THE 12 APOSTLES OF JESUS: PETER
Jn. 1:41-42, etc.
INTRODUCTION
A. HUMOR
1. We’re going to look at Peter & when he walked on water.
2. I heard a story about 3 pastors who went fishing. They agreed on a lot of doctrine except one believed that miracles and gifts ceased with the apostles.
3. As they were fishing they ran out of bait. One of the pastors said “I have more bait in my tackle box sitting on the shore. I’ll go get it.” He then proceeded to get out of the boat, walk to the shore, grab the box, and return. The doubtful pastor was speechless.
4. Soon they became thirsty so the other pastor said “I have some drinks on the shore. I’ll go get them.” He then proceeded to get out of the boat, walk to the shore, grab the drinks, and return.
5. Suddenly the doubtful pastor was furious. “My faith is just as great as yours. If you 2 can walk on water so can I.” He proceeded to get out of the boat and immediately sank.
6. His two friends pulled him back in the boat but he brushed them away and once again got out of the boat and sank. After 2 more attempts one pastor looked at the other pastor and asked “Do you think we should show him where the rocks are?”
7. Peter had no rocks. He was walking on water.
B. TEXT
“The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter) John 1:41-42.
C. THESIS
1. Today is our 2nd part in the series, “The 12 Apostles of Jesus.” These 12 men, like us, had all kinds of character flaws.
2. As we study them, we can see how Jesus will still walk with us in our imperfection.
3. As the old song says “What a friend we have in Jesus.” Today we will meet his best friend while He walked the earth. We will possibly see some of our traits in his life.
4. The title of this message is, “Peter: the 2ND Apostle of Jesus.”
I. PETER: JESUS’ MAIN MAN
The Lord Jesus and Peter went way back.
A. MEETING JESUS
1. Peter met the Lord Jesus the day after Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. Andrew, Peter's brother went and got Peter and brought him to Jesus.
2. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon ("reed")... you will be called Cephas/Peter” ("rock"), John 1:42. Jesus saw the possibilities in Peter and what he would become, renaming him.
3. He was probably at the Wedding of Cana (John 2) where the water was turned into wine.
4. He saw Jesus cleanse the Temple, Jn. 2:13-17.
5. He saw the Woman by the Well, Jn. Jn. 4:4-42.
6. He saw the Nobleman's son healed, John 4:46-54.
7. The decisive moment of dedication seems to be when Jesus did a miracle in Peter’s boat.
B. THE HUMANLY IMPOSSIBLE HAPPENED
Luke 5:1-7 The Miraculous Catch in Peter’s Boat
Video www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxR2NYTyeyY
1. "Great" multitude of fishes caught.
2. So huge -- nets breaking(God's extravagance).
3. "Signaled" partners. Three ancient authorities add "because of fear and astonishment."
4. So Great -- BOTH SHIPS began to sink. 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, to the brim. 5-6 tons of fish apiece!
5. Peter's mind screamed, "Impossible!" Such a catch had never been heard of on that Lake.
C. HIS FINAL DECISION TO FOLLOW JESUS
1. Peter had seen other miracles, but they didn't affect him like this.
2. This miracle was:
a. Was in his calling/trade.
b. Was in his boat.
c. Occurred with his nets!
d. After all his efforts and experience showed it couldn't happen.
3. "THIS IS GOD!" As he gazed into Jesus’ eyes, he gazed into the eyes of God! The Holy One of Israel!
4. Suddenly Peter felt unworthy. A sinful man before a holy God. Like Isaiah in the presence of God saying, "How unworthy I am!"
5. Luke 5:8-11, “When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.”
6. 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed Him.”
II. PETER’S FAITH & IMPETUOSITY
A. DESCRIPTION OF GALILEAN’S CHARACTER
1. The Talmud says this of the Galileans, "They were more anxious for honor than for gain, quick-tempered, impulsive, emotional, easily aroused by an appeal to adventure, loyal to the end." Peter was a typical Galilean!
B. IMPULSIVE NATURE
1. Peter became Jesus’ most ardent follower. You just have to love Peter! He had good intentions but was always fumbling and bumbling and impulsive -- rushing in where angels fear to tread.
2. He’s so human, so real. He often made mistakes and had to reverse himself.
3. EXAMPLES of Reversals:
a. He told Jesus, "You’ll never wash my feet" and then had to repent. John 13.
b. One time he rebuked Jesus (a mistake! Mt. 16:22) and Jesus told him, as satan, to get behind Him!
c. Peter boasted that he’d never deny Jesus, Mk. 14:27-31, but then denied Him 3X!
d. When the Lord appeared on the shore, after the resurrection, instead of taking a boat like the others, Peter through himself in the water, John 21:7-8.
C. PETER’S EXHIBITIONS OF FAITH, BOLDNESS
1. Great Confession: Jesus = Son of God, Mt. 16:13-18.
2. Caught a fish -- money in mouth, Mt. 17:21.
3. Walked on water, Mt. 14:22-23.
4. Cut off High Priest’s servant’s ear, John 18:10.
5. After Pentecost, was the leading spokesman of the 12 apostles, Acts 2:14, etc.
D. CLOSEST IN THE INNER CIRCLE
1. There's no doubt that the Lord Jesus saw him as a trusted friend.
2. Peter and two others (the Three, with James and John) were allowed to go in with Jesus to raise Jairus’ daughter, and to go up the Mt. of Transfiguration where they saw Jesus transfigured and saw Moses and Elijah.
3. Again, Peter, James and John were asked by Jesus to accompany Him into the Garden of Gethsemane.
4. As far as I know, this is the only time Jesus ever asked the disciples to pray for Him. The PROOF OF JESUS’ CLOSENESS TO PETER, when He found the 3 asleep, He said, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch one hour?” Mk. 14:37. He didn’t look to John or James, but to Peter.
5. JOKE: (SLEEPING IN CHURCH). Lady to Pastor,
a. "I hope you didn't take it personally, Reverend," an embarrassed woman said after a church service, "when my husband walked out during your sermon."
b. "I did find it rather disconcerting," the preacher replied. "It's not a reflection on you, sir," insisted the church goer.
c. "Arthur has been walking in his sleep ever since he was a child."
6. So Peter was probably the closest friend Jesus had among the 12. It must have been tough when Jesus heard Peter deny him three times!
III. PETER DECLINE & RECOVERY
A. PLATEAU OF FAITH
Peter had 5 events happen as highpoints:
1. He walked on Water, Mt. 14;
2. His Great Confession, Mt. 16:16;
3. On Mt. of Transfiguration, Mt. 17:1;
4. Saw Demonized Boy Delivered, Mt. 17;
5. Catch fish with Coin in Mouth, Mt. 17:21.
B. DECLINE OF PETER
1. Pride, “Who’s the Greatest?” (pride), Mt:18:1;
2. “Do I have to forgive?” (unforgiveness), Mt. 18:21;
3. “What reward if we left all? (envy), Mt. 19:27;
4. “You shall never wash my feet!” (pride), Jn. 13:8;
5. “I’ll never deny You; Die first!” (pride), Jn. 13:37;
6. Slept when he should’ve Prayed, (lax), Mt. 26:40
7. Cut off Malchus’ Ear, (rash),Jn. 18:10;
8. Followed Jesus afar off, (fear), Mt. 26:58;
9. Denied knowing Christ 3X,(betrayal), Mt. 26:67-75.
10. Saw Jesus die & Buried. Death of his hope.
C. PETER’S RECOVERY & REINSTATEMENT
1. Ran to the Tomb (hope), Jn. 20:2.
2. “Tell his disciples, and Peter…” Mk. 16:7.
3. Second Miraculous Catch, Jn. 21:3.
4. Jesus asked 3X if loved Him Jn. 21:15.
5. Peter Reinstated, Jn. 21:18-19.
6. Day of Pentecost, Acts 2.
IV. WHY DID PETER FAIL?
A. FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY
1. Do you think Peter would have ever thought he would do such a thing? Peter had three opportunities to pray with Jesus and notice that Peter denied Christ three times.
2. Why did Peter fail? Because he had a false sense of security! “Hey, look at all I’ve done; look how long I’ve been a Christian! I don’t need to seek the Lord! I’ve been getting by just fine.”
3. BUT FOLKS, IF THE SON OF GOD NEEDS TO PRAY, YOU DO TOO! Trials are moments we face greater problems than ever before; LOW spiritual power won’t be enough.
4. PETER FAILED THE TEST! The 5 foolish virgins didn’t have enough! WE NEED TO REACH A HIGHER PLACE IN GOD IF WE WOULD WITHSTAND THE TRIALS THAT ARE COMING!
5. JESUS’ 2 INSTRUCTIONS: “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” Mk. 14:38.
B. PETER DIDN’T “WATCH”
1. The word “watch” means “to be a soldier on duty”/guard (Mt. 27:66; 28:11).
2. THE ROMAN WATCH, Mark 13:35. The soldier’s night was divided into 4 “watches”:
Number Schedule Description
First Watch 6 - 9 P.M. "even" watch
Second Watch 9 P.M. -12 A.M. "midnight" watch
Third Watch 12 – 3 A.M. "cockcrowing" watch
Fourth Watch 3 – 6 A.M. "morning" watch
3. Many Biblical allusions are made to things happening at late “watches:”
a. The Bridegroom came at the end of the 2nd Watch to the 10 virgins, Mt. 25:6. 5 virgins failed to have enough oil in their lamps - relationship with Jesus, to go with Him.
b. But Jesus challenges our readiness: “And if He shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants” Lk. 12:38.
4. FOURTH WATCH CHRISTIANS:
a. Jacob was a 4th watch Christian, he wrestled with God all night.
b. That’s when Jesus walked on the water, after praying all night, Mt. 14:25.
c. When Peter released from prison, Acts 12:6.
d. When Mary Magdalene met the risen Jesus, John 20:1. WILL YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO MAKE IT THROUGH?
5. In Biblical times, if a watchman fell asleep while on duty, it was a capital offense.
6. Even in colonial America - when Lewis and Clark caught a man sleeping on duty they whipped him severely and held him for court martial. WHY?
7. When you’re given the duty to watch, the life of your entire company’s at stake. They’re defenseless while asleep. You’re on duty! When you become a Christian, you’re on duty. “NOT ON MY WATCH!” will the church fail.
C. HE DIDN’T “PRAY”
1. When you don't pray, this leaves the door open to fall. Backsliding can happen while you’re sitting on a church pew!
2. Somebody told me, "Pastor, if I’d been with Jesus, I would’ve prayed." No you wouldn't! If you won't pray with air-conditioning, padded pews, and carpet -- you wouldn't have prayed then either.
3. Peter thought he was immune to weakness. Peter thought it couldn’t happen to him, but it did. And it can happen to us if we don’t pray!
4. Jesus is still saying, “What? Could you not watch with Me one hour?” Mt. 26:40, KJV.
D. HE PROCRASTINATED!
1. To “Procrastinate” is to “postpone taking action.” Peter probably intended to pray some time, but put it off.
2. Many people today intend to get right w/ God.
a. Attend Churches, listen to serious preaching...
b. The Word is preached powerfully. It impacts them. They feel the Holy Spirit in the service and He is wooing them to answer the call to Christ.
c. They may even shed a tear, or sense the presence of Angels in the place.
d. YET AS CLOSE AS THAT IS, THEY AREN’T SAVED!
3. If you don’t take action, if you don’t surrender your life to Jesus Christ, you won't be saved!
CONCLUSION
A. ILLUSTRATION: SAFE TO DELAY?
1. A woman came to Dr. Chalmers one day and said, "Dr. Chalmers, I can’t get my husband to come to the Lord. I've talked and talked to him but it's no use." The Dr. said, "Let me talk with your husband by myself and I will see what the Lord shows me."
2. One day he met the husband and engaged him in conversation; "You have been bothered a good deal about the matter of your soul’s salvation, haven't you? Suppose I tell your wife that you don't want her to talk about it for whole year, how will that do?"
3. The Scottish man hesitated a moment and replied, "Well, I don't think it would be safe to put off the matter for a whole year. Something might happen! I might die before then."
4. "Yes, that's possible," replied the doctor. "Suppose we say six months?" The husband didn't think that even that would be safe. "Well, then, how about three months?"
5. After a brief hesitation the husband replied, "I don't think it is safe to put it off at all." They knelt together & in a few moments the husband was radiantly saved.
B. THE CALL: WHEN GOD SPOKE TO FIRE
1. Jesus predicted Peter’s death by crucifixion when He said that “When you are old you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and take you where you do not want to go” John 21:18-19.
2. The church historians Tertullian, Origen, and Eusebius state that Peter was crucified upside down, because he felt unworthy to be crucified in the way that the Lord Jesus Christ had been.
3. From an arrogant, cocky, rash man, he became a humble, willing, obedient servant of the Lord even to death.
4. May we learn from his example!
