18 July 2024

Young people at school and university have finished their examinations and will shortly be finding out their results. Tests are an integral part of life. Jesus was tested too. He had three tests to sit. Turn stone into bread. Throw yourself off the temple. Win the whole world!

He isn’t tempted by material wealth, the status of a celebrity, universal power. He passes all his tests with flying colours! Sadly, Peter wasn’t so successful. He failed his tests. Three times he denies knowing Jesus. Three times, Jesus asks him, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’

When Peter answers affirmatively, Jesus gives him three important tasks to fulfil. Feed my lambs. Tend my sheep. Feed my sheep. Despite his failure, he is called to exercise a position of leadership in the Church. What does this say to us about examinations and tests?

Firstly, they are not of ultimate significance. Success or failure can be used by God to fulfil his purposes. He chooses whomsoever he chooses. Secondly, failure is more likely to open us up to the presence and power of God. For it enables us to recognise our need of God. And only then can God use us effectively.

For us, the biggest test is the test of faith. Interestingly, Peter considers this test as a means of strengthening our faith. Just as gold is strengthened and purified in the fire so is our faith. In life we are subjected to various trials or tests. Potentially, they have a positive outcome.

The Greek word for ‘various’ is poikiloi  which means multi-coloured. It’s only used once more in the NT to describe the grace of God. There is no colour to which there is no match on the palette of God’s love. So we may be tested in various ways but through each test we may experience the multi-coloured love of God. No other test can guarantee us such a reward!

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