Peter - First Among Equals

by Merchant, Paul | Category: Jesus' Relationships | Feb 2009

The disciple Peter's bold, enthusiastic, impetuous character attracts us because of his inconsistent, instant reaction to events. He has a strong 'act now, think later' tendency! He is like so many of us!

Peter jumps from a boat to be with Jesus - once walking on water - another time wading to the shore.

He is the only disciple to admit his own unworthiness to Jesus (Luke 5:8). Peter recklessly told Jesus that he would never abandon Him, even if others did so, then promptly does so himself. He is open and spontaneous in expressing his feelings and others appear willing to follow this dynamic leader.

Jesus has a clear purpose in His relationship with Peter. Jesus calls him to a different way of life - from fishing for food to being a fisher of men. In the Gospels, the first and last recorded words spoken by Jesus to Peter are, 'Follow me' (Mark 1:17; John 21:22). Jesus cultivates a master - disciple relationship. This tough Galilean fisherman is transformed from a local tradesman to become one of the leaders of a religious movement prepared to challenge and defy the Jewish and Roman authorities. His life is a thrilling story of enduring power and has provided hope and inspiration to Christians throughout the centuries since.

Jesus met him during His ministry and gave him another name. The renaming of Simon to Peter - 'Rock' - was highly significant. This name was predictive and prophetic. When Simon was given the name he was not yet a rock, but needed to be trained into the character and role by Jesus. This new name related to his imminent responsibility in the churches of God and his holding the keys of the kingdom. There are also moments of tension between the two men. Jesus curtly observes, 'Are you still so dull?' (Mat. 15:16), He asks Peter repeatedly if he loves his Master (John 21:15-17) and earlier rebukes Peter sharply, 'Get behind me, Satan!' (Mark 8:32-33). This response seems shocking, yet maybe Jesus is challenging Peter to accept His words and authority, whether palatable or not, to prepare Peter for being a 'rock' among the early Christians and for the complex issues that will face him. Jesus reveals His holiness and obedience by not being diverted from the primary purpose of His mission, which Peter had questioned.

Jesus makes His own life open and available to His disciples. They spend time together feasting, in physical danger and in the ministry of healing and teaching. They heard the way the Lord prayed to God and wanted Him to teach them. Jesus includes Peter in the inner circle of disciples together with James and John and they witness the raising of Jairus' daughter, the Transfiguration, as well as keeping watch with Him at Gethsemane. Jesus reveals His own profound spiritual need as He enters Gethsemane prior to Calvary and asks the disciples to 'Keep watch with Me.' Their Master exposes His apparent vulnerability to them, and desires their close mutual support.

Although Jesus shocked Peter by predicting that he would deny his Master, eventually Peter would have been reassured that this sin did not disqualify him from service. Later there is forgiveness when he meets Jesus in Galilee (John 21) and receives a second chance to 'Follow Me.' Jesus showed His love for Peter by praying for him. Jesus shows His faithfulness to Peter by renaming him at the start of their relationship and by forgiving him after his denial three years later.

After learning in this school of discipleship, Peter, by the power of the Holy Spirit, becomes the rock Jesus wants him to be. He led in the first church of God, delivered the first post-Pentecost sermon, was entrusted with the revelation of the inclusion of Gentiles, and was the apostle to whom Paul presented himself before he commenced his ministry around west Asia.

Towards the end of his life Peter described the foundation of his faith and his confident hope in his God and Saviour, 'Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade - kept in heaven for you' (1 Pet. 1:3-4 NIV).

Merchant, Paul | Feb 2009
Jesus' Relationships