If humility is the key to the Door of the Kingdom (and we think it is) then a few things must be considered. Jesus is clear that He is the Door to His Father and His Kingdom. The keys to the Kingdom were given to the right person. This has nothing to with church authority and everything to do with Peter’s magnificent followthrough in his imperfect faith.
Peter promised never-ending allegiance to Jesus.
Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of Me this night, for it is written, ‘I will strike down the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.” But Peter said to Him, “Even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away.” Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you that this very night, before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You.” (Matthew 26:31-35) All the disciples said the same as well.
Peter then betrayed Jesus
(after taking the slave Malchus’ ear with his sword). (John 18:26)
When he was around the fire. (Luke 22:57)
When he did not take the coward’s way out like Judas and faced his failure. (John 21)
When he continued to be taught after Jesus had ascended (Galatians 2:11-14)
This was a key backdrop to what Jesus was teaching His disciples throughout the Gospels about forgiveness.
√ You have to admit you were wrong.
√ You must be gracious when others have been wrong.
√ When you have been falsely accused.
√ When your friends dump and shun you.
√ When you must choose the forgiveness of Jesus.
√ When you must live not returning insult for insult.
√ When you must pray for your enemies.
√ When you must bless those who curse you.
√ When you choose not to take into account a wrong suffered.
After all (wedding repetition here) – think about each one and the humbling nature of each:
Love is patient
Love is kind and is not jealous
Love does not brag and is not arrogant
Love does not act improperly
Love does not demand what is best for me
Love is not provoked
Love does not take into account a wrong suffered
Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth
Love bears all things
Love believes all things
Love hopes all things
Love endures all things
Love never fails.
This is the core of the teaching about humility – and spiritual success!
Dave and Burnadette