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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
Last week we looked at Jesus’ call to Peter, not just to follow him but to become a “rock” of the church. Not that Peter in any way resembled who he would become at his calling, but that once filled with understanding through the Holy Spirit, his faith would indeed become the “Rock” Jesus would construct his church on.
Simon had a long way to go before becoming Peter, as Matthew 16:13-19 & 21-23 given ample evidence. The three Synoptic Gospels all including Peter’s ringing declaration of faith, when he alone boldy asserted that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah – the anointed in Hebrew, Christos in Greek.
Simon’s “nickname” – Cephas in Hebrew, Petros in Greek – meaning Rock, was given to Simon as a direct result of this assertion. Jesus further declaring that He would build a new community of faith – His church – on the rock of Peter’s faith. This ecclesia of called out one’s being built upon Peter’s example of faithful service and sacrifice; over time. The church belonging to and built by Jesus, as “…on this Petra I will build my church,…” Matthew 16:18 (The English word for church having its roots in the German Kirche, which is related to the Greek Kuriakon, designating a belonging to the Lord.) All of us meant to be living stones – the building blocks of a community and movement God has instituted to transform the world. (See 1 Peter 2:45) Jesus being the cap-stone/cornerstone on which all else is erected.
But as is often the case with Peter, a moment of supreme faith was followed almost immediately by one of total ununderstanding and failure, as Jesus attempted to use Peter’s pronouncement as a teaching moment for the future. To which Peter took exception, taking hold of Jesus and scolding him for being defeatist, contradicting the expectations of his followers and ruining their plans. (See Mark 10:35-37) Peter receiving the ultimate smack down for his arrogance, as Jesus exclaimed “Get behind me Satan. You are a stumbling-stone – or a “rock” that could make me stumble – you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of man.” Matthew 16:23 (See also Is. 55:8)
Jesus further explaining that earthly power and glory wasn’t on the path he was taking and trying to lead them down. Anyone sincerely trying to follow in his foot-steps would likewise be required to sacrifice personal preference, comfort and ego, as well. (Matthew 16:24) The problem being we all like, prefer self-fulfillment to self-denial; expecting our “religion” to bless us while not asking too much of us. But that’s not how real Christianity works. (Matthew 16:25,26) A paradox of the gospel being that it is in losing our lives for Christ’s sake – either literally or figuratively – that we achieve true life.
Which takes us to a pivotal time in Simon’s life, a period spanning his witness of Jesus’ transfiguration to the upper room and beyond. Matthew’s Gospel dealing extensively with this time-span, literally one-fourth of his gospel – 7 of 28 chapters – recounting the final week of Jesus’ life. Essentially starting with Jesus’ joyous “triumphal” entry into Jerusalem leading up to his “cleansing” of the temple; which pretty much sealed his fate. The Jewish authorities merely waiting for an opportune time to seize him even as he returned to the temple daily to teach the masses gathered there to celebrate Passover.
The emotional intensity was building to a fever pitch among Jesus’ disciples, the crowds following him and his opponents when Jesus decided to teach them an object lesson about servant-leadership through his foot washing “ceremony” immediately preceding what has come to be called the Last Supper; revealing more of the details of what was soon to come as well. Jesus shocking them all when he declared, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me.” (or desert me) Peter, typically the first to respond, indignantly saying, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will… Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” To which all the others agreed. But we know they all did, Peter in particular vehemently denying any knowledge of Jesus, as had been foretold. (He was, however, the only disciple to try and defend Jesus at his arrest – being rebuked for doing so – and then still followed him to the courtyard of the high priest’s home where his rigged trial had its start.)
After Peter’s final denial of Jesus, he disappeared with all the other disciples save John, who appears to have at least stood by Jesus’ mother at his crucifixion. (See John 19:26,27) All finally reuniting in the upper room of the Last Supper – waiting – for what none of them knew. Sorrowful, confused, ashamed; at a loss as to what could or should be done next. What did happen next proving we don’t have to be defined by our failures! The angel at Jesus’ tomb telling Mary to, “Go, tell his disciples, especially Peter…”; that he had risen. Mark 16:6,7 (Common English Bible) The NIV rendering it, “…tell his disciples and Peter…”)
Why especially Peter? Jesus still recognized Peter’s potential and would bring it to the fore, after some time to reflect and repent on Peter’s part. That hope of redemption and recommitment being realized on the shore of the sea, evoking memories of Peter’s original calling to follow Jesus. Having been thoroughly disappointed and confused, the disciples had returned to what they knew best, fishing. After an unsuccessful night on the water, they saw someone on shore – fixing breakfast – inviting them to share it with him. A meal of forgiveness and reconciliation, especially for Peter, as Jesus confronted him 3 times, the same number of times Peter had denied his Christ – by questioning his love for him. This process leading Peter through the necessary steps of confession, repentance and redemption necessary for his reinstatement as a leader of the church. Each time Peter asserted that he did indeed love Jesus, Jesus then challenged him to prove it, by loving the “sheep” of the church which Peter went on to do spectacularly.
Cephas, Petros – the Rock. Not so much at the beginning of his ministry, not always throughout it (See Galatians 2:11-14), but in the end – used mightily by the Lord for the advancement of His gospel and His church. Giving hope and inspiration to the rest of us to go and do likewise.
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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