Messengers of the GospelSample

Joining Jesus in His Mission

Two of the central figures of the New Testament are Peter and Paul. These two men could not be more different from each other. One was a hard-working fisherman, and the other a brilliant scholar. But they shared one thing in common: both had life-altering experiences with Jesus.

Peter (also called Simon) was initially introduced to Jesus by his brother Andrew.

The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. (John 1:41-42 NIV)

That’s right—all the stories you hear about Peter's ministry can be directly traced to the messenger of the gospel, Andrew. He brought his brother Peter to Jesus.

Later, Jesus approached Peter while he was fishing, and told him, “Follow Me. I will make you fish for men!” (Matthew 4:19 NIV)

On the other hand, Paul (also known as Saul) met Jesus through a supernatural encounter after Jesus’ death and resurrection. On a roadside near Damascus, Jesus showed up dramatically and changed the course of Paul’s life. In fear and amazement, Paul stammered, “Who are you, Lord?”

“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied.

“Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” (Acts 9:5-6 NIV)

In both stories, God drew a person to Himself for their good AND for a greater purpose. These men were not only saved from something, they were also saved for something. Jesus had a mission for each man.

No matter how you were called to Jesus, whether through someone sharing their faith with you or having a radical experience with God, you are called to go and tell others about Him. No matter how “powerful” or “boring” your testimony is, your story has power because it is a God story.

Both Peter and Paul saw their lives changed by following Jesus and couldn’t keep the message to themselves.

What were the results?

• Thousands of men and women came to know Jesus because of their ministries.
• Billions of people have encountered Jesus because of their teachings and preaching in the scriptures.
• Both Peter and Paul lost their lives for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The church historian Eusebius, writing in the 4th century, said of their deaths, “It is, therefore, recorded that Paul was beheaded in Rome itself, and that Peter likewise was crucified under Nero.”

Jesus' early words to Peter and Paul carry much more weight when viewed from their ultimate sacrifice as messengers of the Gospel.

“Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” (Matthew 4:19 NIV)

“You will be told what you must do.” (Acts 9:5 NIV)

Jesus called us from the life we were living and brought us into something bigger. He called us into a lifelong mission of worship, evangelism, and discipleship with other believers.

Reflection:

Were the sacrifices of Peter and Paul worth it?

Do you think they had any regrets about following Jesus in His mission?