Peter even stands out as a spokesman, or one least afraid to ask those tough questions (Matt 15:15, Luke 12:41). Peter was even the one who asked how often he must forgive (Matt 18:21), and even asked Jesus what the reward was for those who denied everything and left all behind to follow Jesus (Matt 19:27). Basically, he had the guts! He did walk in a bold and courageous spirit. I feel mainly because he wanted to make sure there were no questions. There was no room for error. He wanted clear and concise answers where no one could argue.
Peter was a curious one. He reminds me of the kid in class who always has a question or a comment to ask. He was never afraid to ask a question because of his curiosity. This is what led Peter into being the first to truly realize who Jesus of Nazareth was. This is evident when Jesus asked Peter, “Who do the people say I am?...He [Jesus] then asked, ‘And you--what are you saying about me? Who am I?’ Peter gave the answer: "You are the Christ, the Messiah” (Mark 8:27-30, Message). It was the moment of revelation and discovery for Peter.
It was almost immediately following this act that Jesus actually gave Peter his new name. Jesus said to Peter: “And now I'm going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out” (Matt 16:18, Message). Jesus’ meaning and new title to Peter may sound simple, yet its impact would far surpass just the words Jesus spoke. It was a foundational and critical moment for him. This would ultimately make Peter the beginning and foundational person of the first church of Jesus Christ (Geisler, 359-361).
This is one of my favorite parts of Peter’s life. He was given a new name because of what he was becoming and who Jesus knew he would be. It is like the Bible says that we will be given a new name written on stone (Rev. 2:17). Here the Lord has given Peter a new name. It is a revelation of who he is in the eyes of the Lord. Just as God reveals his name as we are faithful to him, so he reveals Peter’s name to him. A solid demonstration of God’s love and giving is demonstrated as he gives an awesome gift of a new name to a faithful servant.
Peter’s faith is not to be out done by his love and loyalty to Jesus. He was a passionate man with whatever he put his hand to doing. All of Peter’s life, the desire for completeness, wholesome and a valued life were on the inward most parts of his heart. Now that he had found a savior and friend, it was hard for Peter to accept the fact that Jesus would actually suffer and even be put to death. It built up an angry rage within Peter. Jesus quickly rebukes Peter in Matt 16:23, by stating “Get thee behind me Satan.” Jesus was aware of the schemes of the enemy to attack Peter.
This was not Peter’s darkest time though. It would later come that Peter would face what some call “the great denial” (Jerome). Peter was questioned at the high priest’s home about his association with Jesus. Peter, fearful for his life, denied Jesus…his master (Mark 14:66-72). However, Barclay points out that many are quick to condemn and look down on Peter. Yet, it must be taken into account where the other disciples were at that time. “Peter was in the courtyard of the high priest’s house when the other disciple had melted terror-stricken into shadows and fled (Mark 14:50). He goes on to say that Peter’s failure could only happen to a brave man. The other disciples had already fled and basically left Peter to die or defend; instead he denied (Barclay, 22-23).
Even though he did deny Jesus to his face and with the crowd of witnesses, the conviction and reality sank in what he had actually done. It is then that, I personally think, we see Peter’s greatest sermon material. He spoke of how he denied the Lord. His master, Jesus Christ. Yet, Christ loved him still and forgave him. It is a message that still is suitable for the ears today. Even in our greatest mess-ups, the Lord still forgives us and calls us his own. This definitely speaks to me!
This was a crucial moment for Peter in my eyes. He had the choice of denying the Lord or accepting his association with this “modern day rebel,” Jesus. He chose to deny. Yet even after this, the Lord knew that Peter was a man that was solid and deeply loyal. He was a passionate man. Instead of walking in shame, disappointment and unbearable grief, Peter chose to repent and walk in a fullness only the Father could grant. He chose that day to walk down that narrow pathway, telling his story of what an awesome Lord he serves. It was a breaking point for Peter. It was pretty much his last best chance. It was not until he was completely broken before the Lord that he was able to walk in the fullness of his Jeremiah 29:11, purpose.
Peter continues on to spread the word of God to all those he encountered. One of his greatest steps was when he spent time with a Gentile named Cornelius (Acts 10-11). It was through Peter’s actions and revelation with Cornelius and his family that lead to the understanding of God’s open arms to all. He opened the door to all people. Not only was the gospel for the Jews, but for al people!
Eventually Peter would make his way to Rome, where he would evidently meet his own death. Peter was a wanted man. Both Agrippa and Albinus were furious with him and determined that Peter must die. His friends warned him, but after a visit from the Jesus Peter returned to Rome (Butler, 212). Peter would actually witness his wife’s death before his own eyes. Even in this moment, Peter was strong and committed to his faith. As his was being murdered before him, he encouraged her, and said: “Remember the Lord” (Eusebius, 3, 30). When it came for Peter himself to be crucified, he made the request that he be crucified upside down because he was not worthy to die as Jesus died. In the end Peter died a martyr and a hero for his Lord and his faith!
Peter was a solid man of faith. He was by no means perfect, but he always had the saving grace of a loving heart. F.W. Farrar says of him that his greatest characteristic was that, however often he might fall and fail, “he always recovered his courage and his integrity.” Personally, that speaks volumes as to what kind of man Peter really was to the core. There is so much we can learn about him and put to practice to our lives. Our flesh may fail us so many times, but we do not live by the flesh…we live by the spirit. Peter proves what I have often heard Joyce Meyer say over and over: “if you fall down, pick your self up, dust yourself off and keep on walking. Otherwise you are going to live in a mud puddle.” That is Peter! As many times as he messed up, he repented and learned with great revelation how forgiving the Father is to us all.
Studying Peter has been truly awesome. It brings to me the verse in Luke 9:62 where it says, “No on, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Peter keeps trucking on. He pushed through what could have been a true fatal moment of denial and ended up becoming of the greatest men in the Bible. Thanks Peter for not being afraid to mess up and show us the way!
WORKS SITED
Barclay, William. The Master’s Men. Nashville—New York: Abingdon Press. 1959.
Butler, Alban. Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs and other Principal Saints. London: Virtue and Company Ltd., 1949.
Eusebius. The Church History. New York: William Heinemann Ltd., 1929.
Eusebius. The Ecclesiastical History, tr. Chester D. Hartranft. A Select Library of Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church. Vol. II, 1952
Geisler, Norman & Howe, Thomas. When Critics Ask: A popular Handbook on Bible Difficulties. Wheaton, IL, Victor Books. 1992
Jerome, The Lives of Illustrious Men. Grand Rapids, MI. William B Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1952.
Peterson, Eugene. The Message.
Spirit-Filled Life Student Bible. New King James Version. Nashville, TN. Thomas Nelson Publishers 1995.