Peter's journey to wisdom

Peter boasted; he vowed; he fought; then he fell: he fled; he denied; he heard; he wept bitterly. And thus wisdom was born in him. This is the wisdom which comes down from above, the wisdom of the Preacher who says that all things are vanity, the wisdom of God which is folly to men, the wisdom of the cross and suffering, the wisdom of anguish. For a broken and contrite heart he will not despise. Peter's contrition and sorrow made him fit to learn well of the mercy of God that he had already received in the Holy Supper that same night. And so must we learn through trial and affliction of life the wisdom of God. There is no other way. Sermon for Midweek of Passion week.