Resources: Summary of Peter’s Failures & What that Reveals About Jesus’ Goodness

Here is a list of many times that Peter fails or outright sins. Notice how Jesus is patient, instructs, correct and even disciplines Peter but Jesus never rejects Peter! This is how Jesus relates to anyone who has responded to Him!

1. Peter  doesn’t understand a Parable.  (On at least 3 occasions recorded)  Matt 15:15, Mk 4:10, Matt 16:7-8

—> Jesus patiently explains it to Peter, instructing Him

1. Peter and the disciples prevent the children from coming to Jesus  Mk 10:17

—> Jesus is indignant with them, but does not reject them, instead He instructs them

1. Peter fails to continue walking on water Matt 14:31

—> Jesus rescues him and instructs him—”Doubt was not necessary, Peter.”

1. Peter’s sin—he is filled with selfish ambition arguing and contenting that he is the greatest of the disciples! (3 times—Mk 9:33, Mk 10:35, Lk 22:24)

—> Jesus is patient with the Apostles, the leaders of the young church and instructs them

1. Peter is offended and angered by James and John’s attempt to secure the greatest reward from Jesus  (Mk 10:35)

—> Jesus physically gathers them back together in a group (they had separated) and instructs them how to be truly great

—> Also reveals that they were “used to Jesus granting requests”

1. Peter “takes Jesus aside” and attacks Jesus’ intent to atone for human sin thru suffering, death (Matt16:22, Mk9:33,34)

—> Jesus sharply disciplines Peter, instructs them all, but does NOT reject Peter or his call to lead

—> Jesus turned (away from Peter) and looked at his disciples and rebuked Peter, “Get behind Me Satan!” Then Jesus calls the crowd to him w/the disciples and says, “If you would follow Me, deny yourself…” (context of Peter’s agenda for His own life)

1. Peter interrupts a Holy moment between Jesus, Moses & Elijah and offers to build tree branch shelters for holy Saints and Jesus

—> The Father speaks and instructs Peter. Jesus speaks (Matt 17:7) and encourages them “not to be afraid.”

1. Peter speaks for Jesus to those who gather the Temple Tax and commits Jesus to certain actions (Matt 17:24)

—> Jesus is patient and instructs Peter (vs chiding Peter for not consulting Him)

1. Peter worries about himself and his sacrifice to follow Jesus: “What will there be for us? We have left everything to follow you” (Matt 19:27)

—> Jesus is patience and reveals their future to them which is instruction

1. Peter resists’ Jesus intent to wash his feet  (John 13:8)

-> Jesus patiently instructs Peter

1. Peter fails and falls asleep in Gethsemane (Matt 26:40 & 41, 43 & 44)

-> Jesus instructs him about his “weak flesh and willing spirit”. No rejection!

1. Peter publicly denies being associated with Jesus in any way with 1) an Oath and 2) with Curses (Matt 26:72 & 74)

-> Jesus forgives, restores and instructs Peter

1. Peter is overwhelmed with His sin and failure and quits “being an Apostle” and goes back to fishing as a business (Jn 21:3)

—> Jesus patiently restores Him to the place of leading His church. No rejection here!