Reflection – Dr Nathan Leber
Redeemed in Love
Before we look at today’s readings, I want to draw your attention to an important passage in Matthew’s Gospel (10:32-33): “So if anyone declares himself for me in the presence of men, I will declare myself for him in the presence of my Father in heaven. But the one who disowns me in the presence of men, I will disown in the presence of my Father in heaven.” Let’s ponder that for a while and whether we would pass both those criteria.
A similar idea is expressed in the Beatitudes, “Happy are you when people hate you, drive you out, abuse you, denounce your name as criminal, on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice when that day comes and dance for joy, for then your reward will be great in heaven.” This is Luke’s extended version, but you can see that the apostles (once they got over their initial fright – with a little help from the Holy Spirit) had begun to live out Jesus’ teaching. They must have rejoiced hard for “the honour of suffering humiliation” for Jesus’ sake. Yet we know it had not always been this way. They had suffered doubts, anxiety, fear and, in a variety of ways, had denied or abandoned Christ. Yet, on giving over their lives, they found their courage and the certainty that comes from faith.
Our Gospel explores the reconciliation of Peter and the revelation that God’s plan required his denial and repentance. Peter had always held a special position, and therefore his fall from grace was so shocking – how could the one who seemed to be a leader amongst the twelve fail so badly when the test came? Yet despite this, we still find him in a position of honour even after the crucifixion (think about the empty tomb account).
Today’s account begins with a return to his previous life as a fisherman. They see a lone figure on the shore and hear a familiar command to throw the net and then the great catch – 153 to be precise (Mathematically a master triangular number – cube each number and then add them together – the trinity in mathematical form). They recognise who it is, and Peter can’t wait. He plunges into the icy morning water despite the boat being close to the shore. He will not forsake the Lord again. Note all the threes. This is the third visitation; Jesus asks the question three times with his three references to his sheep. Remember the three denials of Peter. Imagine how much Peter’s heart sank each time Jesus asked the same question. Feeling all the guilt come flooding back and the thought that Jesus did not believe him and had not forgiven him. Yet Peter’s fall became his saving grace – it made him give everything to be redeemed. He needed to realise that Jesus knew everything about him and had a plan for him: that his life would forever be one of service to the people of God.
For us all, the Lord has a plan. He has placed in you certain talents and desires that He wants you to utilise in this plan. Yet it may require some sacrifices, some failures, some missteps, and some falls to come to the true realisation that all is for His greater glory. I want you to think about what your answer would be to the question, “Do you love me more than these others do?” Speak your answer quietly to the Lord. Now examine your relationship with God and think of anything you would like to do before being asked this question again? Think of what Jesus asks Peter to do. What can you do? Act now, hand over your life to Christ, trust in His way and His truth. Live every day in expectation that today you will be asked, “Do you love me more than these others do?”
Dr Nathan Leber
