Simon Called Peter
The life of Peter gives us great hope that we also can become a great disciple for our Lord Jesus Christ. Even when we lose faith, and are thoughtless and mean, even if we deny being a follower of Jesus there is still hope. Matthew 4:18-22; John 1:39-42; Luke 5:1-10
Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. Jesus said unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. (Matthew 4:18-22).
Andrew found his brother Simon Peter, and told him, he had the Messiah, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, you are Simon the son of Jona: you shall be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. They were from the city of Bethsaida, which is on the western coast of the Sea of Galilee. (John 1:39-42).
Peter was always by the side of Jesus. We know he was married because Jesus healed his mother in law who was sick of a fever. (Matthew 8:14-15). Peter was the disciple who was not afraid to walk on the water to go to Jesus. When the wind became boisterous, he became afraid and began to sink into the water and cried out to Jesus. Jesus stretched out His hand and caught Peter and asked him why he had little faith and doubted. (Matthew 14:25-33).
While in Capernaum the disciples were asked to pay a tribute or tax. Peter was going to pay the tax until Jesus stopped him and asked whom the kings of the earth takes custom or tribute of their own children or of strangers. Peter answered strangers. Jesus instructed Peter to go catch a fish in the lake when he opened his mouth Peter found money the exact amount needed. (Matthew 17:24-27).
One day by the Lake of Galilee, Jesus was crowded by people who wanted to hear the Word of God. Jesus entered into one of the ships which belonged to Simon Peter. Jesus asked Simon to put out a little from the land. It was there Jesus taught the people out of the ship. Once Jesus was finished speaking He told Simon to put out into the deep and let down the net to catch fish. They let down the nets and enclosed a multitude of fishes in their net until the net broke. They called to their partners on the other ship to come and help; at which time they filled both the ships until they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at the knees of Jesus saying, depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. Jesus told Simon to fear not from that time on they would catch men. (Luke 5:1-10).
It was Simon Peter who said it was Jesus who has the words of eternal life, where would they go? Simon Peter said they believe and was sure Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God. (John 6: 65-69).
Simon Peter was asked by Jesus who he say’s Jesus was. Simon Peter answered Jesus saying He was the Christ, the Son of the Living God. It was because Simon Peter knew Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God that Jesus called him Peter, and upon this rock Jesus will build His church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against this rock. Peter would be given the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatsoever Peter shall bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven. Whatsoever Peter shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (Matthew 16:15-19).
Peter was with Jesus at His transfiguration when He appeared with Moses and Elias. The LORD God spoke to Peter, James, and John his brother, saying “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” (Matthew 17: 1-13).
Simon Peter fell asleep at the Garden of Gethsemane when Jesus asked him to stay awake. (Matthew 26:36-48; Mark 14:32-42). Simon Peter also denied Jesus three times. (John 13:36-38)(Matthew 26:33-35). When Jesus was betrayed by Judas with a great multitude with swords and staves and was betrayed with a kiss from Judas; it was Simon Peter having a sword drew it and smote the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. (Matthew 26:36-48; John 18:10).
Simon Peter was first to run to the sepulcher after the Resurrection of Jesus and saw the linen clothes lying. Peter took the napkin that was about the head of Jesus, and wrapped together in a place by itself. (John 20:1-10). Peter stood in the midst of the disciples after the Ascension of Jesus and appointed Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias as disciples. (Acts 1:15-26).
Peter is the one who gave the address on the day of Pentecost after the Holy Ghost filled all who were with one accord. Those Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven who dwelled at Jerusalem heard the speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance and they were all amazed. There were some who mocked them saying they were full of new wine. Peter stood up with the eleven and addressed the men of Judea and those who dwelled at Jerusalem. Peter explained this was that which was spoken by the prophet Joel. (Acts 2:1-22).
What Can This Story Teach Us?
Simon Peter is the most well-known of the disciple. We are like Peter from the aspect of one day we walk by faith and the next we walk in doubts and fear. One day we are thoughtless and emotional and the next day we are full of love and caring.
Simon Peter is the disciple who denied Jesus three times during the night of Jesus’ trial. Following his Resurrection, Jesus took special care to reassure Peter he was forgiven. Peter became a bold evangelist and missionary after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
This gives us hope that even when we mess up we still can be forgive and can go ahead in our journey through life and do great things in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Cite Article Source
MLA Style Citation:
Holstein, Joanne “Simon Called Peter:.” Becker Bible Studies Library Oct 2014.< https://guidedbiblestudies.com/?p=1731,>.
APA Style Citation:
Holstein, Joanne (2014, October) “Simon Called Peter:.” Becker Bible Studies Library. Retrieved from https://guidedbiblestudies.com/?p=1731,.
Chicago Style Citation:
Holstein, Joanne (2014) “Simon Called Peter:.” Becker Bible Studies Library (October), https://guidedbiblestudies.com/?p=1731, (accessed).