We all have a story and the inner life of Peter is a fascinating one! A guy who walked so tight with Jesus as to be in the inner circle, yet came so close to quitting. What sparked inside him to keep going?

Having digested the full recorded life of Peter from the gospels through his two epistles (letters) and his last recorded sermon in Acts 15, I have sought to follow the train of Peter’s personal journey in answer to the question, what were the events of Peter’s life shaping him to become the disciple he was? In other words, “what made Peter, Peter?”

I have condensed Peter’s life to 5 stages and 7 events that “tell the story,” and capture his personal growth and how God was able to use Peter for greater Kingdom glory! 

His story begins with the familiar events surrounding his call [MT 4; Mk 1; Lk 5; Jn:1]

But hold no false impression. Though it appears in Matthew and Mark’s account that at Jesus’ invitation, “follow me”, Peter’s response was impulsive, the more accurate term I believe is ‘decisive’. For the complete story we go to Luke 4.

Jesus brought his ministry first to Nazareth, where he was met with rejection;  then to Capernaum, a town 20 miles away in the same county where several of the disciples (including Peter) lived. Jesus’ words and actions were raising eyebrows weeks ahead of his arrival and rumors were flying!  

Before inviting Peter to be Jesus’ disciple, the Spirit of God was at work. John 1:35-40 informs us Pete’s younger brother Andrew was a follower of the popular and controversial prophet John the Baptist. No doubt, Andrew kept his brother apprised of the events of the day, perhaps urging him to join in. 

It is not much of a stretch to consider there was a rumbling inside Peter. A certain discontent with himself, his life and circumstances in business under the heavy hand of Rome. Adding to the restlessness was his brother sharing messages from the Baptist; and then one long awaited day, Andrew announced, “The Messiah is here!”

As John the Baptist went to prison, a growing intensity was about to reach a climax. It was at this time Jesus came to Capernaum. Peter is at his job when Jesus showed up and out of the blue extended the unlikely invitation! “At once” is the response of Peter (Mk 1:18). Feel the adrenaline. You don’t know what’s going to happen with your boats, nets, tools and family, but right now you have to go! It’s a compelling call and you have to answer it. Ladies, it’s how God wires men!  What were the obstacles Peter faced? What will the future be?

The confirmation is not found for 10 more verses! It is said, “Behind every successful man is…a surprised mother in law” 😊. Could it be the healing of Peter’s mother in law had a greater purpose than what appears on the surface? What if Peter came home to his wife and told her Jesus’ invitation to be a disciple and in fear she hit the ceiling! He and his wife had words — words about real things – the bills getting paid, the future of the business, care of the children, perhaps the care of parents? What if he miscalculated? What if he invested himself totally and Jesus failed or the mission didn’t materialize? What if this decision puts his standing in the community in jeopardy?

Perhaps all these worries and fears rumbling in Peter’s (and his wife’s) mind came tumbling down in Peter’s home at a moment in time — specifically with his mother-in- law who lay sick with a fever. Luke 4:31: “[Jesus] went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.” Is this a WOW!

All fear and worry is settled. The call is confirmed. The decision to leave blue collar work to go to teaching, ministry and intellectual pursuits is made. A man of the mundane, secular world makes the decision. He takes a risk to choose to follow the impetus inside; in doing so, he changes his vocabulary, his language, his life, his future, and his legacy!

What sparked Pete to move in sync with Jesus? #1 – a heavenly calling; it’s a discontent that would only be satisfied with a vision for something greater than temporal pursuits.

Skye

Is there a ‘holy discontent’ in you? Could it be God is calling you to something larger He wants to accomplish within you for His Kingdom purposes? May I encourage you to get a copy of my book, “UNLEASHING Spiritual Ambition.” Send me a pic of you with the book and I’ll send you a $5 coffee gift card! [email protected]