As we open to the Book of Mark, we open to the words of Mark capturing the experiences of Peter. The Gospel by Mark is the premier book of God’s Word about hope – hope for a new start, hope for complete forgiveness, hope in the God of the 2nd chance. And no one knew that better than Peter.
A man called Peter knew Jesus better than any other human on earth ever did. Next to Christ, no one in the New Testament is mentioned by name more than Peter!
No one was ever honored like Peter. “Thou art Peter – and upon this rock…” (Matthew 16.18)
No one was ever rebuked as sharply as when Jesus called Peter a tool of Satan. “Get thee behind me Satan…” (Matthew 16.23)
No one ever claimed greater loyalty to Christ as did Peter “though all others may – I NEVER will!” (Mark 14.31)
No one ever denied Jesus like Peter. Not once, not twice – but three times. “I know not the man” (Matthew 26.74)
No one ever was more totally smitten by his or her sin in the sight of Jesus like Peter. “Then Jesus looked at him” (Luke 22.61)
No one ever grieved more completely than Peter – for no one ever knew Jesus better, or loved Him more, or for that matter, wanted His approval MORE than Peter. “He wept bitterly” (Luke 22.62)
Finally – no one was ever restored more tenderly and completely than Peter. “Feed my lambs” (John 21.15-17)
And what was the result?
Perhaps the greatest life ever lived for the Glory of God.
Peter stands tallest among all that ever walked this planet.
Peter, the man Jesus chose, the man Jesus trained, the man Jesus saved from death —
Became Peter, the man Jesus warned, the man Jesus watched deny Him, the man Jesus protected from the Devil —
Became Pete,r the man Jesus restored, the man Jesus used, and the martyr who hung humbly upside down on a cross because he was unworthy to die as Jesus died.
If there is ever a person who shows the love of Jesus, the compassion of Jesus, the patience of Jesus, the forgiveness of Jesus, the restoring power of Jesus, and the empowerment for ministry that Jesus can give – it is Peter!
This morning, we will examine the man behind this Gospel, Peter.
(WWJ-40; 040118AM)
Join the LAND OF THE BOOK channel to access weekly video releases over the next year totaling 50+ EXCLUSIVE VIDEOS featuring weekly in-depth Bible Study lessons with John & Bonnie. Clips are taken at just one of the places where we are taking our virtual journey through all the Lands of the Bible & Great Museums of the Bible on the Paul’s Life & Letters Course. Plus all the assigned HOLY LAND, Paul’s Life & Letters Course STUDY RESOURCES, and John’s two most loved books–David’s Spiritual Secret & Living Hope for the End of Days at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVK6dN-9kLDnQhYBFuES09A/join
Follow Discover the Book Ministries to stay up to date:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/discoverthebook/
DTBM Academy Courses:
https://dtbma.com/Default.aspx
Purchase John’s Books, Mp3 & DVD resources:
E-Books: https://tinyurl.com/y3wbhlxy
Here are links to our Amazon Pages–
https://www.amazon.com/shop/dtbm
Donate to the ministry: https://dtbm.org/donations/partnership/
For more of Dr. John Barnett’s Bible teaching messages, go to: https://dtbm.org/
https://youtu.be/7zWwqJeu4bg