This is part of a series studying Peter’s life and ministry. Click here for the entire series.
We have recorded that Jesus called Peter to be His follower on two occasions—once in the vicinity of the Jordan River where John the Baptist had baptized Jesus and many others (John 1:40-42) and once in Galilee beside the Sea of Galilee ( Mark 1:16-18; Luke 5:10-11). We’ll focus on both.
Luke, the writer of the book that carries his name, says Peter and Andrew were they were mending their nets after a night of fishing with James and John (John 5:1-11).
From reading the text, it may seem as though Jesus just walked up to Peter and then called him to discipleship. It is helpful to note that Peter and his brother were business partners with James and John, sons of Zebedee. Examining several passages lead us to conclude that Zebedee’s wife was Salome, who was the sister of Mary the mother of Jesus (Mark 15:40; Mark 16:1; John 19:25). Since Peter and Andrew were partners with James and John, we can assume that Peter and Andrew may have known Jesus for some time.
The Apostle John reports that Andrew, after hearing John the Baptist’s testimony about who Jesus is, ran to find Peter and told him, “We have found the Messiah (that is, the Christ). Then he brought him [Peter] to Jesus” (John 1:41-42). Jesus called Peter to follow Him, adding, “I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew adds, “At once they left their nets and followed him” (Matthew 4:19-20).
John reports that Jesus said, “You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas (which when translated is Peter).” The name Peter means “rock.” Trailing Peter over the next couple of years, one would find a number of occasions in which Peter was anything but a rock.
But Jesus saw what Peter would become and gave him a name that reflected not who he was but who he would become.
What can we learn about Peter’s character from this experience? Peter demonstrated his willingness to obey Jesus’ call on His life. Whether, as some suggest, Jesus called Peter to discipleship only once or more than once, the important point is that he obeyed Jesus. What would you or I have done if Jesus had called us in this way?
How do you think you would have reacted if Jesus had said to you, “[Your name], leave your [occupation/livelihood] and come and follow me as I travel from town to town preaching the Good News”?
If you asked him to wait, what would you have wanted to accomplish before you followed Him?
