John 6:67-69

Never does the God-Man appear more human and easier for our fleshly eyes to relate to than when He experiences the very human emotions of sorrow, rejection, suffering, pain, or on the flip side, even leaping joy. Who cannot be stirred to remembrance of our own like emotions? How easy it is for us to relate! Who has not been privy to rejection, who has not suffered sorrow or who has not leaped with joy over victory? Many of Jesus’ followers had just proven turncoat choosing rather to wallow in the mud than to be washed clean by the blood. His penetrating question to His guys reeks with discouragement and sadness even though fully aware that the hearts of those who turned were never truly His. I am reminded of the words penned by the prophet Isaiah:

3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Isaiah 53:3 (NIV)

All the fullness of the Godhead dwelling in bodily form, Jesus was sent from heaven with salvation for the souls of men sparkling in His eyes. Our Lord was rejected by the very ones He came to save. Ever aware of all men’s hearts, rejection nonetheless pierces our Savior like a sword – perhaps not so much due to the rejection of Him per se, as much as the rejection of what would have brought them life to the fullest and yet they could not be bothered. The God of all hope longs to fill us with His joy and peace as we rely upon Him resulting in life to the fullest. It was almost as if Jesus prodded for some encouraging words from His Twelve – no doubt aware of encouragement being as oxygen to the soul. How often do we miss the glorious opportunity to breathe such life into another sojourner simply by an encouraging word? A heartfelt exhortation reviving the downtrodden is more than ever needed in our day. We most often find it easier to criticize and berate rather than give a genuine word of affirmation – shame on us! Peter steps up to the plate with words aptly spoken - speaking apples of gold on plates of silver in our Lord’s ears - reviving His soul like the spring rains.

11 A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Prov 25:11 (NIV)

4 The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, Prov 15:4 (NIV)

23 A man finds joy in giving an apt reply-- and how good is a timely word! Prov 15:23 (NIV)

I don’t believe for one minute that Peter was a random choice to speak such words of encouragement to our Savior. Peter, being one of the three in Jesus’ inner circle of companions was here used by God – prompted by the Spirit - to strengthen our Lord with his words of affirmation. God knows what His children need, when they need it and from whom they are to receive it. Jesus got a kick out of Peter. He enjoyed his company – his zeal brought a smile to our Lord’s face. Usually the first to speak for the group, Peter would impetuously and boldly blurt out even if he sometimes did not know what he was talking about! In our verses for today He shines with a mature response full of assurance and faith. That had to have put a smile on our Savior’s face and strength in His steps. Interestingly, we find another account in Scripture where Satan entices Peter to speak words to our Lord to dissuade Him from following the course set out for Him. Ever like Satan to counter God’s goodness with evil. The enemy always lies in wait like a roaring lion seeking to turn, through evil devices, even the Savior aside, as if that were possible. Peter was incited to speak words to our Lord which, if the Lord had followed his advice, would have dealt a deathblow for all of us – including Peter! Can’t the ones closest to us help us or hurt us the most? We find in Matthew the following account:

21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. 22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!" 23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." Matt 16:21-23 (NIV)

“Satan doesn’t surrender his prey without a fight. He comes racing after the converted soul, chariot wheels churning the dust, seeking to discourage you, to defeat you. He pursues you with the intensity of Pharaoh. He may use your old friends, a spot of persecution, or discouraging responses by your family. He may show you a hypocrite in the church or afflict you with a general slacking of zeal. He may launch a missile of temptation right at your heart or fire a volley of trials and troubles into your life.” Robert J. Morgan

8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:8-11 (NIV)