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Simon Peter

Yesterday, we looked at who Jesus was. Jesus asked His disciples that same question, and they all had different wrong answers, but Simon—soon to be called Peter—had the right one: Jesus is the Messiah.

Let's talk a little bit more about Simon.

• He was a fisherman from Bethsaida.
• He was the son of Jonah.
• He was the brother to Andrew.
• He was married, although we do not know his wife’s name.
• He was an apostle, but even more than that he was in what’s called the “Inner Circle.” This basically means he, along with James and John, was one of Jesus’ closest friends and was being prepared for a special leadership role.
• If you read the Bible, you will discover that Simon was also impulsive, bold, scared, loyal, thoughtful, reckless, and outspoken, but at times inspired by God.

And when Simon—impulsive, bold, reckless Simon—knew the answer to the question Jesus asked, Jesus responded to Simon by telling him that he was right. Then He called him Peter.

Now, I have a son named Joseph. Seldom do I call him Joseph. Usually it is Joey, Joe, JoJo, Joseph James, JJ, or some other derivative. It was the same with Simon. Throughout the Bible, he is called Simon, Simon Peter, Simeon, Simon bar Jonah, Peter, and Cephas. Simon is his birth name, the one given to him by his parents. Peter is the name given to him by Jesus. This is a Greek name—Cephas is the same name in Aramaic. This name, chosen by Jesus, was not to replace Simon’s birthname—it was to add to it. Peter means “rock.”

Jesus is saying that “on this rock, I will build my church.” Now, this does not mean that Jesus is saying that upon Peter He is going to build the church. Many people are confused by that. Jesus is saying that on this foundational truth, on this divine wisdom, His church will be developed.

If Jesus called you a new name today, what would it be? Pray about it and listen.