Monday, 25 August 2008 00:00  |  and posted in Peter

Andrew immediately led Simon to Jesus. Jesus took one look up and said, "You're John's son, Simon? From now on your name is Peter.” John 1:42

Wow! The first time Simon meets Jesus he’s given a nickname. Jesus can see Simon’s potential and immediately re-names him Peter (which means rock). However, it’s not till later on, that Jesus explains that he wants Peter to be the foundational stone on which his church is built.

Who knows what Jesus has in store for you later on?

Tuesday, 26 August 2008 00:00  |  and posted in Peter

Peter, suddenly bold, said, "Master, if it's really you, call me to come to you on the water." Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. John 14:28-30

The words 'suddenly bold' are a definite indicator of Peter’s character. He was always the first to speak out or step forward – even on to water! Amazingly, Peter didn’t sink… at least not until he lost his focus on Jesus and concentrated instead on the crashing waves.

“Jesus, save me!” was Peter’s response as he began to sink and it should be ours too when circumstances overwhelm our faith.

Wednesday, 27 August 2008 00:00  |  and posted in Peter

And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Matthew 16:17

Moments before Jesus had asked his disciples who they thought he was. Peter, bold as usual, had stepped forward and declared that Jesus was “the son of the Living God.”

Jesus was delighted that Peter had received this revelation. In turn, Jesus speaks out Peter’s identity. As we receive revelation of who Jesus is we come to know our own identity too.

Thursday, 28 August 2008 00:00  |  and posted in Peter

Peter persisted, "You're not going to wash my feet—ever!" Jesus said, "If I don't wash you, you can't be part of what I'm doing." "Master!" said Peter. "Not only my feet, then. Wash my hands! Wash my head!" John 13:8-9

I’m not sure if Peter’s mum ever told him to think before he speaks, but here he puts his foot in his mouth. Peter loves Jesus and cannot bear the sight of seeing him do servant’s work. However, Peter’s love is flawed because it lacks humility. In order to be a part of Jesus’ work, he must have a servant’s heart.

Friday, 29 August 2008 00:00  |  and posted in Peter

Peter broke in, "Even if everyone else falls to pieces on account of you, I won't. […] Even if I had to die with you, I would never deny you." All the others said the same thing. John 13:8-9

Eager. Passionate. Devoted. Another word comes to mind: Proud.

Too much pride can paint an unrealistic picture in your mind of who you are. When it comes to the crunch time Peter ends up denying Jesus three times (that very night) to save his own skin. He’s not who he thought he was. Thankfully, Jesus is in the business of revealing to us our true identities.

Saturday, 30 August 2008 00:00  |  and posted in Peter

Just then Simon Peter, who was carrying a sword, pulled it from its sheath and struck the Chief Priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. Malchus was the servant's name. John 18:10

One part of us wants to say, “Good on you, Peter,” while another part is perhaps thinking, “Why were you carrying a sword?”

Peter (the fisherman!) nobly tries to rescue Jesus from being wrongfully arrested not realising that this was part of God’s plan for our salvation. Peter seems to have plans of his own to keep Jesus alive and doesn’t yet understand why Jesus’ way involves sacrifice instead of the sword.

Sunday, 31 August 2008 00:00  |  and posted in Peter

Then Jesus said it a third time: "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was upset that he asked for the third time… so he answered, "Master, you know everything there is to know. You've got to know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. John 21:17

How on earth did John find out what was said in this private conversation?

Perhaps Peter, the leader of the early church, openly shared this story with people saying: I failed Jesus! I messed up big time. I denied I knew him three times on the night he was crucified! But the great thing about Jesus is that he comes and restores us. On the beach that day, Jesus restored me…