Truth Is [Coming]

I was thinking about Peter this morning.

Here’s a guy who’s been with Jesus since the beginning.  Jesus, the guy who keeps talking about this kingdom.  A kingdom that Peter hoped for.  A new system.  One worth fighting for, in Peter’s mind.  And Peter was besties with the guy that was going to get this revolution started.

And then Jesus dies.

Peter is devastated.

Obviously.

Because if you know anything, you know that

Messiahs

Don’t

Die.

It’s just common sense, really.

If a guy is going to do something big, like something that’s been promised to you for thousands of years, then that guy sort of has to have a pulse, right?

Peter had grown up in a system where empire wins.

The biggest sword, the strongest fist, the loudest voice,

Always

Wins.

And Jesus had looked Peter in the eye and said, “Things are going to change.  Follow me.  Watch and see.”

And now Jesus was gone.

The night of Jesus’ death, Peter gave up.  There was no point in pretending.  “I never even knew the guy,” Peter would say.  Because Jesus was just like all the other Messiah hopefuls.

Dead and buried.

And several days later, Jesus shows up.

Which is odd, to say the least.

And this also puts Peter in sort of an awkward position.

I mean, what do you say to this guy who had totally let you down?  And now he’s not even dead..?  What is going on?

And Jesus looks Peter in the eye and says,

“See?  This revolution is so big, death can’t even handle it.

“And Peter, you’re gonna be part of it.”

That’s what Easter is about.

It’s about being at the end of your rope, in the darkest place, with no hope left,

And then Jesus shows up from the dead and says,

“Be a part of this.”

So there you have it:

What’s your answer, Peter?