A. PETER’S NEW NAME … NEW CHALLENGE … NEW OPPORTUNITY
1. A new name. His original name was Simon (John 1:42), a modification of Simeon “to listen.” Could Peter ever have listened? When Peter was brought by Andrew (constrained to come) to Jesus (John 1:42), Jesus changed his name to Cephas which means rock. When Jesus gave him a new name, he knew he was hardheaded.
2. The name Simon identifies his human side. “Simon’s house” (Mark 1:29). “Simon’s wife’s mother” (Mark 1:30). Simon’s boat (Luke 5:3, 10), Simon slept in garden (Mark 14:37), Simon goes fishing (John 21:1), “Simon, satan has desired to have you” (Luke 22:31). Jesus called him Simon (John 21:15), when he was backslidden.
3. The name Peter identified him as a leader. “First, Simon who is called Peter” (Matthew 10:2). “Jesus took Peter, James, and John … led them up on a high mountain” (Matthew 17:1). “But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice” (Acts 2:14).
4. Peter had the characteristics of his home Galilee. Galileans were described by Josephus: “They were ever ready to follow a leader and begin an insurrection … they were notoriously quick in temper and given to quarreling ... the Galileans have never been destitute of courage … the Galileans were even more anxious for honor than for gain … they were quick tempered, impulsive, emotional, easily aroused by an appeal for adventure.”
5. Peter was quick to speak/ask questions:
a. “Bid me come to Thee?” (Matthew 14:18).
b. “How often shall … I forgive?” (Matthew 18:21).
c. “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore, what shall we have?” (Matthew 19:27).
d. “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).
e. “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).
f. “Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for Your sake” (John 13:37).
g. “He (Peter) began to curse and swear, ‘I do not know this Man of whom you speak!’” (Mark 14:71).
6. Peter was quick to act and respond to Christ.
a. Peter drew his sword to defend Christ (John 18:10).
b. Peter was the first to enter the tomb (John 20:7).
c. Peter was the first disciple to see the resurrected Christ (1 Corinthians 15:5).
d. Peter went fishing and took six disciples (John 21:1-2).
e. Peter was moved to replace Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:15 ff).
f. Peter was the spokesman on Pentecost (Acts 2:11).
g. Peter blurted out, “Silver and gold have I none … rise up and walk” (Acts 3:6).
B. THE THREE CALLS TO PETER
1. John 1:41-42. When Jesus first saw Peter coming, He changed Peter’s name from listener to Rock. Jesus sees us, not as we are, but for what He can do to us and through us.
2. Mark 1:16-20. Four months later, Peter and Andrew are back fishing. Simon has not yet become a disciple. He is still a fisherman.
3. Luke 5:1-11. Two months later Simon follows Jesus as a disciple.
Text Place Activity Results
First Call John 1:41-42 Jordan River Andrew brought Peter Changed Peter’s name
Second Call Mark 1:16-20 Lakeshore near Capernaum Casting nets Followed Christ to Capernaum
Third Call Luke 5:1-11 Across lake from Capernaum Washing nets Followed Christ continually
C. TEN DISCIPLESHIP PRINCIPLES LEARNED FROM PETER
1. Peter was characterized by instantaneous obedience. You must be quick to obey Jesus Christ, acting on what you know about Him.
2. Peter did not respond to the invitation of Christ when first called but he responded and became a great leader. It is never too late to respond to God and obey His call.
3. Jesus gave him a new name to challenge Simon to be as firm as his new name.
4. God usually chooses people according to their background for their task in life. Illustration: God often sends farmers to jungle missions, businessmen to administrative task, etc.
5. God chooses His leaders by His sovereignty, but leadership emerges as a person grows in faith and develops his gifts to serve God.
6. Be ready instantaneously to do what Jesus wants done and say what Jesus wants said. Jesus constantly called on Peter because He knew Peter was always ready to serve.
7. Jesus changed his name from Simon (listener) to Peter/Petra (Rock) because Jesus knew Peter would live up to his new name.
8. Natural leadership always emerges. After Jesus’ resurrection and appearance to His disciples, Peter said, “I go a fishing” (John 21:3), and six others followed him.
9. Three times Jesus asked Peter, “Lovest thou Me?” (John 21:15-17). It may be that Jesus has a special task for you as He had for Peter.
10. You may fail the Lord, as Peter denied the Lord three times. Don’t give up. Jesus has a future place of service for you, just as He did for Peter at Pentecost.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
Video presentations of the PBC are available online at trbc.org/pbc
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