LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF PETER (1) - Jesus Transforms

John 1:40-42 (NIV): Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas" (which, when translated, is Peter j).

Matt 16:13-20 (NIV): 13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" 14 They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."15 "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, b the Son of the living God." 17 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, c and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades d will not overcome it.  19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be f bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be g loosed in heaven."  20 Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.

Among the individuals who evidently had a special position in the establishment of the church was the man called Peter. Peter was introduced to Christ by his own brother named Andrew who was also a disciple of Jesus. We should never underestimate what God can do with persons when introduced to Christ in the face of their terrible backgrounds. Introduce someone to Christ today, and see how he or she is marvellously transformed for God’s use.

Peter was a fisherman. He hadn’t received a high education or training (Acts 4:13) yet God called him to be a fisher of men (Matt 4:19). His time with Jesus transformed him from an uneducated and even fearful man into a courageous and faithful apostle who became instrumental in the establishment of the church. He was the outspoken leader of the twelve. He was part of the inner circle of Jesus’ disciples who got to witness the transfiguration. He is the most well-known of the disciples, both for some of his blunders and for his outspoken faith. 

You have no idea, what the Lord can do with your life; just avail yourself to Him, and see Him transform your life.

Written By: Pastor Benedict Eghan