Day 232 – Matthew: Character sketch of Peter (Simon)
“Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.” Matthew 16:18 NLT
From the first Gospel, we are also introduced to Peter, a fisherman once called Simon. Jesus’ first words to him were ‘Come, follow me.” (Mark 1:17) and His last words to him were “Follow me.” (John 21:22). Every step of the way between those two challenges, Peter never failed to follow – even though he often stumbled. His denial of Jesus is one of the epic failures described in Scripture, but Jesus restored him.
When Jesus entered Peter’s life, this fisherman became a new person with new goals and new priorities. He did not become a perfect person, however, and he never stopped being Simon Peter. We may wonder what Jesus saw in him that made him greet this potential disciple with a new name, Peter the rock. Impulsive Peter certainly didn’t act like a rock much of the time. But Jesus wasn’t looking for perfection; He was looking for real people, those who could be changed by His love, and were obedient to go when He sent them.
Strengths and accomplishments
Peter became the recognised leader amongst the disciples and was one of the inner three whom Jesus called with Him. He was the first great voice of the Good News during and after Pentecost and wrote 1 and 2 Peter.
Weaknesses and mistakes
Peter was brash and impulsive and often spoke without thinking. During Jesus’ trial, he denied the Lord as Jesus said He would. In the days of the early church, he found it hard to treat Gentile Christians as equals.
Lessons from Peter’s life
Enthusiasm has to be backed up by faith and understanding, or it fails. God’s faithfulness can compensate for even our greatest unfaithfulness – being a follower who sometimes fails is better than being one who fails to follow.
Prayer: Father, thank You for the life of Peter and what we can learn from him. Thank You that You do not expect us to be perfect, and like Peter, using our imperfections to strengthen our faith and relationship with You. Amen.
