The Disciples: Peter
Luke 6:14, Matt. 10:1,2
Message by Pastor Roe
Simon Bar-Jonah is his earthly name. Luke introduces him as Peter which mean little rock. He is also called Cephas which is the Aramaic for Peter. There are two contexts in which the name Simon is used. The first is using it in a possessive way when it came to earthly goods or family. The second is when Christ had to rebuke him for being carnal.
Peter was the chief or lead disciple. He was also ambivalent, abrasive, impulsive, unsubmissive and loud. Peter is mentioned in the gospels more than any one else outside of Christ, he speaks more than anyone else, Peter is rebuked more by Christ than anyone else, and he denied Christ three times and yet Christ choose Peter to lead the disciple. Why?
Peter was inquisitive. He asked more questions than any other disciple. It was Peter who spoke up and asked Christ to clarify hard concepts Matt. 15:15. Peter also had initiative Matt. 26:47. He was the one who pulled the sword out at Christ’s arrest defense of Christ. Peter was also involved. He was not afraid to fail or get dirty. A true leader goes through life with a cloud of dust around them. It was Peter who jumped out of the boat and walked on water. Peter served during the feeding of the 5000. He was involved.
Peter also had to learn some pretty hard lessons as do we. He had to learn submission Matt 17:24-ff. He had to learn restraint, as when Christ was teaching him during His arrest. He had to learn humility. Christ modeled this when He washed their feet at the last supper. Peter needed compassion so Christ modeled this when the woman caught in adultery was brought to Him. Lastly, Peter needed Courage John 21:18, 19. Christ foretells of Peter’s death and prays for him. Later in Acts Peter is beaten and thrown in jail and has courage when they are told to not preach any more.
This week, will you be a Simon or a Peter?