Matthew 16:13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven… From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.” 23 But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”

Peter first receives great praise from Jesus for correctly naming Jesus’ identity. I can imagine Peter’s chest sticking out a bit in front of his fellow disciples. But then Peter blows it when he refuses to accept that Jesus would be killed. It’s a sort of whiplash in the narrative. Great praise, immediately followed by great rebuke.

As I’ve written many times in this space I relate to Peter. He means well, but he is often too quick to open his mouth or take action when he should think a bit more first. Peter has some definite rough edges to him yet he becomes the chief apostle after Jesus ascends to heaven.

Some days I get it right, some days I get it wrong. God uses me anyway, for which I am eternally grateful. Thank you Jesus for the grace you show to your servants who blow it on a regular basis. Amen.