Tag Archives: Peter

Luke 22- Merciful Savior

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And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. Luke 22:31-33

The Apostle Peter is probably one of the most famous people in the Bible, often most people refer to when Jesus changed Simon’s name to Peter meaning “Rock” in Hebrew. Peter was one of Jesus’ first disciples, an outspoken fisherman who had alot of passion and leadership qualities. However Jesus had a message to Peter “Satan has desired to sift you like wheat” This reminds me of the words Peter would eventually write “The devils walks around like a roaring lion, looking to whom to devour” (1 Peter 5:8)

Notice Peter’s response to Jesus “I’m ready to go with You (Christ) to prison or death” Peter proclaimed he was willing to lay down his life for Jesus, sounds like very convincing words. However we know that it’s one thing to say something , its another thing to actually follow through with it. Peter was about to get tested as a disciple of Christ, will he pass the test or fall on hollow words?

And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me. Luke 22:34

Jesus gave Peter a shocking revelation, “You (Peter) will deny me 3 times before the day is over” These words must have been like daggers to the heart of Peter, especially coming from Christ. How can this happen? Well we need to remember that Peter and all the disciples were just sinful, mortal humans like us. Anything that they ever accomplished, whether it be diving revelation or healings, were because of the Holy Spirit living inside of them. 

Now lets give Peter some credit, he left everything behind to follow Christ. However when the time came for Peter to give up his life for Jesus, he wasn’t ready, he failed The Lord. He denied Jesus three times before others, just as The Lord had prophesied. However at the end of the gospel of John, we see how merciful and loving Christ is. Not only did he forgive Peter, but He pursued Peter to let him know everything was alright

We are going to fail Jesus also, even though we profess Christ is our Lord and we give our lives to him, we are mortal sinners also and will fall short from time to time. The good news is Christ is merciful and His love endures forever!  Peter went on to complete his race, to answer his calling, even eventually dying for The Lord. You can complete your race also, because our God will never fail, Amen!

John 21- Peter’s Calling

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So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. John 21:15-17

Here we see the scene , where Peter is receiving his calling by Christ. Now at first glance you may say “Whats the big deal”? However if you remember the history between Peter and Jesus, it is a beautiful picture of love and grace. We remember Peter denied even knowing Jesus three times out of fear of losing his own life (John 18:15-27) Peter probably believed Jesus was done with him, he let his Lord down at the time when he needed him the most

But notice Jesus mercy and compassion, he comes looking for Peter to let him know he is forgiven. Jesus asks Peter specificall three times if he loves him, three times is exactly the same amount of times Peter denied Christ. As we know 3 is very symbolic in the Bible , as on the 3rd day Jesus rose from the dead! 

Jesus message to Peter is simple, Feed my Sheep! Meaning Christ was establishing the Church before he ascended into Heaven. The beginning of The Church was built on Christ and the Apostles. Everything he taught and showed them is now handed down to us!

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.  John 21:18-19

Jesus makes another prophecy, that Peter is going to die for Christ. Notice the detail of his prediction “you shall stretch forth your hands” , as we know from history Peter was crucified upside down on a cross. Peter died exactly as Jesus predicted. 

When Jesus changed Simons name to Peter, its because it means “Rock” As Jesus said in Matthew “Upon this Rock I will build my Church” (Matthew 16:18) Upon Peter and the Apostles Christ has bult his Church and the gates of Hell will never prevail against it, even though Satan has been trying for over 2,000 years!

Maybe you can relate to Peter, maybe you betrayed Jesus and feel like your to far gone! Jesus is still calling you, and you can still serve the Church and build Gods Kingdom in Jesus name Amen!