We begin our study of The Men Jesus Called with Peter, the most prominent of all of Jesus’ disciples. What makes Peter so distinct?

• Peter is among the first and possibly THE first of the disciples to be called (Mark 3:16).
• Peter’s name appears first in the lists given of disciples (Matt. 10:2-4, Mk. 3:16-19, Lk. 6:14-16, Acts 1:13).
• Peter was present at the transfiguration along with James and John (Luke 9:28-36).
• Peter speaks more often in the Gospels than any of the Jesus’ followers.
• Peter is the first to declare Jesus the Messiah (Matthew 16:16).
• Peter is described by Jesus as the “rock” upon which the church will be built (Matthew 16:18).
• Peter walks on water.

Clearly Peter is central to the group of men Jesus called.

What draws me to Peter is that he is all of the above yet also this:

• Peter is quick to speak and act; he sometimes looks foolish but is clearly a risk-taker and a natural leader. That which makes him a leader makes him a fool and this foolishness is often how God demonstrates His strength (2 Corinthians 12:9). You can’t make this stuff up!
• Peter is fearful and begins to sink right after he walked on water (Matthew 14:28-33).
• Peter denies Jesus three times immediately right after Jesus warned him that he would (Luke 22).

It is this “sink or swim” journey that most resonates with me and many, many Christians. We fight the enemy and our own flesh yet we are redeemed and continue to bring redemption to ourselves and others. Over the years I have described King David to children as a “bouncer” — he screws up then rallies or “bounces” back; Peter is a “bouncer” as well.

What can we take away from our consideration of the life of Peter? It’s okay to be who you are, whether you’re a natural leader or a natural something else, it’s okay to use your talents and abilities, in fact God gave you those (Ephesians 2:10). Be aware that your strength has a flip side that may sometimes be your undoing. It’s okay to be undone because that sometimes leads to a show of God’s strength in your weakness.

Are you a bouncer?

Possibly Related Posts:

• I Read the Song of Solomon 100 Times and Then …
• Counterfeit: Lies We Believe About Fatherhood
• Casting Call
• Simon the Crime Man
• Matthew: Trump to Trumpet