so true. I am 46 years old now and I am starting to see things that God has been trying to show me for so many years, and lived feeling broken and defeated life, but praise God I can stand victorious through Love and grace of our Lord and Savior, and he has given me a heart for those that feel broken and I am trying to reach as many as I can, please keep me in your prayers. I am starting back to college in January so I can be a counselor, which is a comlete career turn around fo me working in sales and Business Administrator, but money isnt as inportant to me now I want to give something back because I really have been blessed even when I didnt feel like it.
angelinatan25 on September 27, 2014 at 9:31 am
Glad to hear that you too, like me, went through trials and adversities, in order to sense THE PRESENCE OF GOD AROUND US, HELPING US…….
ONLY PEOPLE LIKE US WOULD TRULY TREASURE GOD IN US…..BECAUSE WE EXPERIENCE HIS PRESENCE, LOVE…..
UNLIKE many so ‘christians’ who put GOD under their feet and only reaches out to HIM OR KNOWINGLY OR UNKNOWINGLY, USE HIM AS A TOOL for their selfish wants, motives and plans, BUT NOT THAT OF GOD’S PLANS FOR MANKIND.
THIS IS THE ALARMING, AGITATING TRUTHS AS MENTIONED IN REVELATION, THAT MANY WILL COME IN JESUS NAME, BUT……..
THEREFORE, AS FAITHFUL CHRISTIANS WHO HOLD DEARLY THE TRUTHS OF GOD IN HIS TEN COMMANDMENTS…. IN OT AND THAT OF THE NT, WE NEED ALL THE MORE CLING TO HIM AND HIS WORDS FOR DEAR LIVES;
REMEMBERING THE TRUTHS AND PROMISE OF GOD FOR US ALL –
“TO ENJOY, RELAX AND REST IN HIM, KNOWING HE IS IN FULL CONTROL NOW”;
AND IF WORSE COMES TO WORSE,
“TO LIVE IS CHRIST;
TO DIE IS GAIN” – FOR WE ARE SURE WE HAVE AN ETERNAL, JOYOUS LIFE UP THERE WITH GOD AND ALL OUR DEAR ONES WHO GO BEFORE US – BE THEY BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST, ANCESTORS WHO PROMISED US LIF ETERNALLY.
cjlock68@hotmail.com on September 29, 2014 at 1:37 am
Amen
angelinatan25 on September 29, 2014 at 6:38 am
AMEN!
REMEMBERING GOD IS ALIVE IN THE MIDST OF US ALL, AND NOT JUST OUR IMAGINATION OF HIS EXISTENCE.
angelinatan25 on September 30, 2014 at 5:15 am
cjlock68,
Here’s my sharing:
“If possible it’s always better ‘to give’ then to be a
recipient, other than receiving from GOD;
When one gives sincerely, bountiful blessings
would come along with it”, as the saying
goes, “reap what you sow” and “when you sow
good, you will reap good”.
cjlock68@hotmail.com on September 30, 2014 at 8:25 am
Thank You so much for sharing that with me, you do not know what Blessing your reply is to me and confirmation, as i begin this new Journey.
Your Brother in Christ
Christopher Lock
angelinatan25 on October 1, 2014 at 8:51 am
HALLELUJAH!
You are NOW AWARE OF “THE GOOD NEWS OF NT” AND GOD’S WORKINGS IN YOUR LIFE –
HAVE A GREAT AND WONDERFUL JOURNEY WITH OUR LORD GOD, OF WHICH HE HAS LINED UP FOR US IN OUR LIVES HE DESIGNED FOR EACH AND EVERYONE OF US TO LIVE BY ENJOYABLY, PEACEFULLY, MEANINGFULLY, FULFILLINGLY….
cjlock68@hotmail.com on October 1, 2014 at 4:40 pm
Thank you for your comment, it is so nice to peace all around me. I get so excited about the works of our father when we line up with his word. I pray Gods blessings on you and your family
Your Brother in Christ
Chris L
Winn Collier on October 1, 2014 at 4:18 pm
I’ve always been thankful that God “knows that we’re but dust”
angelinatan25 on October 3, 2014 at 6:39 am
Winn,
Fully agree that we are “dust when we are decomposed in the physical sense”.