Jesus’ first words to Simon Peter were “Come, follow Me” (Matthew 4:18-19). Jesus’ last words to Simon Peter were “Follow Me” (John 21:22). Every step of the way between these two challenges, Peter never failed to follow…though he often stumbled. When Jesus came into Peter’s life, this everyday fisherman with nothing special about him, grew into a new person with new goals and new priorities. He was far from perfect but he was always himself.
What did Jesus see in Peter? Only Jesus knew. He even gave him a new name—Peter the rock.
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
He didn’t always live up to that name, and he was quite impulsive sometimes. But Jesus wasn’t looking for perfect…He was looking for real. And Peter was a real follower of Jesus.
Peter was known for a lot of things but the one we think of at this time of year was his part in the Crucifixion. First he defends Jesus when they come to get Him to arrest Him. He cuts off the ear of one of the officers with his sword. Then Jesus tells Peter that he will deny Him three times before the rooster crows. Of course Peter says there is no way he would do that. (But he does.)
Meanwhile, Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant girl came over and said to him, “You were one of those with Jesus the Galilean.” But Peter denied it in front of everyone. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said. Later, out by the gate, another servant girl noticed him and said to those standing around, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” Again Peter denied it, this time with an oath. “I don’t even know the man,” he said. A little later some of the other bystanders came over to Peter and said, “You must be one of them; we can tell by your Galilean accent.” Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know the man!” And immediately the rooster crowed. Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he went away, weeping bitterly.
Matthew 26:69-75 NLT
Can you imagine how Peter felt after he realized that he not only had denied knowing His leader, the Messiah, but he turned away from knowing his friend. Jesus had loved him and taught him and believed in him before he ever believed in himself. But Jesus never turned away from Peter. Peter knew he had failed. But Jesus knew, when He asked Peter to follow Him, that this would happen. But it didn’t stop Him from asking.
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He is asking you today, too. He is saying, “Will you follow Me?” He knows you will make mistakes and you may even live a little like Peter. You may not tell all you come in contact with that Jesus is your Lord, but He always will love you and He will always forgive you and He is your friend. So if today you want to answer the call, I ask that you pray this simple prayer with me.
Dear God, I know that I am a sinner. My life isn’t what I want it to be and something is missing. I need a Savior. I believe that Jesus is Your Son, and He came to die for me. I ask that You come into my life and be my Lord. Forgive my sins. I don’t know all that I need to know about You but I want to know. Please walk closely with me. Thank You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
