A Sermon on Peter

Here is given a lesson for all Christ's followers. The gospel makes no compromise with evil. It cannot excuse sin. Secret sins are to be confessed in secret to God; but, for open sin, open confession is required. The reproach of the disciple's sin is cast upon Christ. It causes Satan to triumph, and wavering souls to stumble. By giving proof of repentance, the disciple, so far as lies in his power, is to remove this reproach.{DA 811.2}

While Christ and the disciples were eating together by the seaside, the Saviour said to Peter, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me more than these?" referring to his brethren. Peter had once declared, "Though all men shall be offended because of Thee, yet will I never be offended." Matt. 26:33. But he now put a truer estimate upon himself. "Yea, Lord," he said, "Thou knowest that I love Thee." There is no vehement assurance that his love is greater than that of his brethren. He does not express his own opinion of his devotion. To Him who can read all the motives of the heart he appeals to judge as to his sincerity,--"Thou knowest that I love Thee." And Jesus bids him, "Feed My lambs." {DA 811.3}

Again Jesus applied the test to Peter, repeating His former words: "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me?" This time He did not ask Peter whether he loved Him better than did his brethren. The second response was like the first, free from extravagant assurance: "Yea, Lord; Thou knowest that I love Thee." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep." Once more the Saviour put the trying question: "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me?" Peter was grieved; he thought that Jesus doubted his love. He knew that his Lord had cause to distrust him, and with an aching heart he answered, "Lord, Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love Thee." Again Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep." {DA 812.1}

Three times Peter had openly denied his Lord, and three times Jesus drew from him the assurance of his love and loyalty, pressing home that pointed question, like a barbed arrow to his wounded heart. Before the assembled disciples Jesus revealed the depth of Peter's repentance, and showed how thoroughly humbled was the once boasting disciple. {DA 812.2}
Peter was naturally forward and impulsive, and Satan had taken advantage of these characteristics to overthrow him. Just before the fall of Peter, Jesus had said to him, "Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." Luke 22:31, 32. That time had now come, and the transformation in Peter was evident. The close, testing questions of the Lord had not called out one forward, self-sufficient reply; and because of his humiliation and repentance, Peter was better prepared than ever before to act as shepherd to the flock. {DA 812.3}

The first work that Christ entrusted to Peter on restoring him to the ministry was to feed the lambs. This was a work in which Peter had little experience. It would require great care and tenderness, much patience and perseverance. It called him to minister to those who were young in the faith, to teach the ignorant, to open the Scriptures to them, and to educate them for usefulness in Christ's service. Heretofore Peter had not been fitted to do this, or even to understand its importance. But this was the work which Jesus now called upon him to do. For this work his own experience of suffering and repentance had prepared him. {DA 812.4}

Before his fall, Peter was always speaking unadvisedly, from the impulse of the moment. He was always ready to correct others, and to express his mind, before he had a clear comprehension of himself or of what he had to say. But the converted Peter was very different. He retained his former fervor, but the grace of Christ regulated his zeal. He was no longer impetuous, self-confident, and self-exalted, but calm, self-possessed, and teachable. He could then feed the lambs as well as the sheep of Christ's flock.{DA 812.5}

The Saviour's manner of dealing with Peter had a lesson for him and for his brethren. It taught them to meet the transgressor with patience, sympathy, and forgiving love. Although Peter had denied his Lord, the love which Jesus bore him never faltered. Just such love should the undershepherd feel for the sheep and lambs committed to his care. Remembering his own weakness and failure, Peter was to deal with his flock as tenderly as Christ had dealt with him. {DA 815.1}

The question that Christ had put to Peter was significant. He mentioned only one condition of discipleship and service. "Lovest thou Me?" He said. This is the essential qualification. Though Peter might possess every other, yet without the love of Christ he could not be a faithful shepherd over the Lord's flock. Knowledge, benevolence, eloquence, gratitude, and zeal are all aids in the good work; but without the love of Jesus in the heart, the work of the Christian minister is a failure. {DA 815.2}

Jesus walked alone with Peter, for there was something which He wished to communicate to him only. Before His death, Jesus had said to him, "Whither I go, thou canst not follow Me now; but thou shalt follow Me afterwards." To this Peter had replied, "Lord, why cannot I follow Thee now? I will lay down my life for Thy sake." John 13:36, 37. When he said this, he little knew to what heights and depths Christ's feet would lead the way. Peter had failed when the test came, but again he was to have opportunity to prove his love for Christ. That he might be strengthened for the final test of his faith, the Saviour opened to him his future. He told him that after living a life of usefulness, when age was telling upon his strength, he would indeed follow his Lord. Jesus said, "When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake He, signifying by what death he should glorify God." {DA 815.3}

Jesus thus made known to Peter the very manner of his death; He even foretold the stretching forth of his hands upon the cross. Again He bade His disciple, "Follow Me." Peter was not disheartened by the revelation. He felt willing to suffer any death for his Lord. {DA 815.4}

Heretofore Peter had known Christ after the flesh, as many know Him now; but he was no more to be thus limited. He knew Him no more as he had known Him in his association with Him in humanity.

He had loved Him as a man, as a heaven-sent teacher; he now loved Him as God. He had been learning the lesson that to him Christ was all in all. Now he was prepared to share in his Lord's mission of sacrifice. When at last brought to the cross, he was, at his own request, crucified with his head downward. He thought it too great an honor to suffer in the same way as his Master did. {DA 815.5}

To Peter the words "Follow Me" were full of instruction. Not only for his death, but for every step of his life, was the lesson given. Hitherto Peter had been inclined to act independently. He had tried to plan for the work of God, instead of waiting to follow out God's plan. But he could gain nothing by rushing on before the Lord. Jesus bids him, "Follow Me." Do not run ahead of Me. Then you will not have the hosts of Satan to meet alone. Let Me go before you, and you will not be overcome by the enemy. {DA 816.1}

As Peter walked beside Jesus, he saw that John was following. A desire came over him to know his future, and he "saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou Me." Peter should have considered that his Lord would reveal to him all that it was best for him to know. It is the duty of everyone to follow Christ, without undue anxiety as to the work assigned to others. In saying of John, "If I will that he tarry till I come," Jesus gave no assurance that this disciple should live until the Lord's second coming. He merely asserted His own supreme power, and that even if He should will this to be so, it would in no way affect Peter's work. The future of both John and Peter was in the hands of their Lord. Obedience in following Him was the duty required of each. {DA 816.2}

How many today are like Peter! They are interested in the affairs of others, and anxious to know their duty, while they are in danger of neglecting their own. It is our work to look to Christ and follow Him. We shall see mistakes in the lives of others, and defects in their character. Humanity is encompassed with infirmity. But in Christ we shall find perfection. Beholding Him, we shall become transformed. {DA 816.3}


Biographical data AA 514-38; Ed 88-91
fisherman DA 244; 249; Ed 85; MH 29; SR 276
humble and unlearned DA 249
man of poverty DA 273
Bethsaida the city of DA 292
home of, near Capernaum DA 259, 267; MH 29-30
John the Baptist's preaching heard by DA 139
Andrew brought, to Christ DA 139, 141; Ed 87
third disciple chosen by Christ DA 139
miraculous draft of fish by DA 244-6, 249; MB 6-7
called by the sea DA 249, 273; Ed 232; GW 113; MH 480
Christ sought rest in home of DA 259
mother-in-law of, Christ healed DA 259-60; MH 29
Christ taught in house of DA 267
paralytic healed in home of DA 267-71; MH 75
ordained by Christ DA 291-7; MB 2-5
question asked of Christ by DA 344; MH 60
saw Christ raise Jairus's daughter DA 343
sent forth as evangelist DA 349-58
walked on stormy sea COL 387; DA 381-2, 673-4; Ed 88-9; 2SM 235; 2T 273; 4T 558; TM 93
faith of disciples expressed by DA 393
confessed Christ to be Son of God DA 393, 411-4
rebuked by Christ AA 525; 5BC 1095; DA 415-6; Ed 88; 2SM 353
Christ transfigured before DA 419-25
asked by collector of temple revenue if Christ paid tribute DA 432
fish with coin in mouth caught by DA 432-4
asked Christ how often he should forgive his brother COL 243
reaction of, to Christ's words re rich man COL 395
Christ washed feet of DA 645-6
loyalty affirmed to Christ by DA 673; EW 166
denial of Christ by, foretold DA 673
with Christ in Gethsemane DA 686
ear of high priest's servant cut off by DA 696; EW 168
rebuked for using sword DA 696
proposed that disciples flee from Gethsemane DA 697
followed Christ to trial by Sanhedrin DA 710-12
Christ denied by AA 62, 537-8; 5BC 1152; COL 152-4; DA 413, 508, 710-6, 760, 811-2; Ed 89; EW 169-70, 193, 260, SR 250-1; 2T 204-5; 3T 416; 5T 427-8, 557; TM 267
first denial DA 710-12
second denial DA 712
third denial DA 712
sifted by enemy DA 713, 812; SD 91; 4T 246
reproved by look of Christ DA 713; EW 194; TM 268
repented of having denied Christ AA 538; 5BC 1151; COL 152-4; DA 139, 713, 793, 812; Ed 89-90; EW 169-70, 224-5; SR 316; 3T 416; 4T 488; TM 268
self-judged, fell upon Rock 5BC 1152
converted AA 63; 5BC 1151; EW 193; SR 251; 3T 416; 5T 334; TM 268
after Christ's death EW 169-70
after denying Christ TM 268
Christ remembered, after His resurrection COL 156; DA 793; Ed 90; 4T 488
hurried to sepulcher on morning of resurrection DA 789; Ed 90; SL 53
returned from Christ's tomb to Jerusalem DA 789
fishing after Christ's resurrection DA 810
forgiven and restored to discipleship AA 515, 537; 5BC 1151-2; 6BC 1061; COL 154-6, 160; DA 811-2, 817; 4T 488
tested three times 5BC 1151-2; COL 154; DA 811-5; Ed 90
charge given by Christ to CSW 76; DA 811-5; Ed 90; Ev 345-6; GW 182-3, 207
curiosity of, to know John's future DA 816
sermon of, on Day of Pentecost AA 41-4; 6BC 1055; DA 770; GC 9, 546; SR 244-6; TM 66
John and: lame man healed at temple by AA 57-9; EW 192; SR 248-9
imprisoned by Jewish leaders AA 61; EW 192-3; SR 250
tried before Sanhedrin AA 62-9; EW 193; SR 250-3
first defense of, before Sanhedrin AA 62-4; DA 354; EW 193-4; SR 251-3
brethren prayed for AA 67
threatened and released by Sanhedrin AA 66-7; EW 194; SR 253
experience of, after release AA 67-8
Ananias and Sapphira rebuked by AA 70-6
miracles wrought by AA 77-8; SR 254
John and, accused of murdering Ananias and Sapphira AA 80; SR 255
second imprisonment of AA 78-9; EW 194; SL 62; SR 255; TM 68, 268
released from prison by angel AA 79-80; EW 194-5; SL 62; SR 255-6; 5T 713; TM 69, 268
third arrest of AA 81; EW 195; SR 256
second arraignment before Sanhedrin AA 77-86; EW 193-4; 1SM 391; SR 256-8; TM 268
beaten and released by Sanhedrin AA 83; SR 258
Simon Magus rebuked by SR 315
preached in Samaria DA 194
Paul's first meeting with AA 128-9; 6BC 1059; SR 276, 278
ministered at Lydda AA 131; SR 281
Aeneas healed of palsy AA 131; SR 281
ministered at Joppa AA 131-2
Dorcas restored to life AA 131-2; SR 281-2
ministered to Cornelius and family AA 132-41; 6BC 1059-61; Ev 558; GC 328; MH 209, 473; SR 282-90; 6T 79
reproved at Jerusalem for visiting Cornelius AA 141-2; SR 290-1
imprisoned and sentenced to death by Herod Agrippa I AA 143-8; 6BC 1061; EW 186; GC 512; SR 292-7; 5T 748
at Passover time AA 144-5
in reign of Claudius AA 143
church fasted and prayed for AA 144-5, 148-9; SR 293, 296-7
angels' watchcare over AA 145; SR 293
slept the sleep of innocence and trust in God SR 294-5
rescued from prison by angel AA 146-7, 152; Ed 255-6; Ev 581; GC 512; SR 294-6; 5T 713, 748
who slew Herod Agrippa I SR 299-300
reported to brethren AA 148
at general church council in Jerusalem AA 193-4; SR 306-7
visited Antioch in Syria AA 197-9; 6BC 1108
Paul rebuked AA 198; 6BC 1065
Simon Magus opposed, in Rome 6BC 1056-7; SR 315
witnessed for Christ in Rome 6BC 1056; SR 315
Nero imprisoned, in Rome AA 537; 6BC 1056-7; SR 315
about time of Paul's second arrest AA 537; 6BC 1056-7; SR 315
for exposing Simon Magus SR 315
closed his ministry in Rome AA 537
martyrdom of AA 537-8; Ed 90-1
by crucifixion AA 597; DA 139, 669; Ed 90-1
Christ foretold AA 537; 6BC 1061; DA 815-6
in Rome 6BC 1056; SR 315-6
with head downward AA 537-8; 5BC 1152; DA 816; Ed 91; SR 316; 4T 342
future of: at Christ's final coronation SR 424
in resurrection of righteous GC 667
partaker in Christ's glory COL 154

2. Characteristics of (before conversion)
aggressive Ed 88
ambitious DA 139
appeared to have greater disadvantage than Judas MH 493
ardent Ev 72; EW 224; GC 667; SR 424; 2T 204
boastful AA 63; 5BC 1152; COL 154; DA 812; TM 268
bold Ed 88; Ev 73; EW 225; 4T 488
careless of spirit DA 673
coward before finger of scorn DA 712
dictatorial 5T 334
did not desire to see cross in Christ's work AA 525; DA 415-6
did not know himself DA 673
forgiving Ed 88
forward DA 812; 5T 334
generous DA 296; Ed 88
had Pharisee spirit COL 152
hasty MH 493
heedless in entering into temptation DA 673
impetuous AA 539; DA 812; Ed 88; MH 493; SL 53; 5T 334-5
in Judas Iscariot's eyes DA 717
impulsive AA 63; DA 296, 812; Ed 85; SR 251; 4T 486
by nature DA 139
in temperament Ev 72
inclined to act independently DA 816
needed to: distrust himself DA 673
learn to follow before he could be leader DA 816
often erred and often received reproof Ed 88
passionate 4T 486
peculiar traits of character of, strikingly developed 5T 334
prompt: in action Ev 73; 4T 488
in retaliation Ed 88
proud AA 63; 3T 416
quick to perceive and forward to act Ed 88
rash 5T 334-5
ready always to: correct others DA 812; 5T 334
speak DA 344
ready always to express his mind DA 812; 5T 334
before he had clear comprehension of himself 5T 334
restless 5BC 1152; COL 154
retained much of old love for boats and fishing DA 810
self-assurance in Ed 88
self-confidence led, to believe he was saved COL 155
self-confident AA 63; 5BC 1152; COL 152, 154; DA 139, 812; Ed 88; MH 493; SD 91; SR 251; 5T 335; TM 267-8
self-exalted DA 381-2, 812; 5T 335
self-pitying Ed 88
self-sufficient 5BC 1102, 1123; COL 155; DA 688-9; Ed 85
shrank from fellowship with Christ in suffering DA 416; Ed 88
spoke unadvisedly DA 812; 5T 334
from impulse of moment DA 812; 5T 334
sympathetic DA 139
thought himself strong COL 152; SD 91
too confident ML 316
uncompromising Ev 73; 4T 488
unsanctified in temper DA 673
usually talkative AA 147
vacillating 1SM 379
warmhearted Ed 85
weak where he thought himself strong DA 382
would often wound Ev 73
zealous EW 73, 224-5; 4T 488

3. Characteristics of (after conversion)
bold 6BC 1061; EW 194
bowed with burden of years and labors AA 525; DA 416
braved danger unflinchingly 6BC 1061
calm, self-possessed, and teachable DA 812-3; 5T 335
courageous 6BC 1061; SR 251
different man DA 812; 5T 334-5; TM 268; SR 251
distrustful of self AA 63; SR 251
filled with Spirit, became firm as rock SR 251
fitted to strengthen his brethren 3T 416
humble DA 812; 3T 416
modest AA 63; SR 251
never forgot: his denial of Christ 5BC 1151; 4T 342
his fearful experience of humiliation COL 160; 4T 342
painful scene of his humiliation 5BC 1151
no longer impetuous, self-confident, and self-exalted DA 812
no longer proud boaster SR 251
pride and self-will surrendered by DA 646
ready to pity the tempted 3T 416
retained former fervor 5T 335
subdued and contrite 5BC 1152; COL 154
sympathetic with the weak and erring 3T 416
zeal of, Christ's grace regulated DA 812; 5T 335

4. Denial of Christ by DA 710-3
being policy man led to 5T 427-8
Christ foresaw DA 139
evil that led to, ruining thousands today COL 154
failure to know his own frailties led to SD 91
gradual and not instantaneous COL 155
lessons from COL 155-6
neglect of prayer led to DA 713-4; SD 91; TM 267
object of, was to conceal his true feelings DA 712
self-confidence led to 5BC 1102; DA 673-4; SD 91
self-love led to DA 673-4
self-sufficiency led to COL 155
sinned against light, knowledge, and great and exalted privileges SD 91
Spirit has laid bare 4T 12
swept away disciples' self-sufficiency Ed 94