CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE/A Growing Need for Forgiveness

 It was a momentous evening-the final night of Jesus' earthly life. Jesus still had much to teach his apostles-for instance, about humility. Jesus set an example by humbly washing their feet, a job normally assigned to the lowliest of servants. At first, Peter questioned Jesus' actions. Then he refused the service. Next he insisted that Jesus not only his feet but also his hands and head! Jesus did not lose patience but calmly explained the importance and meaning of what he was doing. - JOHN 13:1-17. 

Shortly, thereafter, Peter further tested Jesus' patience. The apostles fell to bickering who of them was the greatest, and Peter surely played a part in that shameful display of human pride. Nonetheless, Jesus corrected them kindly and commended them for what they had done well; they had shown faithfulness in sticking to their Master. He foretold, however, that they would all abandon him. Peter countered that he would stick with Jesus even in the face of death. Jesus prophesied that, on the contrary, Peter would deny his Master three times that very night before a cock crowed twice.  Peter then not only contradicted Jesus but boasted that he would prove more faithful than all the other apostles! -MATTHEW 26:31-35; MARK 14:37-31; LUKE 22:24-28; JOHN 13:36-38.

Was Jesus close to losing his patience with Peter? In fact, throughout this difficult time, Jesus kept looking for the good in his imperfect apostles. He knew that Peter would fail him, yet he said: "I have made supplication for you that your faith may not give out; and you, when once you have returned, strengthen your brothers." (Luke 22:32) Jesus thus expressed confidence in Peter's spiritual recovery and his return to faithful service. What a kind, forgiving spirit!

Next time: CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE/A Growing Need for Forgiveness 

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