I would like to present to you a vision of the ministry of our Lord Jesus as reported by the Apostle Peter. Simon, as he was known before meeting Jesus, and his brother Andrew were fisherman by trade. Andrew lived with Simon and his wife in the city of Capernaum.

Simon had a leadership style that caused others to look upon him as a source of direction. This is somewhat surprising because he was a very impulsive and aggressive person. He appeared to have subscribed to the motto; “Nothing ventured nothing gained”. Also, he seemed to have a problem of speaking before his mind had a chance to tell him what to say. In today’s world he could have been described as the fellow that acted in the Ready, Fire, Aim category. He was always in the hot seat, but he appeared to like it that way.

Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptizer and one day he came home to tell Simon that they found the Messiah. Simon immediately went running off to see for himself and met Jesus for the first time. Jesus looked at Simon and said, "Thou art Simon the son of Jonas. Thou shalt be called Cephas". This was Aramic for what is Petros or Peter in Greek. The name Peter means a rock or stone, which turned out to be Peter’s faith and love for his Master. However, in the beginning, being called a rock was a little humorous because Peter was more like a pile of wet clay.

Their first journey with Jesus was to the city of Jerusalem. When they entered the city…

Wait, here comes a Spirit of Peter. Let Him tell you how it was.

Presentation

Peter enters with the following portrayal:

Good ______________. I appreciate this opportunity to be with you and share my understanding of “What Kind of a God We Have”. First, I would like to confirm what I just heard. I was an impulsive pile of wet clay, and speaking before I knew what I was going to say? When I first met the Master I guess I could have been described that way. That was before the He molded me into His loving way.

However, I also thought our Master was rather impulsive on our first journey to Jerusalem. When we entered the Temple Courtyard, Jesus picked up a few reeds and wrapped them around His hand, turning them into a whip. He went forward and told those selling pigeons and animals to “Take these things hence; and do not turn My Fathers house into a market”. Then He chased all the animals out and over turned the moneychanger’s tables. Coins of all lands were flying in the air, big animals, little animals, were all scurrying away, pigeons flying through the air and terrified people getting out of the way. We were not prepared for such a scene. But, then again, we were not nearly ready for the revealing truth of our Lord Jesus.

On the way back to Capernaum we took the long way and stopped off in Judea and then went around to Samaria where Jesus became a friend of the lady by the well. The Samaritans and the Jewish people did not like each other, yet we spent a few days with them making Disciples of Jesus. I remember as we neared Capernaum on the Sabbath, in a Synagogue, Jesus preached a message that was beautiful and so consoling to our ears, but He also told everyone that He was the Messiah that they have been waiting for. Because of the miracles He had been performing, many accepted Him at face value, however, the Pharisees and Scribes revolted and carried Him out proclaiming Him to be nothing more than the son of Joseph and now a blasphemer in GODS Holy Temple. Us Disciples were shoved aside and could not understand what was happening. Jesus joined us later when we were away from the synagogue on our way back to Capernaum

I was pleased to get back home. Our trip was bewildering and discouraging at times because I did not understand the relationship of Jesus with our Jewish leaders. As Jesus spoke a message of love, they continued to attack Him. At that time we did not understand that Jesus was delivering a message that threatened their very existence. After our return, on the Sabbath we went to the Synagogue, which was packed because Jesus was going to speak. During the service a demon possessed man was brought in and was dropped, convulsing on the floor. With his distorted foaming mouth he said “you are the Son Of God” and then asked if Jesus was going to destroy him. It was unbelievable! With simple authority Jesus said "be silent and come out of him". The man lay lifeless. Some thought he died. But, the foul spirit left him and he got up in good cheer and walked away. People were saying "what is this? What authority and power to command evil spirits".

After this powerful service we returned to my house which had become the headquarters for Jesus. When we arrived, my mother-in-law was very sick with a fever and could not even get up. Jesus walked in and not only immediately healed her, but made her feel of good spirits and completely strong so she could prepare dinner for us. Word was quickly being passed around. From that point forward it was like we were a clinic of mercy. We were! They hobbled, crawled, were carried, led by others, we even had a paralytic on a stretcher that was lowered through a hole they made in our roof! He healed them all. My humble home became a palace of mercy.

I was becoming even more troubled as I watched Jesus with the people. They loved Him. Along with His great miracles and healings I thought He had to be the Son of GOD. At the same time, Jesus was saying that the leaders of the Jewish nation were corrupt and did not believe in GOD or Moses. I was a devout Jew and was taught to revere these people.

About this time, as I was becoming so troubled, He announced He was selecting 12 Apostles from His Disciples. I really thought I would be one of them. After all, He was staying in my house. Not only was I one, He called me first! I was the first or right hand man to Jesus, the Messiah. All the responsibility and authority that went with such a position came to mind..

Then, before Jesus sent us Apostles out on our first journey, He gave us the powers to cast out evil spirits and cure diseases. We went out in pairs and were told to treach about the Kingdom of God and heal the sick. We only had the clothes we wore. No money, no staff to protect us and no extra clothing or shoes. His parting words were that we were going like Lambs in the midst of wolves. Talk about words of encouragement!

Before having sent us out, Jesus had delivered a message that you know as the Sermon on The Mount. Like in the message, when we went out, I found a new way of life. I received food, drink, anything I wanted when I was in need. It was a newfound freedom. I experienced a peace and joy I never knew before. I began to understand the Sermon on the Mount. You know the birds in the air and the lilies of the field. As we served, GOD provided all in beautiful splendor.

When we returned, we heard John the Baptist was murdered and we were all very sad. We decided to get away for a while so we took my boat to the other side of the Sea of Galilee to a quiet secluded cove to be by ourselves. I do not know how, but about 5,000 of the followers were waiting for us on the shore. You all know how Jesus fed the 5,000 with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. Also, how there were 12 baskets of food left over. When the crowd started to realize what had happened, they started to quietly talk to each other. Their voices started to raise into shouts. They wanted to crown Him King right then and there. But, He would have no part of it. He went up on the mountain to pray and told us to leave without Him. We went off shore and waited for Him until darkness.

That night after we left the 5,000 by boat without Jesus, a storm came up in the middle of the sea. While we were rowing to keep the boat facing into the wind, someone shrieked "there is a ghost on the water". I quickly realized it was the Lord coming toward us walking on the water. He said "take courage, it is I, do not be afraid". I do not know why, but, all of a sudden, I just shouted out "If it is you, bid me to come to you walking on the water" and He said, "come"! Oh my! Well, --- I climbed out of the boat looking right at Jesus and started walking toward Him on top of the water. All of a sudden I realized what I was doing and looked at the fierce waters around me and I started to sink as I took my eyes off the Master. I cried out “Lord save me!” He reached out His hand and said "Oh you weakling in faith, why did you have any doubt". After this journey, all of us thought that He had to be the son of GOD.

Jesus also showed His human side many times and this was especially true when He wept for His friend Lazarus who had died and was placed in a tomb for 4 days. After He glorified God by raising Lazarus from the dead, we went on our final journey back to Jerusalem. Jesus rode in from Bethany across the Kildron Valley on a little donkey. Crowds of people lined both sides of the road. They were shouting and singing "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord, Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest". They had stripped trees of their branches and were waving them as we went by. They covered the road with their cloaks and gowns and boughs from Palm trees for the donkey to walk over them. It was indescribably wonderful. They truly loved the Lord. And, Jesus was finally willing to be King. He entered the city of David in triumph. I was singing with all my heart. I was filled with love, delight and joy.

After what you call Palm Sunday, which was also Lamb Selection Day for the Passover, the Pharisees and Scribes attacked Jesus in the Temple courtyard. The more they attacked Him the more His truth triumphed. His parables and teachings were converting all that were present. Even some Pharisees and Scribes were becoming converts, although they were unable to say it. Jesus just stood taller and taller; He towered above us and became that judge of the living and the dead as He had proclaimed Himself to be.

On Wednesday morning, Jesus directed John and I to go to a certain place in Jerusalem to make arrangements for the Passover. Then on Thursday we went to enjoy the preparation of the Feast. It was a beautiful time in the city with over 2,000 people celebrating, singing, and thanking GOD for delivering them from their enemies.

After being seated in the upper room, Jesus got up, picked up a hand towel, wrapped it around His waist and then picked up a wash basin and proceeded to wash our feet! I was overcome. The Christ, the Son of GOD was going to wash my feet. When He came to me, I asked if that was what He was going to do? He said “yes, I will not understand now, but I will later”. I said no! You shall not wash my feet. I felt so undeserving. He replied that I could have no part of Him unless He washed my feet. I then said "not only my feet Lord, but also my hands and my head". I wanted to be every part of Him. But, He told me I was already clean.

After a discussion regarding Judas and his leaving the room, Jesus took a loaf of bread, blessed it and broke it saying "this is my body, take and eat in remembrance of Me". Then taking the cup, He gave thanks and passed it to us saying "Drink all of you of this, for this is my blood, that of the new covenant which is poured out for many for the remission of sin”. We really did not understand the significance of the moment. We thought of Moses and prior covenants that were sealed with blood. Also, about His previous comments about being the Bread of Life.

Jesus then told us that He would not be with us much longer, but that later He would return. Then He gave us a new commandment "to love one another as He loved us and by this love others will know we are His disciples". At that point, I asked where He was going. He told me where He was going I could not follow, but I shall later on. I did not understand and told Him I would lay down my life for Him. He looked at me and said "Indeed I say to you, this day the cock shall not crow before you have denied me three times". Then He told us that if anyone loves Him they will keep His word and His father would love us. Also, the comforter, the Holy Spirit that the father will send to us, will teach us all things.

After the feast we left the upper room singing hymns as we walked through the streets until we came upon the little farm Gethsemane on the western slope of Mount Olive. Jesus took John, James and I up on the hillside. He did not act as we knew our Lord. He told us that He was so overwhelmed with sorrow, almost to the point of death. Our hearts began to ache. We never saw Jesus in such distress. He left us on the edge to watch as He went on a little further to pray. We could hear Him say "Abba, all things are possible to thee! Remove this cup from me! Never the less, not what I will, but what thou wilt"! We could feel the agony that He was suffering. We had no way of knowing that He knew He was purposely going to yield His life to the Power of Darkness for “our sins – our sins”.

It was on this hill that Jesus was turned over to an angry mob by a kiss from Judas. As the soldiers approached Jesus, the others asked if they should draw their swords. My sword was already slicing through the air and I cut off the ear of Malchus as he dodged the blade. Jesus told us to put away our swords and healed the servant of the High Priest. He said this must be done to fulfill the scriptures, which was GOD'S divine plan.

All of us Apostles knew this was the end, the battle was lost. Jesus was not going to be the type of King we expected. We were all disillusioned with a sickening sense of failure. He was going to let them do what ever they wanted to do with Him. We fled into the woods. I ran down the hill where I found John. We then followed the mob as they took Jesus first to gloating Annas and then to The High Priest, Caiaphas.

There were guards everywhere. I could not enter the palace grounds because the portress had to approve anyone who entered. John knew the portress and therefore he was able to enter the gate. A short time later he returned to the gate and told the portress to let me in as his friend. As I passed her she said "Are you a disciple of Jesus"? To which I replied "I am not". I did want to enter the grounds where Jesus was on trial.

I was not permitted in the house, therefore I had to fit in with the guards in the courtyard. All I could do was listen as Caiaphas conducted the interrogation. It was awful with much conflicting testimony and outright lies. Then Caiaphas asked the key question. "I put thee upon the oath of the living GOD to tell us whether you are the Christ, the son of GOD"? Jesus said "I am and I tell you more - hereafter you shall see the Son of man seated at the right hand of power and coming in the clouds of heaven”.

Well, Caiaphas had two choices. Either to worship Jesus as the Son of GOD or demand His death for blasphemy under the Law of Moses. The silence was suffocating! Caiaphas, in raging anger, asked the council their opinion. They chorused "Death! Let Him die the death"! Now they slapped Him, hit Him, ridiculed Him, spit upon Him, it was an unbearable time. It was even worse for me because now I realized that all that Jesus had said was coming true and so would the rest of His predictions. He would be killed by this tormenting dishonest mob of people.

The night was getting colder and I went over to a fire with the guards to warm myself. The Portress came up to me again and asked if I was I was a Galatian, one of His disciples. I was shocked and numbly said no I am not! Then a guard said "You are one of them, I saw you at the farm. I immediately replied " I do not know the man you are speaking about". As soon as I said that, the cock crowed and they were taking Jesus out of the house. He passed right in front of me and looked right at me. Oh that look! A look that said He loved me! A look of compassion and understanding. A look that went right to my heart. My body convulsed and I cried uncontrollably as I ran outside

I struggled to follow the procession as Jesus was dragged to Pilot. After much arguing about the innocence of Jesus, He was finally condemned. Then they mocked Him and forced a crown of thorns upon His head tearing His flesh and dressed Him in purple as if a fool being a King. Then He was taken to the courtyard where He was flogged and unmercifully tortured. Then they forced Him to carry His own Cross to the “Place of the Skull”.

That morning Jesus was hung on the cross. The sound of the nails being pounded into his flesh caused my body to erupt with each and every blow. Those horrible nails were pounded through the ankles and out through the heel so that the pain would be so severe that Jesus would not be able to support His body. They then pounded those awful nails into His wrists so the weight of the body would pull itself apart. This was the Son of GOD, the Christ, dying a torturous death on the Cross. I was numb, I had no feelings. At noon, in the middle of the day, the skies started turning dark. It was a long -- long agonizing time as the tortures of the cross took the life away from Jesus. Around 3:00 O’clock as you know the time. I heard Him say the last words from the Cross, "It is finished" and the skies were black. Lightning crashed across the darkened sky, the earth shook with great tremors. I fell to my knees and asked myself, "What kind of GOD do we have that would let His own Son suffer and die such a cruel torturous death. What kind of GOD do we have?” I fled to nowhere wishing to be swallowed up by anything.

On the Sabbath, stories about the happenings on Friday filled the air. Most prominent was that the heavy woolen veil of the Temple that separated the people from GOD had been ripped in half as if it were a weak piece of parchment. Also, there were many stories about the dead Saints of the past being seen in the streets gibbering amongst themselves. Annas was concerned that someone would steal the body of Jesus, pretending that He was resurrected, so he placed a guard unit to watch the tomb night and day.

I found my heart was continually aching and hollow with the memory that the last words my Lord heard me say was that I did not know Him. He heard me, He looked at me -- and I thought I would never have the chance to say another word to Him. To tell Him how I loved Him. I would never have Him look at me again or to lean on my shoulder. My day and evening were filled with a consuming sorrow and sadness that I thought would never end.

The next day, Jesus appeared before His mother Mary to reassure her and take away her misery. Also, in the morning, Mary Magdalene and two others went to the tomb to anoint the Lord's body with sweet spices. They were gibbering about how they would be unable to go into the tomb, but when they got there the stone had been rolled back. There was no guard, and inside there was a young man in shimmering white who said that Jesus had risen as He said He would. He also told them to tell the Apostles He would see them in Galilee. He further made a special request to be sure to tell me.

Mary found us and told the story. The others kind of shrugged it off in the early morning, but John and I went running off to the tomb. We found the empty tomb with the neatly folded linens. It was then that we sensed that the Lord, the Son of GOD, Jesus the Christ had risen. He was the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, the risen Christ. Yet, there was a sense that it was impossible.

Later that day, in a room by my self, Jesus came to me. There He was, with the healed holes in His hands and feet, the healed wound in His side, the marks of thorns tearing the flesh on His brow and this wonderful warm smile on His face. The glory and love of GOD radiated from His presence. If only I had the words to tell you what it was like to see and talk to my Lord. Just to be near Him and yet to realize who He was.

That evening I met with the others in a locked room. I told them about seeing our Lord. How glorious he was in His resurrection. I knew they would be uncomfortable yet joyful with what I was saying. Then Cleopas and Phillip came bursting into the room with glad tidings about how they saw the Lord on the Road to Emmaus and then how He reveled Himself to them.

You can not imagine the joy that was in their hearts, yet also a feeling of impossibility. Then, all of a sudden, with the closed locked doors, Jesus appeared with us. There He was in the flesh. He invited us to touch Him and see His wounds. He ate and drank with us. We could readily see He was not just a ghost or a spirit, but it was Him in the resurrected flesh. Our spirits were filled with joy yet we could not overcome a feeling that it was too good to be true. But, there He was. The proof was in the body. He truly had overcome the death. He was the Son of GOD!

Well, after that, Jesus appeared to well over 500 people. He also charged us Apostles with the Holy Spirit and told us that those whose sins we forgave would be forgiven and whose sins we retained would be retained. Now that I was firm in my resolve about the risen Christ, I enjoyed many discussions about his resurrection. However when we were on the shore by the sea I was quite saddened when Jesus asked me 3 times if I loved Him. He knew how much I loved Him, but by this affirmation He wanted me to be relieved of the guilt I suffered because of how I denied Him.

About 6 weeks after the resurrection, Jesus again appeared to us at dinner time. He joined us for dinner and talked freely with us. We talked all night. Before dawn the next morning, Jesus invited us to follow Him to the Mount of Olives. Here after many consoling words to the ones who loved Him, He blessed us all and started to rise with outstretched arms. He just continued to rise until He finally disappeared in a cloud. Many started to weep. It was then that I realized what kind of GOD we have. A GOD that would send His only Son to be tormented and murdered and then to triumph by over coming the death. All this, just so GOD could reveal himself to us. To tell us how much He loves us! How much He loves me. How much He loves you. yes you – here, now, today, this very moment! A God, that through our Lord Jesus the Christ, forgives our sins and remove our guilt. All this so we can love and be with God. That’s the kind of God we have.

Let us pray;

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