For some reason the personalities of Jesus’ closest friends has been on my mind this week. We like to look at Peter’s reactions and criticize his lack of consistency and his denial under stress. We think we’d be better. I doubt it. Honestly. I don’t deal with authority figures well. Just ask my wife about times she tells asks me to do something. How about in a life and death situation where the authority figures have weapons and legal right to use them–on you?
Aside from Judas, the only other glimpse we have at a friend in this crisis situation is John. I have a feeling that whereas Peter was borderline manic/depressive–subject to mood swings and impetuousness–John was more balanced. He seems to have had more control over his emotions, was accustomed to leadership (probably his father was in the Jewish elite) and more “spiritual.” (I’ll define that someday.)
It was John to whom Jesus entrusted his mother as he was dying. (One wonders where Jesus’ brothers were.) John was the stability that is sometimes needed, whereas Peter was the forceful personality that, when harnessed and guided correctly, propels a movement.
Jesus picked people carefully. He obviously saw a need for both personality types. He saw that Peter had trouble coming to grips with his thoughts and feelings. But he knew that once Peter had fully digested the situation he would be the rock upon which all could stand. And he know that John would bring that stable, intelligent, unifying force to the movement.
We have different personality types. They are neither right nor wrong. They need to be understood. Weaknesses need to be addressed and strengths emphasized. Personality types are not for judgement about whose is better. They are to be understood so that you can assume your proper role in the furtherance of God’s kingdom.
Ask yourself honestly. How would you react? Are you a Peter? A John? Something else? How can you absorb the experiences of Jesus’ dying and use it to the glory of God?
Faith Venture 
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