Peter a Man of Contrast

Peter a Man of Contrast

Starting our study through 1s and 2nd Peter

Bible Study of who Peter was

Verses that speak about or where Peter is speaking

26 references (Multiple verses of each reference)

Peter and Jesus

Original name Simon – Jesus would rename him Peter. Paul would refer to him by his Aramaic name Cephas – Peter is Greek

Luke 5:1-11

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May not have been Jesus first encounter with Peter

John 1:40-42 - Peter’s brother Anderw who was a disciple of John the Baptist first introduced Peter to Jesus

Important to note – Peter responds to God’s word – at your word I will let down the nets – even though it does not make sense

Peter’s first realization of who Jesus really was

Responds by worship – falling on his knees

Recognition of his sin and repenting.

This lays the foundation of who Peter is

A sinner and obeys God’s word

(Matthew 8:14-15 – Jesus Heals Peter’s Mother-In-law)

We know Peter was married.

How many times must I forgive my brother Matthew 18:15-22

Was Peter really having an issue with Andrew

But we understand that Peter is having a conflict within him. As he grew in Christ he was having to deal with that sin

In order to catch men he would need to forgive – so he could catch even those who had wounded him.

Peter Walks on Water Matthew 14-25-31

We so often focus on the weakness – Peter’s lack of faith

Yes that is an issue but at least he got out of the boat

Despite his lack of faith God was there to rescue him

Here is a another glimpse of Peter’s contrast – He had faith to get out of the boat but not to sustain in the waves

In our weakness he is made perfect.

Peter sees Who Jesus is but still does not get the mission

Who do you say I am? Matthew 16:13-19

Peter sees – Holy Spirit – remember he saw who Jesus was on the beach with the great catch of fish

Peter gets his new name – Peter rock

Was it on him or what he said that would build the church

Seeing who Jesus really is we become part of the Church and we gain the authority of Jesus in his name

Contrast of Peter (Why had the messiah come?) Matthew 16:21-23

Not sure how much time passed between his confession of the Christ

But his vision for Jesus did not line up with Jesus giving up his life

But the day would come when Peter would give up his life for Jesus

Also we see here that Peter once again rushes to do something – Walking on the water

Transfiguration Matthew 17:1-8

Build Shelter – I have to do something

Again when he really sees he falls down to worship

Jesus and his sacrifice and Peter

Wash Peter’s feet John 13:3-10 – tries not to let him

Sift like wheat – Luke 22:31-34

Sift all the disciples

He will deny Jesus but called to restore the brothers

Again in his weakness Jesus will use him.

Cuts off the ear of the High Priest’s servant John 18:10-11

Again Peter rushes in to do something

Peter denies Jesus – yet another glimpse

Jesus said this would happen but Jesus already knew Peter’s victory on the other side.

Peter will run to the tomb - Jesus Resurrection John 20:1-10 – Peter went into the Tomb he did not stop

Peter’s restoration (how many times must I forgive my brother, Jesus will show him) John 21:6-8, 15-19

Acts

Peter will be the one to stand up on the day of Pentecost Acts 2:14-41

Three thousand were saved

A man of contrast, of doubt. A man of rushing without thinking would lead 3K to salvation

Acts 3:1-10 healed the sick; 4:8-20 preaches to the religious leaders; 5:1-11 boldly confronts Ananias and Saphira lying to God; 10:9-48 vision clean vs. unclean; Acts 12:1-19 – Peter arrested for his faith; Acts 15:6-11 – belief by faith not by works – circumcision

But later Paul would confront Peter for going back and supporting circumcision – Galatians 2:11-14 influenced by James (Jesus brother) authority

So who was Peter

When in doubt he responded to the Word

Cast your net on the other side. Call me and I will step out on the water

Was a man of contrast like us. Moving from moments of great faith to moments of great doubt

Yet Jesus used him in a mighty and powerful way

Like us – often feeling like we have to do something to please God. Prone to rush in and act without discernment –

trying to make God’s vision fit our own

Experienced the deep forgiveness of Jesus from his very first encounter, to his desire to prevent Jesus from dying etc. and his denial

Forgiveness was always there

When in doubt – fall down and worship.