2025 - Peter

The Apostle Peter has a very important role in the opening section of the Passion. His journey from loyal companion and friend of Jesus through to his foretold denial under pressure would be tragic if not for the eventual reconciliation after the resurrection.

Jesus called Peter to him three years before the events that unfold in the Passion Play. His name was Simon and Jesus gave him his new name of Peter (Kepha) which means the Rock. If you notice when reading the gospels you will see that each time Peter does something wrong, Jesus calls him Simon, then when he does something right, he is called Peter.

As they arrive in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the apostles are excited. This is what they were talking about! After all the concern with attempts at arrest and Jesus telling them He will be killed, here are the people cheering them on!

At the Last Supper, Jesus tells them all he will be going away and will be betrayed and they will all abandon Him.

Peter insists he would never betray Jesus, he would die for him.

During the arrest, James asked if this was the right time to use their swords. On hearing the question, Peter leapt into action and defended Jesus from his attackers, cutting off the ear of the Temple Guard, Malchus.

But once Jesus told everyone to stop and then accepted his arrest, all the apostles ran off.

During the trial of Jesus by Caiaphus and the Sanhedrin, Peter is accused of being one of the followers of Jesus. He moves on, but the accusers follow him, forcing more sturdy denials.

Then the cock crew the second time, Peter remembered the words of Jesus and looked across to see Jesus looking at him with love and sorrow.

Peter broke down and fled the scene.

In the play that is the last time we see Peter, but we know that after the Resurrection, Peter is reconciled to Jesus and is filled with the fire of faith.

That is not a bad example for us to remember when we fail.