Great People Of the Bible- Week #12- Peter

I apologize for posting this study so late. With school starting this week I somehow overlooked posting it. Next week will be the last week in our summer series. Please stay tuned to this blog for various articles and words of inspiration.


PETER

Jesus' first words to Peter were, "Come follow me" (Mk. 1:17). His last words to him were, "You must follow me" (Jn. 21:22). Every step of the way between those two challenges, Peter never failed to follow-- even though he stumbled.

When Jesus entered Peter's life, this plain fisherman became a new person with new goals and new priorities. He did not become a perfect person, however, and he never stopped being Simon Peter. We may wonder what Jesus saw in Simon that made him greet this potential disciple with a new name, Peter, the "rock". Impulsive Peter certainly didn't act like a rock most of the time. But Jesus wasn't choosing based on earthly qualities. He chose people who were real. He chose people who would be changed by his love and would be sent out to communicate that grace was available to all-- even to those who fail.

We may wonder what Jesus sees in us when he calls us to follow him. But we know Jesus accepted Peter, and, in spite of his failures, Peter went on to do great things for God.

Read Matthew 4:18-20
-For what purpose did Jesus call Peter?
-What does this mean?
-When Peter followed Jesus, what did he leave behind?
-What have you left behind at the call of Jesus?

Read John 21:1-14 (These events occurred after Jesus' death and resurrection)
-What do you learn about Peter from these verses?
-How could the Lord use Peter's character traits for his purpose of making Peter a fisher of men?
-What character traits has God created in you?
-How can God use these traits for His purposes?

Read John 21 15-19
-Three times Jesus repeats another purpose he has for Peter's life. What is it/
-How is this purpose linked to Jesus' original call to Peter?
-What does Jesus' commission indicate about his confidence in Peter's future ministry?
-What more does Jesus tell Peter in this passage?
-What purpose will Peter's death serve?

Note: Ancient writers state that about 34 years after this, Peter was crucified, and that he begged to be crucified with his head downwards, not considering himself worthy to die in the same posture in which his Lord did.

Read Acts 4:8-13
-What astonished the leaders about Peter and John?
-Of what did they take note?
-In what ways was Peter fulfilling God's purpose for him?

Next week = Paul