Peter: What Can We Learn From Peter's Life?ნიმუში

"He Appointed the Twelve."

Matthew, Mark, and Luke all give a description of Jesus choosing His 12 apostles. By this time, Peter and 11 others had already been with Jesus for a period of time. They had listened to His teaching and seen Him perform miracles. These must have been heady times for them, full of wonder and excitement, as they learned from a teacher unlike any the world had ever seen. Now, however, it was time for them to move beyond being spectators. No longer disciples only, but also apostles.

The word apostle means messenger, or one sent on a mission. In all three Gospels that highlight the list of apostles Jesus chose, Peter is at the top. He was clearly a leader among the others, and would be a prominent leader in God’s big picture plan. These 12 were called to be with Jesus, but also sent out to preach. Jesus gifted them with His own power, giving them authority to heal diseases and cast out demons. Imagine Peter’s response to the announcement that he and the others would now be able to perform the miracles for which Jesus was becoming famous! Jesus never meant for Peter and the rest of the disciples to be students forever, but He specifically chose and trained them to carry on His work after He returned to heaven. He always had in mind that they would be His messengers, men whom He would send out on a mission to spread His Kingdom far and wide.

Eventually, Jesus sent Peter and the other apostles out 2 by 2 (Mark 6:7). It must have been with some trepidation that they stepped into their first sermons and miracles. It required courage and faith. But imagine, as well, their excitement as they saw God move through them – ordinary men who had been empowered to be messengers and ones sent on a mission! For Peter, it was the beginning of a lifetime calling.

Reflection:

In what ways is God asking you to be His messenger in your everyday life?

Following the call of God requires courage and faith. Spend time asking God to help you develop both, remembering that when He calls you to do something He will empower you to do it!