December 16, 2014
“Peter, My Brother” Essay
As I read the talk given by
President Spencer W. Kimball called, “Peter, My Brother” I would have to admit
that I too, like the Reverent President Kimball was offended by, thought that
Peter was a coward. That is, until I
finished President Kimball’s talk. This
is what is so amazing about being a member of the church. We have the Holy Ghost to discern truth. As I read the talk, my heart was enlarged
towards Peter. I knew that what
President Kimball said, is true.
I was asked to describe a
characteristic of Peter I would like to develop. For me that characteristic would be that of
tenacity. Peter, like all of us was
learning how to be the best disciple of Christ he could be. He kept working at it. Peter was rebuked several times by the
Savior. He could have turned bitter,
even prideful and left the Savior’s side.
But he did not. Peter took those
rebukes as learning opportunities and did not make those mistakes again. He had a willing heart. One quote that stood out to me from President
Kimball’s talk is when he asks, “Peter
has been accused of being harsh, indiscreet, impetuous, and fearful. If all
these were true, then we still ask, has any man every more completely triumphed
over his weaknesses?” For me, this is a great
reminder that all apostles are human. They
are like us. They are doing their best
to overcome adversity, learn of God, and serve others. We should not expect our leaders to be
perfect, only the Savior was perfect.
A
second aspect of this talk has to do with judgment. The Savior knows all of us. He knew Peter. The Savior accepts our willing hearts along
with our flaws. President Kimball said
it best. “When Christ chose this fisherman for his first and chief apostle, he
was taking no chances. He picked a diamond in the rough—a diamond that would
need to be cut, trimmed, and polished by correction, chastisement, and
trials—but nevertheless a diamond of real quality. The Savior knew this apostle
could be trusted to receive the keys of the kingdom, the sealing and the loosening
power. Like other humans, Peter might make some errors in his developing
process, but he would be solid, trustworthy, and dependable as a leader of the
kingdom of God. Even with so perfect a teacher it was difficult to learn the
vast gospel plan in three years.”
Peter
was and is a great example of who we should strive to become. He was human, he made mistakes. However those mistakes never set him back, he
repented, he learned, and he moved forward in faith. He eventually became the leader of the Church
after the Savior died. He sealed his own
testimony of Christ with his blood.
Remembering all that he did, not just the weaknesses he carried as a
mortal man, help me to want to continue striving towards perfection. I know and understand that I will be rebuked,
I will make mistakes, but I should never stop trying. I am grateful to Peter for his faith and
example.
Here is a copy of the talk~
Peter,
My Brother
By Elder Spencer W. Kimball
Today I wish to talk about my
brother, my colleague, my fellow apostle—Simon Barjona or Cephas or Peter the
Rock.
Some time ago a newspaper in a
distant town carried an Easter Sunday religion editorial by a minister who
stated that the presiding authority of the early-day church fell because of
self-confidence, indecision, evil companions, failure to pray, lack of
humility, and fear of man. He than concluded:
Let us as people, especially those
who are Christians and claim to abide by the Word of God, not make the same
mistakes and fall as Peter fell. (Rev. Dorsey E. Dent, “A Message for This
Week.”)
As I read this, I had some strange
emotions. I was shocked, then I was chilled, then my blood changed its
temperature and began to boil. I felt I was attacked viciously, for Peter was
my brother, my colleague, my example, my prophet, and God’s anointed. I
whispered to myself, “That is not true. He is maligning my brother.”
A
Man with Vision
Then I opened my New Testament. I
could find no such character as this modern minister described. Instead, I
found a man who had grown perfect through his experiences and suffering—a man
with vision, a man of revelations, a man fully trusted by his Lord Jesus
Christ.
I remember his sad, triple denial of
his acquaintance with the Lord in those terrifying, frustrating moments. I
recall his tearful repentance. Many times he was rebuked by the Master, but he
learned by experience and never seemed to make the same error twice. I see a
lowly fisherman, untaught and untrained, climb gradually under the tutelage of
the best Teacher to the high pinnacle of great faith, bold leadership,
unwavering testimony, unparalleled courage, and almost limitless understanding.
I see the lay disciple become the chief apostle to preside over the Lord’s church
and kingdom. I hear him breathing heavily as he laboriously climbs the steep
Mount of Transfiguration. Here he sees and hears unspeakable things and has the
transcendent experience of being in the presence of his God, Elohim; Jehovah,
his Redeemer; and other heavenly beings.
His eyes had seen, his ears had
heard, and his heart had understood and accepted the wondrous happenings of the
days from the baptism of the Master in the waters of Jordan to
the ascension of his Redeemer from the Mount of Olives.
I see this great church president
assume leadership of the church. I see the sick and infirm arise and leap to
health and normalcy. I hear his powerful sermons. I see him walk steadily,
unflinchingly to martyrdom and drink of its bitter cup.
But this sectarian minister
belittled him, unmercifully undercut him, and downgraded him.
Much of the criticism of Simon Peter
is centered in his denial of his acquaintance with the Master. This has been
labeled “cowardice.” Are we sure of his motive in that recorded denial? He had
already given up his occupation and placed all worldly goods on the altar for
the cause. If we admit that he was cowardly and denied the Lord through
timidity, we can still find a great lesson. Has anyone more completely overcome
mortal selfishness and weakness? Has anyone repented more sincerely? Peter has
been accused of being harsh, indiscreet, impetuous, and fearful. If all these
were true, then we still ask, Has any man every more completely triumphed over
his weaknesses?
The
First Apostle
Good men were among the Lord’s
followers, yet Cephas was chosen the number one. The Lord knew well the
guilelessness of Nathanial, the tender love of John, the erudition of
Nicodemus, and the faithfulness and devotion of James and the other brethren.
Christ knew men’s inner thoughts and saw their manifestations of faith. In
short, he knew men; yet he chose from all of them this great character who
possessed the virtues, powers, and leadership needed to give stability to the
church and to lead men to accept the gospel and follow truth.
When Christ chose this fisherman for
his first and chief apostle, he was taking no chances. He picked a diamond in
the rough—a diamond that would need to be cut, trimmed, and polished by
correction, chastisement, and trials—but nevertheless a diamond of real
quality. The Savior knew this apostle could be trusted to receive the keys of
the kingdom, the sealing and the loosing power. Like other humans, Peter might
make some errors in his developing process, but he would be solid, trustworthy,
and dependable as a leader of the kingdom of God. Even with so perfect a
teacher it was difficult to learn the vast gospel plan in three years.
Peter inquired of Jesus:
Behold, we have forsaken all, and
followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
And Jesus said unto them, verify I
say unto you, that ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son
of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones,
judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Matthew 19:27–28.)
Is it conceivable that the
omniscient Lord would give all these powers and keys to one who was a failure
or unworthy?
If Peter was cowardly, how brave he
became in so short a time. If he was weak and vacillating, how strong and
positive he became in weeks and months. If he was unkind, how tender and
sympathetic he became almost immediately. Responsibility as a refiner and a
purger usually takes time.
If Peter was frightened in the court
when he denied his association with the Lord, how brave he was hours earlier
when he drew his sword against an overpowering enemy, the night mob. Later
defying the people and state and church officials, he boldly charged, “Him [the
Christ] … ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain.” (Acts 2:23.) To the astounded populace at the
healing of the cripple at the Gate Beautiful, he exclaimed, “Ye men of Israel …
the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and
denied him in the presence of Pilate. … ye denied the Holy One. … And killed
the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are
witnesses.” (Acts 3:12–15.)
Does this portray cowardice? Quite a
bold assertion for a timid one. Remember that Peter never denied the divinity
of Christ. He only denied his association or acquaintance with the Christ,
which is quite a different matter.
Could it have been confusion and
frustration that caused Peter’s denial? Could there still have been some lack
of understanding concerning the total unfolding of the plan? Being a leader,
Peter was a special target of the adversary. As the Lord said:
Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath
desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
But I have prayed for thee that thy
faith fail not. (Luke 22:31–32.)
Peter was under fire; all the hosts
of hell were against him. The die had been cast for the Savior’s crucifixion.
If Satan could destroy Simon now, what a victory he would score. Here was the
greatest of all living men. Lucifer wanted to confuse him, frustrate him, limit
his prestige, and totally destroy him. However, this was not to be, for he was
chosen for and ordained to a high purpose in heaven, as was Abraham.
Peter followed the Savior to his
trial and sat in the outer court. What else could he do? He knew that many
times the Savior himself had escaped from the crowd by slipping out of their
clutches. Would he again do so?
Though the Lord taught of the coming
crucifixion and resurrection, neither Simon nor anyone else fully
comprehended his meaning. Was this so strange? Never before had there been such
a person or such an occurrence upon the earth. Millions today cannot understand
the resurrection, even though it has been preached for nineteen hundred years
as a reality with many infallible proofs. Could these men, then, be criticized
for not fully understanding this frustrating situation?
Is it possible that there might have
been some other reason for Peter’s triple denial? Could he have felt that
circumstances justified expediency? When he bore a strong testimony in Caesarea
Philippi, he had been told that “they should tell no man that he was Jesus the
Christ.” (Matthew 16:20.)
When the three apostles came down
from the Mount of Transfiguration, they were again charged implicitly, “Tell
the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.” (Matthew 17:9.) Could Peter have felt this was not
the time to tell of Christ? He had been with his Lord in Nazareth when the
Savior was taken by his own people to the brow of the hill, “whereon their city
was built, that they might cast him down headlong. But he passing through the
midst of them went his way.” (Luke 4:29–30.) Surely Peter did not think of this
escape as cowardice but as wise expediency. Christ’s time was not come.
The
Approaching Crucifixion
When the Lord had spent some energy
in attempting to explain the coming crisis—“how that he must go unto Jerusalem
and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be
killed, and be raised again the third day”—Peter attempted to dissuade the
Savior from thinking of such calamity. (See Matthew 16:21.) He was promptly chastised for
suggesting escape from the tragedy. Perhaps he should have understood that it
was the Lord’s will that the dire happenings occur.
What this meant—that the hour was
now come—Peter may not have fully realized, but he was prohibited from
resisting the coming crucifixion by the
Redeemer himself. Was he frustrated? Perhaps for the moment, but how
many of us in a hostile camp, totally helpless to save, would champion the Lord
under such circumstances, especially when previous efforts had been repulsed?
Had not Peter single-handedly already raised his sword against a “great
multitude with swords and staves”? (Matthew 26:47.) Had he not attempted to defend
the Lord from all the mob’s manhandling and kidnapping, and was he not stopped
by his Lord?
The Savior had walked calmly from
Gethsemane’s garden, seemingly resigned to the inevitable sacrifice of himself.
Simon had courageously manifested his willingness to alone fight the great mob
to protect his Master. At the risk of death he had struck the contemptible
Malthus and sliced off his ear. But this act of bravery and personal disregard
was stopped by the Lord, who said to his loyal apostle:
Put up again thy sword into his
place; for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray
to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
(Matthew 26:52–53.)
What more could Peter do? How else
could he show his loyalty and courage? Could it be that in these last hours
Peter realized that he should stop protecting his Lord, that the crucifixion
was inevitable, and that regardless of all his acts, the Lord was moving toward
his destiny? I do not know. I only know that this apostle was brave and
fearless.
Events followed each other in rapid
succession. At Gethsemane Peter was futilely trying to defend his Lord one
hour; in the next he was following the mob. Apparently the Savior was
voluntarily suffering men to heap monumental indignities upon him. What should
Peter do?
He boldly and meaningfully
postulated to the Savior, “Though all men shall be offended because of thee,
yet will I never be offended.” (Matthew 26:33.) To which the Lord replied, “This
night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.” (Matthew 26:34.)
This was a critical moment. Peter’s
act of protection with his sword-slashing had been after this prediction was
made. He had tried. He had seen one apostle betray his Master with a kiss, and
his Master had not repulsed him. Peter had been reminded that angels could be
summoned if protection was needed; he had been commanded to put away his sword.
Even now he did not desert his Master but followed sorrowfully behind the
jeering crowd. He would remain to the end. He likely heard every accusation,
saw every indignity heaped upon his Lord, felt all the injustice of the mock
trial, and noted the perfidy of false witnesses perjuring their souls. He saw
them foully expectorate in the face of the Holy One; he saw them buffet,
strike, slap, and taunt him. He observed the Lord making no resistance, calling
for no protective legions of angels, asking for no mercy. What was Peter to
think now?
His
Denial
A smart aleck damsel accused Peter,
“Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.” (Matthew 26:69.) What would his further defense of
the Lord accomplish in this situation? Would it displease Jesus? Would it only
destroy Peter himself without beneficial effect? Would Christ want him to fight
now, when he had denied him that privilege earlier that evening?
Then another maid announced to the
bystanders and villains, “This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.” (Matthew 26:71.) Peter replied, “I do not know the
man.” (Matthew 26:72.) And others, recognizing his
Galilean accent, declared, “Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech
bewrayeth thee.” (Matthew 26:73.)
What was he to do? Could he do more?
What would have been the result had he admitted his connection? Would he have
lived to preside over the church? Peter had seen the Savior escape from crowds
many times and hide from assassins. Is it conceivable that Peter also saw
advisable advantage to the cause in his denial? Had Peter come to fully realize
the hidden meaning in the oft-repeated phrase “Mine hour is not yet come” (John 2:4), and did he now understand that “now is
the Son of man glorified” (John 13:31)?
I do not pretend to know what
Peter’s mental reactions were nor what compelled him to say what he did that
terrible night. But in light of his proven bravery, courage, great devotion,
and limitless love for the Master, could we not give him the benefit of the
doubt and at least forgive him as his Savior seems to have done so fully.
Almost immediately Christ elevated him to the highest position in his church
and endowed him with the complete keys of that kingdom.
Simon Barjona did not have long to
consider the matter or change his decisions, for he now heard the cock crow twice
and was reminded of Christ’s prediction. He was humbled to the dust. Hearing
the bird’s announcement of the dawn reminded him not only that he had denied
the Lord but also that all the Lord had said would be fulfilled, even to the
crucifixion. He went out and wept bitterly. Were his tears for personal
repentance only, or were they mingled with sorrowful tears in realization of
the fate of his Lord and Master and his own great loss?
Only hours passed until he was among
the first at the tomb as the head of the group of believers. Only weeks passed
until he was assembling the saints and organizing them into a compact, strong,
and unified community. It was not long before he was languishing in prison,
being beaten, abused, and “sifted as wheat” as Christ had predicted. (See Luke 22:31.)
Of
Humble Origin
Simon Peter, son of Jonas, began his
matchless career under most humble circumstances. A common operator of boats, a
fisher of fish, and a man once rated as “ignorant and unlearned,” he climbed
the ladder of knowledge until he knew, as perhaps no other living person, his
Father, Elohim; the Son, Jehovah; and Christ’s program and relationship with
men. He was spiritual and devout. He came without persuasion, probably walking
every step of the length of the major Jordan to hear the powerful sermons of
the fearless John the Baptist. Little did he know the great things in store for
him. Here he heard the voice of the prophet and may have been baptized by him.
Peter’s brother, Andrew, declared,
“We have found the Messias, which is, bring interpreted, the Christ.” (John 1:41.) They had undoubtedly heard John the
Baptist declare, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the
world.” (John 1:29.) But to hear the voice of the living
Father, God, now acknowledge Jesus as his Begotten Son must have stirred this
humble fisherman to his foundations.
Simon Peter was ill prepared at this
time to assume great responsibility, but the Master knew his potential. On the
day of his call began the intensive training that was to bring this humble man
and his associates to great leadership, immortality, and eternal life.
Simon Peter’s education, both
secular and spiritual, had been limited, but now he followed the Master
Teacher. He heard the Sermon on the Mount; he stood with the Redeemer in the
boat and heard the masterful sermons to the congregated people. He sat in the
synagogues, listening to the convincing and powerful statements of the Creator.
The Scriptures were unfolded as they traveled the dusty or rocky paths of
Galilee. Surely, his innumerable questions were answered by the Lord as they
ate together, slept together, and walked together. The hours were precious as
rare jewels. He heard the parables given to the people and learned the rich
lessons therein.
Peter heard the constant flow of
divinity in the ceaseless unfolding of the way of life. He grasped many lessons
readily but had difficulty in understanding the experiences that had never
before occurred on earth. He perceived the darkening shadow and the lowering
clouds but could not fully comprehend their meaning. No personage in his
experience had ever given his life in this manner. No soul on earth had ever
been resurrected. It took time for these awesome truths to penetrate his mind.
It was hard for him to think of spiritual leadership only. Peter expected
Christ to take the sword and redeem Israel. But when Gethsemane was passed,
when Golgotha was a hard nightmare, when the Lord had risen and ascended, and
when the Comforter had come, the great compelling truth burst forth and was
impressed upon his mind. The miscellaneous tiles were now set into a beautiful
pattern. The mosaic was a glorious reality; and Peter, James and John and their
associates went forth to convert a hard, resisting world.
Peter was full of faith. He never
faltered. From the day he forsook his nets and boats, his feet never turned
away. Even in his moment of denial, he was as near to his Lord as he could be.
Let him who would be critical of this apostle put himself in the same
place—among the bitterest enemies, persecutors, and assassins—with a growing
knowledge of the futility of defending his Lord, whose hour had come. He who
had forgiven his crucifiers also forgave Peter who had denied him.
Peter was a man of faith. He healed
the sick by their merely passing through his shadow. Prison walls could not
hold him. Because of him, the dead came back to life. He walked upon the water.
Though this was not a total triumph, has any other human soul succeeded? Let
him who would scoff at Peter’s momentary wavering try such a feat himself.
Simon Peter was humble. He
recognized James and John, who were with him on the Holy Mount and who shared
with him the sorrows of Gethsemane. Perhaps his first official act, as
presiding authority, was to call a conference at which the saints were to have
voice in filling the vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve. A new witness was
chosen.
When the lame walked under the
administration of Peter and John and when the awestricken multitude gaped and
wondered, Peter gave credit to the God of Israel, saying, “Why look ye so
earnestly on us, as though by our power or holiness we had made this man to
walk?” (Acts 3:12.) When Dorcas Tabitha lay dead, there
was no display nor ostentation. He simply “put them all forth, and kneeled
down, and prayed,” and presented the living Tabitha back to her friends. (See Acts 9:40–41.)
He accepted threats, beatings, and
calumny. He defied those who condemned his Lord, saying, “We ought to obey God
rather than men.” (Acts 5:29.) He charged them with the slaughter of
the Redeemer, then stood before them without flinching. He chastised the
sorcerer Simon, saying, “Thy money perish with thee.” (Acts 8:20.) He stood before his brethren and
announced a major policy change in the church whereby gentiles might be
accepted.
Simon Peter was spiritual and
prophetic. He received the revelations concerning the church. Angels
accompanied him in and released him from the prison, and a great vision opened
the door to millions of honest souls.
His testimony was as the rock, his
faith unwavering. The Savior, abandoned by others, asked Peter, “Will ye also
go away?” (John 6:67.) Peter replied, “Lord, to whom shall
we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68.) Shortly before the crucifixion, the
Lord asked, “But whom say ye that I am?” (Matthew 16:15.) The answer revealed from God
expressed the power and character of Peter: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of
the living God.” (Matthew 16:16.) The Savior replied, “Flesh and
blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 16:17.) Heavenly messengers he had seen;
martyrs he had accompanied; with the Son of God he had lived. The Comforter had
come, and never was there faltering or questioning in his mind again.
Peter’s
Teachings
The teachings of Simon Peter are to
all people, even to the latest generation. He bore testimony constantly of the
divinity of the Christ. As he had been forgiven of his weaknesses, he now urged
all men to forgive. He urged the chaste and virtuous life. He taught honesty and
urged that members live in peace with the gentiles. This apostle taught his
people to honor kings, governments, and laws; to endure grief, suffering, and
buffeting patiently; and to consider revilement and suffering for the Lord’s
sake a blessing. Perhaps he had seen much marital unhappiness; for he commanded
wives to be subject to and convert their unbelieving husbands through their own
goodness and meekness. He commanded the husbands to honor their wives as
partners, to love them, to be compassionate to them, and to treasure them. He
urged parents to be kind to children and the posterity to honor and obey the
parents. He urged employers to be honorable and just with their workers and
employees to give service willingly. He urged the clean and constructive life
and forbade company with rioters, wine-bibbers, revelers, banqueters;
idolaters, and lustful ones. He urged service in the church, the sober life, a
vigilant faith, and works leading toward perfection.
The great leader frequently repeated
his testimony as an eyewitness and an ear witness to spectacular and eventful
happenings. Foreshadowing the apostasy, he testified that false teachers with
damnable heresies would come after his departing to deny the Lord and to make
merchandise of the souls of men. (See 2 Peter 2:1–3.) He placed the divine stamp
of approval on the writings of the Old Testament and unfolded the history of
the world, which covered the flood, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and
other important events. Again and again, he preached the law of chastity and
cleanliness and denounced the evils of sporting, feasting, adultery,
incontinence, and covetousness.
As he neared martyrdom, drinking a
bitter cup somewhat like his Master and Teacher, he made sure that the world
would know his witness and sureness. Sitting figuratively on the brink of his
grave, he made a solemn declaration which has been read by countless millions.
To the members of the church, he prayed that they might have a “knowledge of
God, and of Jesus our Lord.” (2 Peter 1:2.) He gloried in the “exceeding
great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine
nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (2 Peter 1:4.)
Peter continued:
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give
diligence to make your calling and election sure. …
Yea, I think it meet, as long as I
am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;
Knowing that shortly I must put off
this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.
Moreover I will endeavor that ye may
be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.
For we have not followed cunningly
devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord
Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came
such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I
am well pleased.
And this voice which came from
heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. (2 Peter 1:10, 13–18.)
When his work was done, his
testimony borne, his witness delivered, his numbered days run out, Satan who
had long desired him was now permitted to take him in martyrdom. His testimony
came from his dying lips.
But Simon Peter was not dead.
Important changes came to him—the dissolution of his body, but also the
resurrection of his soul. With his loyal associates, James and John, Simon
Peter returned to the earth, bridging the gap of darkened centuries. Together
they appeared on the banks of the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania, where
Peter delivered to the young prophets the keys of the kingdom, which the
apostles possessed from the Lord Jesus Christ.
The apostle lives. The weak things
of the world confounded the wise. Millions have read his testimony. His
powerful witness has stirred multitudes. Through the countless ages of
eternity, he will live and extend his influence over the children of this
earth. With his brethren, the Twelve, he will judge the nations.
My young brothers and sisters, I
hope that you can love and accept the great prophet, Peter, as I feel in my
heart to do. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. (Speeches of the Year [Provo,
Utah: Brigham Young University Press, 1971], pp. 1–8.)
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