Peter said to him, ‘Even though all become deserters, I will not.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Truly I tell you, this day, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.’ But he said vehemently, ‘Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.’ And all of them said the same. (Mark 14: 29-31)

The gospels give us a fuller picture of Peter than any character other than Jesus. We know he was the owner of a fishing boat, married, and originally from Bethsaida. His father's name was Jonah. Jesus gave him the nick-name Peter. He was originally called Simon.

Peter was present for all of the great moments of Jesus' ministry. He was, for example, specially chosen to climb the mountain and experinence the transfiguration. Peter was especially spontaneous, enthusiastic, and open.

His weakness was a fear of death. Peter tried to convince Jesus that death was not particular to his mission. (Mark 8: 32) When Jesus came walking across the water Peter's first response was - successfully - to walk across the water toward Jesus. But his second response was fear. (Matthew 14: 22-32)

Despite this fear - and clear risks - after Jesus was arrested Peter followed his teacher even into the court of the High Priest. As we will soon read, he stayed in harms-way after being recognized. The gospels suggest Peter was the only disciple to take this risk.

Peter had many strengths. His intentions were consistently good. He did his best. Jesus knew Peter's limits. I hear Jesus encouraging Peter to be self-aware of his limits. But in any case, Jesus loved Peter no less because of his limitations.