One’s identity is a unique tapestry woven from countless threads of influence! IMAGINE being at ‘ground zero’ seeing what Peter saw and heard:

  • The 5 loaves Jesus blessed to feed thousands, Peter actually touched!
  • In the face of hateful accusations, his eyes saw Jesus’ painful grimace.
  • He watched Jesus’ measured response to stubborn resistance, and he saw demonic beings surrender to Jesus’ command.
  • He heard Jesus shout 3 words and saw Lazarus come OUT OF THE TOMB;
  • these and so many more make their way into the neural pathways of Peter’s mind and heart.

So now, nearing the end of ‘training’ (MT 16}, Jesus asks “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” The disciples conveyed the summary of public opinion. Then He probed, “But what about you? Who do you say I am?” Without hesitation, Peter blurted, “You are the Christ (Messiah), the Son of the living God!”

This outspoken statement was pure blasphemy, heresy and controversial ‘headline news’ among the elites in that day (which is why Jesus ordered them not to tell anyone he was the Messiah at that point).  

But seeing Jesus first hand from ‘ground zero’, the influence of the Nazarene upon the disciples was unmistakable. Later in Acts 4, the record is “When they (rulers and elders) saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”

Peter spoke with bold conviction. No reservation in Pete’s mind. Jesus’ authority in BOTH realms – heaven and earth – was fully active and established.  

Pete’s  answer didn’t come from a cultural tradition, scribe or priest. It was a revelation from heaven; Jesus blessed him. Then Jesus decreed He would build his ekklesia (church, or ‘called out ones’) upon this solid conviction! And He gave Simon his new identity – ‘petros’, rock. It was a powerful moment in Peter’s story. Jesus cast a vision that defined his new identity going forward. He was no longer ‘Simon’, but Petros, Peter, or translated ‘rock.’

Thus far, we’ve seen 2 events that shaped Peter’s life. This is the third and there is more to come! iOi

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PS. Dogs observe their masters closely, don’t they? They study their mannerisms, even the inflection in their voice. What if we read the Word of God like that? Would we get to know Jesus better and loving him with passion?

Try this:  https://www.ioutreachinc.org/new-testament-bible-study/