Peter and John

Something I've been thinking about from last Sunday's Easter message:

"Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him." Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb. So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed." - John 20:2-8 NKJV

John was the fast one. In my limited study of him, I see him as quick to ask questions, quick to understand meaning, witty with his words (in my opinion), and as the verse above states...he arrived at the tomb first. We can learn a lot from John. We can learn that listening and being astute is a favourable thing. We can see that the Lord used him in these ways. We can recognize that these gifts he was blessed with was utilised by the Lord. 

We can also see how his cerebral approach was met with less action. Less “doing”. Less falling flat on his face, but experiencing redemption and grace. And we can glean from and learn from that.

But then, there's Peter. He was the bold/daring one. He got out of the boat, swore his allegiance without a backward glance, preached at Pentecost, and as we read above, he went into the tomb first. We can learn a lot from him, too. We can learn that sometimes it takes a really big trip up to bring us closer to God. We can learn that when we step out in faith, the Lord will be there as we call out to Him. We can see that sometimes the bold one has more bruises, but also has more passion and experience. 

Both are great examples of faith for us. Both are great men of the New Testament. Both have their faults and admirations. 

If you’re anything like me, you look at John and find comfort in how he pays attention. How he chooses to ask questions...and think before he acts. How he sticks close to Jesus, close to the comfort zone, and exercises his faith with his words. 

But then you look at Peter and are in awe at how many times he “screwed up” and yet the Lord still used him. You see how many times the Lord had to rebuke him, help him, explain something to him, exhort him…and yet he was used in amazing ways by the Lord! You see how he truly understands grace and mercy...and receives true Agape Love.

Who do you relate with? Who do you wish you were more like?