One Apostle did not run away during the arrest of Jesus

This writing is sincere dedication to one especial person who did not run away during the arrest of Jesus. Once he walked on water towards Jesus but later started drowning when waves rose until CHRIST held his hand. While nobody could answer who Jesus was, he boldly said, “You are Christ the son of GOD.” Jesus rebuked him when he said Jesus should not be crucified.

During his initial days he was a fisherman and disciple of John-the Baptist but later apostle of Jesus. Once he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” Luke 5:8. He caught large amount of fish under the command of Jesus. Jesus healed his mother-in-law from chronic fever. He attacked and chopped off the ear with swords one of the guards while  troops arrested Jesus.

With all these hints you already know the person is none other than Apostle Peter one of three main apostles, the others being James and John whom Jesus had chosen out of 12 apostles to be at the mountain while transfiguration, healing of small girl and on Gethsemane Garden.

He challenged Jesus saying, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble. Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death. ” Luke 22:33 -34 “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” Matthew 26:36

Jesus knew Peter was ready to follow him but knew he would deny three times. Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” Luke 22:34

I always get fascinated by the fact  Peter did not run away like other Apostles but followed Jesus even when he was arrested. Luke 22:54 writes having arrested Him, they led Him and brought Him into the high priest’s house. But Peter followed at a distance.Peter had taken guide of another disciple to reach where Jesus was being taken so that Peter would be able to go inside the priest’s house according to Apostle John’s 18:15-18

It was during this time Peter denied Jesus three times though he was still following Jesus from distance.

And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So Peter went out and wept bitterly. Luke 22:81-82

It’s evident that Peter was really passionate for Jesus and  was entrusted as leader of other Apostles and disciples.

He later confessed that he loved Jesus three times when Jesus asked him,” Peter do you really love me MORE THAN ALL THESE.” John 21:15.

Jesus knew Peter loved him more than other Apostles but still asked him question until at last Peter got heartbroken with tears and said “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” John 21:17

 Following Jesus during the arrest was remarkable act of LOVE.

Peter went through bigger tests, trials and failed while the other Apostles did not even reach the stage of following Jesus after arrest.

The fact that other apostles ran away is the proof that they did not wanted to be arrested with Jesus and be in the prison. Whereas Peter developed the doubt and denied while Jesus was being persecuted but when denial prophecy was fulfilled he remembered words of Jesus which regained his faith. Besides that it was eye contact and prayer of Jesus that helped him to regain faith through remembrance of the denial prediction.

It’s no wonder why Jesus said to Peter “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven,” Apostle and friend of Jesus Matthews writes in Matthew 16:18-19

If Jesus recognized Peter with such commissions, I have been extra careful not to undermine Peter. Jesus has already decided to make Peter rock of church with keys.