Matthew 26:69–75; Peter’s Denial of Jesus Christ

Peter was an amazing example of what we should strive to become. While Peter made mistakes, as we all will his reactions to his mistakes were incredible.  Peter is also seen as the apostle who denied Christ as seen in the picture included, but Peter was so much more than whom he is portrayed as. Peter is someone that I strive to be like and possessed many attributes that I can only hope and strive to develop in my life.

In “Peter, My Brother” by President Kimball he talked about Peter’s denial and pointed out some important things that can help us to understand the denial further. One of the most important things that President Kimball pointed out was that Peter never denied the divinity of Christ, but he just denied his association. While denying the association is wrong, it is nowhere near denying that Christ is not sent to the world to redeem all men. During the time of Christ’s crucifixion Peter still knew and understood the divinity of Christ and did not deny Christ in that way. 

To me one of Peter’s greatest strengths was the way that he repented and learned when he was rebuked. In “Peter, My Brother” written by President Kimball he said, “Has anyone repented more sincerely?” One of Peter’s greatest strengths was his ability to completely repent and change, and be able to overcome his weaknesses. President Kimball also talks about how Peter was a diamond in the rough and how he needed much work but he was truly a real diamond. One of my goals is to be able to change like Peter did and to see a real and complete transformation when I repent.

It amazes me that Peter was able to stay strong and true throughout his life. Peter was a “special target of the adversary” and was fought against by the entire host of hell. Satan knew that if he could take down Peter then by doing that he could essentially take down the entire church, but Peter stayed strong and was brave and fearless in the face of temptation. Because he was able to resist the temptations of the adversary he essentially saved the church. I hope to be able to resist the temptations of the adversary like Peter did.

To develop these characteristics I want to continue to study Peter’s life and teachings to see what helped him to become the man that he was. I also believe that if I pray for help and guidance then my Heavenly Father can help me to develop these attributes and ultimately become more like Him.