Peter – Man of Bold & Courageous Faith
John 1:35-42
As we study the life and ministry of the 12 Apostles we see how extra ordinary they are and at the same time how ordinary they are. The twelve Apostles came from various backgrounds. Most were blue color workers laboring as fishermen (James, John, Andrew and Simon Peter). Matthew was an executive type, a white color tax collector. All the Apostles but Judas grew up in Galilee, Northern Israel. Judas was the only one from Judea, Southern Israel. Jews in Southern Israel looked down on Jews growing up in Galilee and Northern Israel as people that were not as educated and competent as Southern Jews. Yet it was from Northern Israel that Jesus chose his disciples.
The 12 apostles had different personalities but they had one thing in common they were all followers and disciples of Jesus. In their lives and ministries we see them going through some of the same challenges and experiences we all go through. They are often confused and don’t completely understand the teachings of Jesus. At times they are in competition with each other, they have personal prejudices and preferences on how to do ministry.
Here is an interesting assessment of the apostles by the Jordan Management Consultants in a letter written to Jesus.
Thank you for submitting the resumes of the twelve men you have picked for management positions in your new organization. All of them have now taken our battery of tests; and we have not only run the results through our computer, but also arranged personal interviews for each of them with our psychologist and vocational aptitude consultant.
It is the staff’s opinion that most of your nominees are lacking in background, education, and vocational aptitude for the type of enterprise you are undertaking.
Simon Peter is emotionally unstable and given to fits of temper. Andrew does not have qualities of leadership. The two brothers, James and John, sons of Zebedee, place personal interests above company loyalty. Thomas demonstrates a questioning attitude that would tend to undermine morale. We feel it our duty to tell you that Matthew has been blacklisted by the Greater Jerusalem Better Business Bureau. James, the son of Alphaes, and particularly Simon the Zealot have radical leanings, and they both registered a high score on the manic-depressive scale. Thaddaeus is definitely sensitive, but he wants to make everyone happy.
One of the candidates, however, shows great potential. He is a man of ability and resourcefulness, meets people well, has a keen business mind, and has contacts in high places. He is highly motivated, ambitious, and responsible. We recommend Judas Iscariot as your controller and right-hand man. All of the other profiles are self-explanatory.
We wish you every success in your new venture.
Jordan Management consultants
Today we are looking at the life and ministry of Simon Peter, a man of bold and courageous faith. What descriptive words come to mind when you think of Simon Peter? “Hot headed, Over Reacts, Man of action, tough, (leather like sun-baked body of a fisherman), Impulsive, he acts and then thinks, (He fires and then takes aim), (He jumps in the ocean and then remembers he forgot his life jacket and surfboard). He is courageous and brave, he would rather fight than switch.
When Jesus saw Simon the first thing Jesus did was to give Simon a new name. Jesus said, “You are Simon son of John. You be called Cephas – which is translated, Peter (rock).
Simon Peter becomes one of the closest friends to Jesus. Jesus led 12 Apostles but had a small executive team of three, Peter, James and John. Peter became the Team leader of the 12 followers of Jesus and was often their public spokesman.
Peter was a proud man. He at first refused to allow Jesus to wash his feet but later was willing for Jesus to not only wash his feet but allow Jesus to splash his whole body with water. Another time Peter tried to interfere with God’s mission for Jesus and Jesus had to command Peter to step aside. Another time Peter was willing to take on an army to protect Jesus. He tried to lop off the head of the Roman leader but missed and only got an ear. Peter vowed that he would follow Jesus till death due them part. Moments later he denied Jesus three times.
When news came that the tomb where they buried Jesus was empty Peter raced to the tomb with John. John being the younger outran Peter and arrived first at the entrance of the empty tomb. Bold Peter fearlessly rushed into the empty tomb and searched it.
After the ascension of Jesus, Peter was the one that stood and preached to the great crowd on the day of Pentecost. Peter put into practice his renewed faith in the risen Christ and said to a lame man begging at the gate of the temple: “Silver and Gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” The man jumped up jumping and praising God.
Simon Peter is a man’s man. He is a combination of Rambo, Clint Eastwood and Swartzenager. Simon Peter was brought to Jesus by his fishing business partner and brother, Andrew. He was married and lived in a stone house in Capernaum.
In studying the life of Peter we learn several lessons to help us grow in our faith as a disciple of Jesus.
I. Peter Possessed Insight as a Disciple of Jesus.
At the very beginning of the public ministry of Jesus Peter discovered that Jesus had the knowledge and understanding of nature beyond other people. Jesus was a carpenter but he seemed to know a lot about fishing.
(John 2) In the early part of Jesus’ public ministry Jesus and some of his disciples probably including Simon Peter were invited to a wedding. Peter witnessed Jesus turning water into wine. Peter observed Jesus taking charge in the temple and driving out merchants that had turned the temple into a farm market.
(John 4) I’m sure Simon Peter was shocked to see Jesus talking to a Samaritan Woman and Jesus challenged them to look on the fields – Jews and Gentiles – ripe unto harvest.
Up to this point Simon Peter was an observer of the ministry of Jesus. Luke 5 Jesus calls Peter to follow him as His disciple after using his boat as a pulpit.
The fishing partnership of Peter, Andrew, James and John had fished all night and caught nothing. Their two boats were anchored at the shore. They were cleaning their nets and crowds of people were pressing upon Jesus as he was teaching them near the lake. In order to better teach the crowd Jesus stepped into Peter’s boat and taught from the boat. After he finished speaking he said to Simon Peter, go back out into the deep water of the lake and put your nets down for a catch. Peter knew that he was the expert fisherman and not Jesus, a carpenter by trade. Yet at the word of Jesus he obeyed. He may look like a foolish fisherman, but he was teachable and did as Jesus said. He let the nets down and when they tried to pull up the nets they were so heavy their nets started to break so they called for the other boat to come and give them a hand. They filled both boats with so may fish they were overflowing the boats.
Simon Peter waded to shore and knelt at the feet of Jesus and said, “I am a sinful man and need your forgiveness. I’m fearful of what might happen in the future.” Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be fearful, from no on you will be catching men.” When they had brought their boats back to shore all four fisherman left their boats and fish for the fishermen’s market and followed Jesus.
On another occasion Jesus taught Peter a fishing lesson. Matthew 17:24-27, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Simon Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax.” Peter assured them that Jesus would pay. He went to Jesus and asked about paying the tax. Jesus said so don’t owe the tax but so we may not offend them go to the lake, throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drama coin. Take it to pay for your tax and mine.”
Matthew 16:13-20 Jesus was nearing the end of his public ministry. His arrest, trail and crucifixion would happen soon. His disciples needed to be strong in their faith as they faced an uncertain future.
Jesus asked: “Who do you say that Son of Man is?” They answered, others say “He is John the Baptist come back to life or Elijah has reappeared or Jeremiah has returned from the dead.” Jesus asked them more directly: “But you, who do you say me to be?”
Simon Peter answered: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” “You are the Promised Messiah.” Peter had somehow put it all together and believed that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. Simon Peter had observed the life and ministry of Jesus and with spiritual insight said: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”
Jesus responded in effect to Peter’s declaration: “Peter you have insight from heaven to know this Truth. You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Jesus Christ is the Rock, Peter a small rock – little rock – many believers with that same solid rock foundation of Faith in the Messiah, with faith just like Peter will establish the Church of Jesus Christ.
Peter was given the keys – the key of faith in Jesus – Peter proclaimed that truth on the Day of Pentecost – the Key to the Kingdom is to “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins.” Acts 2:38
Peter never claimed to be infallible or the first Pope. Peter made it clear that he believed Jesus was the foundation of the church. I Peter 2:6-8
The Apostle Paul also had no conception Peter’s superior position and did not hesitate to rebuke Peter when he cooperated with the Judaziers in Galatia. Galatians 2:11-16, Paul taught that Gentile converts did not have to follow Jewish customs that Peter was proposing they needed to do. Galatians 2:15-16a “We who are Jews by birth are not Gentile sinners, knowing that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.”
You may not have all your questions answered. Your life may not be organized in neat little chapters. But you can accept the Love and affirm with Simon Peter in his response to the question by Jesus: “Who do you say I am?”
- not just another prophet
- not one of many Messiahs
- not just a good man
- not just a great teacher
“You are the Christ, Messiah and the Son of the Living God.”
Peter not only had insight as to who Jesus was –
II. Peter accepted the forgiving grace of Jesus when he experienced personal failure.
Two of the disciples denied Jesus. Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus and led the Roman soldiers, officials and temple police of the chief priests and Pharisees to Jesus to have him arrested.
Later Judas felt sorry for what he had done but did not repent of his action. He took his life by hanging himself in a tree.
At the arrest of Jesus Simon Peter and John followed the arresting mob and lingered behind in the shadows. All the other disciple had fled but Simon Peter and John dared to stay close to Jesus. Simon Peter told his story to Mark and Mark penned the story in the Gospel of Mark chapter 14.
Peter had boasted of his commitment to Jesus let come what may. 4:28-31. Words are easy, making right decisions are hard. Few of us know what our decision might be in the face of death.
John Huss was an ordained Roman Catholic Priest in 1401. He maintained that Jesus not Peter was the head of the church. For his teachings he was arrested and condemned to death as a heretic. He was kept in prison for seven months before he was burned a the stake for being a heretic for teaching false doctrines. As he stood before the stake he said, “In the truth of the gospel which I have written, taught, and preached, I die willingly and joyfully today.” As the flames surrounded him he sang out: “Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, have mercy on me.”
Polycarp knew the Apostle John in his later years. Polycarp was bishop of Smyrna, a city on the west coast of Turkey. Polycarp was arrested and denounced by the government and charged with being a Christian. The proconsul urged him to save his life by cursing Christ. Polycarp replied: “Eighty-six years I have served him, and he never did me any wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?” Polycarp was burned at the stake for his faith.
Three times Peter had his faith tested. A servant girl said to Peter, “You were with Jesus.” Peter denied it. A second time the servant girl said to those standing around, “He is one of them.” Peter denied it. A third time those standing by said to Peter, “You are one of them you are a Galilean.” Peter swore and emphatically said, “I told you I don’t know Him.” Mark 14:72, “Immediately a roster crowed a second time and Peter remembered that Jesus said, before the roster crows twice, You will deny me three times.” Peter broke down and wept. He had failed the Lord miserably.
Peter repented and rejoined his fellow disciples and they encouraged each other and sought the Lord’s guidance.
Whenever you fall or stumble in your walk with Jesus, fall on your knees. God’s word is authentic. You are given the entire truth about the disciples of Jesus. You are given the good, the bad and the ugly about their lives. Judas failed to repent, but Simon Peter repented and became an outstanding leader in the early church. When you fall, fall on your knees. Jesus is there to pick you up and forgive you. Don’t let Satan convince you that you not worthy to be forgiven. Turn to Jesus and He will lift you up.
Peter did not stay a defeated person. He came back to Jesus and became a new man in Christ.
III. Peter – A New Man in Christ.
After Jesus rose from the dead Peter received a renewal of his calling.
Following Christ’s death and resurrection, Peter was still confused and bewildered. He felt guilty and embarrassed regarding his failure of following through with his great pronouncement that he would be true to the very end. Peter retreated to his old fishing trade with his former partners. After three years of following Jesus he went back to his former comfort zone.
Peter had an experience similar to what has happened three years earlier. A man was on the shore and Jesus called out to the disciples in the boat. The disciples did not recognize that it was the Lord. Jesus said to them, “Children have you caught any fish?” They answered, “No.” He called back, “Cast your net on the right side of the boat and you’ll find some.” So they cast their nets on the other side of the boat and caught a net full. John told Peter it was the Lord. When Peter heard it was the Lord he jumped into the water and swam and waded to shore to see Jesus.
Jesus already had some fish and had a breakfast of fish cooked and waiting for them. After breakfast Jesus talked to Peter and asked him the same question three times: “Do you love me more than these?” Jesus was probably referring to the other apostles, as well as to the fishing trade. Peter confessed that he did love Jesus more than all these things.
Peter in effect was saying to Jesus. I’m sorry I denied you three times, but from now on I’ll be faithful to my calling to teach your word and feed your sheep. Here was the turning point for Peter’s life. He renewed his calling to serve the Lord.
Acts 1 Peter confessed to the other disciples and asked their forgiveness. He could say from the depth of his heart: “All is well with my soul.” Acts 1-2, Peter repented, confessed and was now ready to preach. He proclaimed: “This is the New Day, the Day of the fullness of God the Day of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2 on the Day of Pentecost, he proclaimed boldly the resurrection of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. Acts 3 Peter said to a lame man: “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth walk.”
What a difference Pentecost made in the life of Peter. Before Pentecost we see Peter impetuous, courageous, looking for earthly power, self confident yet cowardly.
Writing in his Epistles, I and II Peter, we see Peter subdued, patient, forbearing, humble, loving, purified and surrendered to God’s will.
Tradition has it that Peter and his wife were arrested by Roman authorities when he was in Rome and Peter was kept in chains in a dungeon chained to a column. The Roman authorities had to change guards continually, because Peter was converting them almost as soon as they were assigned to him. Then according to the Jewish Historian Eusebius Peter was crucified in AD 67. At his request Peter was crucified upside because he did not feel worthy to be crucified like his Lord.
Have you failed the risen Lord lately? By your actions or thoughts have you denied the Lord? Don’t stay down and defeated. Look up to Jesus. Reach up. Jesus will reach down and lift you up. Jesus will give you victory.
