Simon Peter from Weakness to Strength – Christian Puzzles & Answers

Simon Peter from Weakness to Strength

Study: Mark 8: 27 – 29; Luke 22: 31 – 34; John 18:25-27; 21:15-17

Background: Mark 8:27–29; Luke 22:7–38; John 18:15–18, 25–27; 21:15–17

Devotional: Isaiah 40:26–31

Lesson 6 July 11, 2026

Key Verse

[Jesus] saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.— John 21:17

INTRODUCTION

The one able to bridle his or her tongue is a mature person we are told by the Apostle James, (text). The subject of our study was a man known to speak rashly in his younger days but later, displayed a maturity that evidenced his time as Jesus’ disciple. Spending time with Jesus inevitably leads to spiritual maturity to be manifested in a variety of ways.

Peter is a Greek name (lit. Petros, meaning a stone or rock). No one else in the New Testament has the name Peter, though Peter called Christians stones in this epistle (2:4-5). In Aramaic “stone” is the word cephas. Jesus gave the name Cephas to Simon (The Greek transliteration of Simeon, Peter’s Hebrew name) as a prediction of what this apostle would become (John 1:42; Matt. 16:18).

Peter was the obvious spokesman for the twelve Apostles. He was a part of the inner circle (Peter, James, and John) and is always listed first. Still his statement in this first section of our study is his only notable pronouncement pre-Pentecost.

The occasion notwithstanding his answer to Jesus’ question is a fact to be understood by all, Christian and non-Christian alike.

The three sections of our study show the extremes that may occur in the life of any believer but set against these failures and victories is the unfailing love of God; shown in His correction, concern, warning and restoration of His erring child.

The study touches the major events of Peter’s life and demonstrates God’s ability to use people in spite of their failings.

Similarly, God’s work of salvation brings healing and reconciliation to sinful humanity. Today’s account demonstrates how God restored one of the first apostles, Peter. Through Christ’s forgiveness and restoration Peter’s story is an encouragement to all Christians

Peter was a fisherman from Bethsaida, a village on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee (John 1:44). Here, Peter worked with his brother Andrew (Mark 1:16). While fishing on the Sea of Galilee, Peter and his brother are called by Jesus to follow Him and become “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:18–22; Mark 1:16–20; Luke 5:1–11; John 1:35–42).

We also know that Peter was married (Mark 1:30; 1 Corinthians 9:5). At some point, Peter, his wife, and at least one other family member moved to Capernaum (Matthew 8:5–14), a town approximately five miles southwest of Bethsaida.

The New Testament notes three names for Peter. His Hebrew name is Simon or the variant Simeon (Mark 1:16; Acts 15:14). Later, Jesus calls him Peter, a designation based on an ancient Greek word meaning “rock” or “stone” (Matthew 16:18; Mark 3:16); this is his most frequently occurring name in the New Testament, found over 160 times. The third name is Cephas, an Aramaic word for “stone” (John 1:42; 1 Corinthians 1:12; 3:22; etc.).

Mark 8:27–29

This first section of text comes from the third and final year of Jesus’ ministry. He has just fed the five thousand (Mark 6:30–44). As a result, the people try to “take him by force, to make him king” (John 6:15). When He refused to accept such an earthly crown, many stop following Him (6:66).

Over the next several months, Jesus is on the move. He goes westward to Phoenicia (Mark 7:24–30) and then to the southeast to the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee and into the Decapolis,

(Matthew 15:29; Mark 7:31–37).

Then Jesus and the disciples cross the lake to Dalmanutha, where they face the Pharisees (Mark 8:10–12). Following this encounter, Jesus returns to Bethsaida on the other side of the lake (8:22). From there, Jesus and His disciples travel north into Gentile territory. It was here Jesus posed a leading question to His disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” and this led to the critical question:

“But who do you say that I am?”

The answer to the first question puts Jesus in the company of notable servants of God, however Peter’s answer to the second question is the definitive statement on the person of Jesus Christ.

Let us consider this monumental revelation on a personal level and have the right response!

TEXT

27. Jesus went out, along with His disciples, to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way He questioned His disciples, saying to them, “Who do people say that I (“Son of Man Matthew 16:13) am?”

Without the constant distraction of crowds or opposition, Jesus prepared His disciples for the next phase of His ministry. They visited the towns in Caesarea Philippi, an area nearly thirty miles northeast of the Sea of Galilee, overlooking the northern end of the Jordan River valley.

During this period, several towns are named “Caesarea” in honor of the Roman emperor. A more prominent Caesarea, for example, is Caesarea Maritima on the Mediterranean coastline. However, the town where Jesus and His disciples gather is called Caesarea Philippi, named in honor of Philip II (also known as Philip the Tetrarch), the son of Herod the Great and brother of Herod Antipas.

…“Who do people say that I am?” … this was a topical question of the day and answering the question “Who is Jesus?” is a fundamental issue that everyone, especially the disciples, must face. Where does Jesus come from? What is His purpose? The answer to these questions shapes how we respond to Him.

28. … “John the Baptist; and others say Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.”

The disciples report the various opinions and rumors circulating about Jesus. Some believe that He is John the Baptist, who had already been killed by Herod (Mark 6:14–29; (Matthew 14:1–12; Luke 9:7–9). Others think that Jesus might be Elias (Elijah), the Old Testament prophet known for speaking out against a king (1 Kings 21). The Old Testament prophesied that a person like Elijah would someday return (Malachi 4:5–6), a prophecy that was fulfilled through the ministry of John the Baptist (Matthew 17:10–13).

The people put Jesus in the company of great servants of God but any consideration of Jesus being less than the Christ was and is blasphemy! The disciples do not mention the possibility that Jesus could be the promised Messiah. Even so, there seems to be some inclination in that direction

(Matthew 9:27; 15:22; John 4:29).

29. “You are the [ai]Christ.” (…. the Son of the living God. Matt. 16:16)

… and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Now the question becomes pointed and personal: But who say say that I am? Have the disciples come to a conclusion about Jesus’ identity?

While knowing how others answer that question is valuable, what matters most is how you respond. How do you answer the question, “Who is Jesus?”

… Peter answered and *said to Him, “You are the [o]Christ.”

The title Christ is the Greek equivalent of the Jewish title “Messiah” (John 1:41; 4:25). Both designations mean “the anointed one.” Numerous Old Testament texts point to the Messiah’s arrival and reign (Psalm 110; Micah 5:2;

Zechariah 9:9; etc.).

First-century Jewish expectations regarding this figure were diverse. Some believed the Messiah would be a prophet like Moses or Elijah, performing miraculous deeds to lead Israel to righteousness. Others hypothesized that this figure would be a high priest like Aaron, coming to purify the temple and sanctify the people. The prevailing belief among most first-century Jews was that this person would be a political figure, a nationalistic king, who would sit on the earthly throne of David and rule over an earthly empire.

Luke 22:31 – 34

The setting here is Jesus’ last Passover celebration with His disciples. By the time of our text the normal joyous and celebratory mood of the occasion had turned sombre. It was only hours away from His crucifixion but the disciples were engaged in selfish bickering about who would be greatest in the seeming ‘soon coming kingdom’.

After Jesus gave a demonstration of true greatness; servant leadership; by washing His disciples grimy feet, he proceeded to again inform them of imminent events about to unfold.

…. But I am among you as the one who serves. ….. vs.27

It is here the irrepressible Peter pledged his loyalty to Jesus with the promise he was prepared to die for the Master! Contrary to Peter’s reckless promise the event about to unfold will follow a very different track from that envisioned by Peter.

TEXT

31. “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has [a]demanded to sift you men like wheat;

It is late in Jesus’ final week, “the day of unleavened bread, when the Passover [lamb] must be killed” (Luke 22:7). Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion looms. He shares one final meal with His disciples, using the opportunity to teach them about their role in service to Him (22:8–30).

Jesus singles out Simon Peter and makes him a representative of the trials the other disciples will encounter. His representative role is communicated by the fact that the word translated you is plural in Greek.

The role of Satan is similar to that in the opening chapters of the book of Job: a heavenly official who accuses and tests God’s people (Job 1:6–12; 2:1–6; compare Zechariah 3:1; Luke 4:1–13; Revelation 12:10). The warning that Satan may sift you as wheat evokes the image of separating valuable wheat kernels from the useless chaff (Matthew 3:12; Luke 3:17; Amos 9:9). The text does not specify what the “wheat” represents. Instead, Jesus’ point is that Peter will undergo a season of trial as Satan tempts him away from faithfulness to Christ.

32. but I have prayed for [b]you, … Jesus prayed to strengthen Peter’s faith and devotion. This is not the only time Jesus prayed for His followers (John 17:6–26; 10:27–29; etc.). Even today, the risen Christ is our “advocate” with the Father, (1 John 2:1).

The Greek term translated faith encompasses more than simply “doctrinal belief.” The term can also convey meanings such as “loyalty,” “fidelity,” and “faithfulness” (Luke 18:8; Acts 14:22; etc.). Although Jesus knew that Peter would soon deny Him (Luke 22:34; 22:54–62), He prayed for Peter to experience only a temporary failure of faith rather than a complete disavowal.

… turned back … often has the sense of turning away from a wrong course, which aligns with the concept of repentance (Luke 1:16–17; 17:4; Acts 3:19; 26:18). Jesus assured Peter that he will be restored. Peter’s experience will ultimately strengthen the faith of others (1:15–26; 2:14–40; 8:14–25; 15:7–11).

33. But he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You both to prison and to death!”

Peter has been with Jesus since the beginning of His public ministry (see Lesson Context). He is the most outspoken of the disciples, and he tends to speak with the most conviction (examples: Matthew 14:22–33; Mark 10:23–31; Luke 8:43–48; John 6:67–70). Peter’s association with Jesus leads him to boldly assert his devotion to the Lord, even unto death (compare John 13:37).

Peter now understands the possibility that Jesus might experience imprisonment and death. This marks a shift in perspective from his previous confessions, (Matthew 16:21–22; Mark 8:31–32).

We do not doubt that Peter loved Jesus, but he did not understand that the human emotion of which he was capable was not enough. Peter had dedicated himself to Jesus and was sincere, but this is not enough to walk for God.

All true believers love Jesus and want to follow him. But without the power of the spirit of Christ, this faithfulness is not possible. Note however that this attitude of heart is very important to God.

34. But He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me.

The word cock refers to a rooster, a bird known for its tendency to crow during the early hours of the morning. This reference to a rooster’s crowing also highlights the illegality of Jesus’ trial. According to Jewish legal tradition, a trial for a capital offense cannot be conducted at night. Such clandestine judicial meetings are often seen as corrupt and unjust.

Although the rooster’s crowing is typically associated with the break of a day, in this context, it does not signal a new day. Jewish custom marks the beginning of a day at sunset, not sunrise. Thus Jesus predicts that Peter’s denial will happen on the same day as the nighttime meal, during the overnight hours leading up to dawn.

The verb deny, having the sense of “renounce,” also appears in Luke 9:23, where Jesus says, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” When we consider this verse alongside the current passage, two choices become clear: either (1) deny oneself and affirm Christ, or (2) affirm oneself and deny Christ. It is impossible to affirm both oneself and Christ simultaneously.

Jesus pulled Peter out of his fantasy world by expressly predicting that he would deny him three times. One writer wisely comment: “Christ knows us better than we know ourselves, and knows the evil that is in us, and will be done by us, which we ourselves do not suspect. It is well for us that Christ knows where we are weak better than we do, and therefore where to come in with grace sufficient; that he knows how far a temptation will prevail, and therefore when to say, “Hitherto shall it come, and no further.”

John 18:25–27

It is the same day (Jewish) after the Upper Room discourse, Jesus and His disciples go to the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives, where He is arrested and taken by the soldiers and Jewish officials. Peter and another disciple, likely John, follow the crowd into the high priest’s courtyard (John 18:15–16). As Peter enters, a servant girl accuses, ““You are not also one of this Man’s disciples, are you?”?” (18:17a). Peter denied the question and joined others who were warming themselves by the fire (18:17b–18).

TEXT

25. Now Simon Peter was still standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You are not one of His disciples as well, are you?” He denied it, and said, “I am not.”

A second accusation against Simon Peter arises, essentially the same as the first. John’s account of this event is more concise than the other Gospels, but here Peter again denied his Lord!

(Matthew 26:69–75; Mark 14:66–72; Luke 22:54–62).

26. … “Did I not see you in the garden with Him?”

The third accusation comes from one of the servants who was in the garden named Gethsemane earlier that night during Jesus’ arrest (Mark 14:32, 43–46). This servant is related to Malchus, a servant of the high priest, whose right ear Peter cut off (Matthew 26:51; Mark 14:47; Luke 22:50; John 18:10). Fortunately, due to Jesus’ mercy, the injury was not fatal (Luke 22:51). Thus, this servant has good reason to believe that Peter was with Jesus!

27. Peter then denied it again, and immediately a rooster crowed.

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke all note that Peter wept after his third denial and the rooster crowed (Matthew 26:75; Mark 14:72; Luke 22:62). Jesus’ prediction had come true and Peter responded to this realization with shame, anguish, and remorse. At this point, there is nothing he can do to change what has happened.

John 21:15–17

The next section of Scripture takes place following Jesus’ resurrection. By this time, the risen Jesus has appeared to many disciples and followers

(John 20:11–29). He appeared again to seven disciples at the Sea of Galilee (21:2), directing them to a large catch of fish before inviting them to breakfast (21:12).

15. Now when they had finished breakfast, Jesus *said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you [e]love Me more than these?” He *said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I [f]love You.” He *said to him, “Tend My lambs.”

After breakfast, Jesus turned the meeting into a teaching moment. Simon Peter had previously boasted of his commitment and devotion to Jesus (Luke 22:33). But his pledge of devotion proved to be bluster. Jesus’ question probed Peter’s heart and loyalties.

What does the word these refer to? Is it the boats and fishing equipment? Is it the other disciples? Or does it mean, “Do you love me more than these other disciples love me?” We may conclude that Jesus means these as a general reference point: “Do you love me supremely, more than anything or anyone else?”

… He *said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I [f]love You….

Peter assured Jesus of his love, even reminding the Lord that thou knowest this fact. Jesus had correctly predicted that Peter’s previous declarations of commitment would prove false (John 13:37–38; 18:25–27).

… He *said to him, “Tend My lambs.”… As the Good Shepherd, Jesus laid down His life (John 10:15). If Peter loved Jesus, he will lead in the same way, protecting and providing for the lambs who are God’s people (Luke 22:32;

1 Peter 5:1–4; Luke 15:3–7).

16. He *said to him again, a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you [g]love Me?” He *said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I [h]love You.” He *said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.”

With only slight variation, the exchange is repeated.

17. He *said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you [i]love Me?” Peter was [j]hurt because He said to him the third time, “Do you [k]love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I [l]love You.” Jesus *said to him, “Tend My sheep.

Jesus questioned Peter’s love a third time. For Peter to feel grieved at this repetition is understandable. Does Jesus doubt his answer? Or is Peter’s distress the result of seeing a connection between these three questions and his three denials (John 18:15–18, 25–27)? Just as Peter denied Jesus three times, Jesus allowed Peter to affirm his love three times. Peter responds by being as absolute in his affirmation of love as he was in his denial.

Peter’s response acknowledged that not only does Jesus know Peter’s thoughts, but He also knows all things—a recognition of His deity (John 2:25).

The other disciples would also be assured of Peter’s restoration. There is always room for repentant believers with Jesus!

CONCLUSION

Following Jesus’ ascension, Peter demonstrated his love for Christ and commitment to God’s people. He played a key role in the first-century church (Acts 1:21–22; 2:14; 3:12; 4:8–20; 10:47–48). His declaration of commitment to Christ, even while imprisoned, came to fruition (5:17–42; 12:1–11). He grew from being “unlearned and ignorant” (4:13) to being the author of the two letters in the New Testament that bear his name.

Although we don’t know the circumstances of Peter’s death, tradition suggests that he was crucified in Rome.

Peter’s story following Jesus’ ascension is an important milestone marking his spiritual maturity. But we must not miss the formative issues of today’s lesson. The most significant aspect of Peter’s story may not be its beginning or ending but rather the remarkable turning point in the middle.

Peter faced a painful low point in his life when he denied his Savior. We too will experience painful lows on our road to spiritual maturity—every Christian does. When such a low happens, the primary issue is how we respond. Peter heard Jesus speak of four possible outcomes in hearing the Word (Matthew 13:1–9). Three of those are negative, but they need not be considered irreversible. God redeemed Peter’s failure and used his weakness to strengthen his faith. The same can happen with us.

Simon Peter from Weakness to Strength

Study: Mark 8: 27 – 29; Luke 22: 31 – 34; John 18:25-27; 21:15-17

Background: Mark 8:27–29; Luke 22:7–38; John 18:15–18, 25–27; 21:15–17

Devotional: Isaiah 40:26–31

Lesson 6 July 11, 2026

Key Verse

INTRODUCTION

To properly understand this subject it would be helpful to look at what preceded this most important event between Jesus and the disciples and the Apostle Peter. The route that Jesus took as He taught His disciples was a rather strange one for He left Tyre and Sidon and took another route through the country of Syria then going down to the Sea of Galilee.

Jesus obviously wanted the disciples to learn something that was very important and so we should look carefully at this incident which occurred then which shows that faith was indispensable. But faith varied between people and the people groups.

Jesus would now face a man that was deaf and dumb and the condition of that man was obviously pitiful for the man lived in complete isolation from those around him and he was a very difficult person to reach.

Jesus intended to heal this man and so in a rather strange procedure He put His fingers into the man’s ears and then He spat on His fingers and touched the man’s tongue. After that He looked into the heavens and sighed obviously conveying to the man that idea that He was going to heal the man’s tongue by the power of God.

It certainly appears from Jesus’s behaviour that He wanted to awaken the man’s faith and cause him to believe in the invisible God. But then Jesus took steps to prevent the man spreading the miracle all over the area and we read in Chapter 7 that Jesus charged them to tell no one.

It would have appear that the crowd that followed Jesus were quite zealous in proclaiming the miracles that Jesus had done but in doing so they really would be considering installing Jesus as a wonder worker. Certainly the people had seen the miracle of the healing of this man and one would have thought that this would have been a help to Jesus’s ministry, but instead Jesus warned them not to tell it all over the area.

Why would Jesus do such a thing? What would He want the disciples to learn from what He had done?

We might arrive at some understanding as to why Jesus did this by the event that our Study Scripture will examine for there obviously was a difference between the aroused faith of the man that Jesus had healed, and there was a different level of faith of the crowd that followed Jesus who would be quite willing to spread the news of this wonder worker. Jesus also knew that apart from the attitude of a real lack of faith in Him by the crowd, that the openly hostile group the Pharisees that had argued with Him were even worse for they were totally blinded. So in Chapter 8 these Pharisees confronted Jesus and Jesus refused to give them any sign, and as well called them and obviously much of the crowd an evil and adulterous generation that sought after a sign.

The question can therefore arrive in our mind as to what was the attitude of the disciples and the exact state of their awareness as to who Jesus was.

This is quite an important matter for believers to understand and it was very important for the disciples of Jesus to understand.

The reason for this is that there comes a time in the life of every Christian when you have to face up with the person of Jesus Christ and your relationship with Him. You might as the disciples had done, have read the Scriptures, read many commentaries on the life of Christ, listened to many sermons about Him, but the fact is that you have to face the question the disciples were about to face in our Study about Jesus and, Who do you say that I am?

The other important issue comes from the question about who we relate to and that is, Who do people say that I am?

By what name and traits and deeds are you known?

This is now a matter of identity and it is important for if you are a believer in Christ you do not want to be called by the wrong name. Your name obviously makes a difference and if you have the name given to you by the Lord Jesus Christ, which is, that you are a Christian, this strong name will bring respect.

So let us think carefully about the relationship between our name and our personality.

Clearly then there is value to in the name that you have. We know this from Luke 1: 31 at the time when Jesus was born, his mother was told that His name meant something very important.

We also know what the Apostle Paul told us in Philippians 2:10-11 and it reads

“That at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow,

Of those in heaven, of all those on earth, and those under the earth,

And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,

To the glory of God the Father”.

So pay special attention to the Study Lesson for it introduces us to who Jesus is and how we should look at Him.

We should note as we study that Jesus was what one writer calls an enigma for the people of His day. They could not quite pin Him down and so some thought He was a rabbi; some thought He was a prophet, and some couldn’t fit Him into the mold that they had and so we read in Matthew 11: 16-19 that Jesus recognized His people as like children sitting in a marketplace complaining.

The people of Jesus day didn’t know what to think of Him. We should be careful for we today are really no different for we have similar expectations about others, and also have similar expectations about Jesus Christ

So it is very important for us to know for sure who Jesus was, and it is also important for us to know, who we are what our name is.

We should bear in mind what one writer emphasizes:

“Listen carefully. When you come to know Jesus Christ as the Lord of your life, others come to know you not simply by name and vocation and who you happen to be related to; they come to know you as a child of God and a witness to the saving power of his love and grace….? Who do you say that I am?

The Apostle Peter got it right. He said, “You are the Messiah.” Only as the confession comes from the heart and reflects your own faith and devotion will it lead to a life of peace and joy and the knowledge of salvation. And when it does, you two will sing with all the saints:

“ I serve a risen Savior, he’s in the world today,

I know that he is living, whatever men may say;

I see his hand of mercy, I hear his voice of cheer,

And just the time I need him, He’s always near”

Our Lesson Study is a very important one for it is about a man who was a disciple. He had all kinds of weaknesses but he grew from weaknesses to a person of strength because he understood who Jesus was. He knew the name of Jesus. We therefore will direct you to look at this example.

Understand that your human weakness might allow you to declare the name of Jesus but at the same time you know you will be exposed to the desires of Satan who wanted to sift the Apostle Peter like wheat.

The reassurance of Jesus that He prayed for Peter’s faith meant that He was promising that Peter’s failure would lead in due time to spiritual growth.

The one able to bridle his or her tongue is a mature person, and this we are told by the Apostle James in Chapter 3 of his book.

The subject of our Study was a man known to speak rashly in his younger days but later, displayed a maturity that evidenced his time as Jesus’ disciple.

Spending time with Jesus inevitably leads to spiritual maturity to be manifested in a variety of ways.

Peter is a Greek name (literally. Petros, meaning a stone or rock). No one else in the New Testament has the name Peter, though Peter called Christians “stones” in this Epistle (2:4-5). In Aramaic “stone” is the word “cephas”.

Jesus gave the name Cephas to Simon (The Greek transliteration of Simeon, Peter’s Hebrew name) as a prediction of what this apostle would become (John 1:42; Matt. 16:18).

Peter was the obvious spokesman for the twelve Apostles. He was a part of the inner circle (Peter, James, and John) and is always listed first. Still his statement in this first section of our Study is his only notable pronouncement pre-Pentecost.

The occasion notwithstanding his answer to Jesus’ question is a fact to be understood by all, Christian and non-Christian alike.

The three sections of our Study show the extremes that may occur in the life of any believer but set against these failures and victories is the unfailing love of God; shown in His correction, concern, warning and restoration of His erring child.

The Study touches the major events of Peter’s life and demonstrates God’s ability to use people in spite of their failings.

THE TEXT

Mark 8:27–29

Over the next several months, Jesus is on the move. He goes westward to Phoenicia (Mark 7:24–30) and then to the southeast to the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee and into the Decapolis,

(Matthew 15:29; Mark 7:31–37).

Then Jesus and the disciples crossed the lake to Dalmanutha, where they face the Pharisees (Mark 8:10–12). Following this encounter, Jesus returns to Bethsaida on the other side of the lake (8:22). From there, Jesus and His disciples travel north into Gentile territory. It was here Jesus posed a leading question to His disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” and this led to the critical question:

“But who do you say that I am?”

The answer to the first question puts Jesus in the company of notable servants of God, however Peter’s answer to the second question is the definitive statement on the person of Jesus Christ.

Let us consider this monumental revelation on a personal level and have the right response!

28. … “John the Baptist; and others say Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.”

Others think that Jesus might be Elias (Elijah), the Old Testament prophet known for speaking out against a king (1 Kings 21). The Old Testament prophesied that a person like Elijah would someday return (Malachi 4:5–6), a prophecy that was fulfilled through the ministry of John the Baptist (Matthew 17:10–13).

(Matthew 9:27; 15:22; John 4:29).

29. “You are the Christ.” (…. the Son of the living God. Matt. 16:16)

… and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Now the question becomes pointed and personal: But who say say that I am? Have the disciples come to a conclusion about Jesus’ identity?

While knowing how others answer that question is valuable, what matters most is how you respond. How do you answer the question, “Who is Jesus?”

… Peter answered and *said to Him, “You are the Christ.”

Luke 22:31 – 34

The setting here is Jesus’ last Passover celebration with His disciples. By the time of our Text the normal joyous and celebratory mood of the occasion had turned sombre. It was only hours away from His crucifixion but the disciples were engaged in selfish bickering about who would be greatest in the seeming ‘soon coming kingdom’.

After Jesus gave a demonstration of true greatness; servant leadership; by washing His disciples grimy feet, He proceeded to again inform them of imminent events about to unfold.

…. But I am among you as the one who serves. ….. vs.27

31. “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded to sift you men like wheat;

32. but I have prayed for you, … Jesus prayed to strengthen Peter’s faith and devotion. This is not the only time Jesus prayed for His followers (John 17:6–26; 10:27–29; etc.). Even today, the risen Christ is our “advocate” with the Father, (1 John 2:1).

33. But he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You both to prison and to death!”

Peter now understands the possibility that Jesus might experience imprisonment and death. This marks a shift in perspective from his previous confessions, (Matthew 16:21–22; Mark 8:31–32).

All true believers love Jesus and want to follow Him. But without the power of the spirit of Christ, this faithfulness is not possible. Note however that this attitude of heart is very important to God.

34. But He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me.

John 18:25–27

25. Now Simon Peter was still standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You are not one of His disciples as well, are you?” He denied it, and said, “I am not.”

A second accusation against Simon Peter arises, essentially the same as the first. John’s account of this event is more concise than the other Gospels, but here Peter again denied his Lord!

(Matthew 26:69–75; Mark 14:66–72; Luke 22:54–62).

26. … “Did I not see you in the garden with Him?”

27. Peter then denied it again, and immediately a rooster crowed.

John 21:15–17

The next section of Scripture takes place following Jesus’ resurrection. By this time, the risen Jesus has appeared to many disciples and followers (John 20:11–29).

He appeared to seven disciples at the Sea of Galilee (21:2), directing them to a large catch of fish before inviting them to breakfast (21:12).

… He *said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I [f]love You….

With only slight variation, the exchange is repeated.

Peter’s response acknowledged that not only does Jesus know Peter’s thoughts, but He also knows all things—a recognition of His deity (John 2:25).

The other disciples would also be assured of Peter’s restoration. There is always room for repentant believers with Jesus!

CONCLUSION

His declaration of commitment to Christ, even while imprisoned, came to fruition (5:17–42; 12:1–11). He grew from being “unlearned and ignorant” (4:13) to being the author of the two letters in the New Testament that bear his name.

Although we don’t know the circumstances of Peter’s death, tradition suggests that he was crucified in Rome.

Peter’s story following Jesus’ ascension is an important milestone marking his spiritual maturity. But we must not miss the formative issues of today’s Lesson. The most significant aspect of Peter’s story may not be its beginning or ending but rather the remarkable turning point in the middle.

Peter faced a painful low point in his life when he denied his Savior.

We too will experience painful lows on our road to spiritual maturity—every Christian does. When such a low happens, the primary issue is how we respond. Peter heard Jesus speak of four possible outcomes in hearing the Word (Matthew 13:1–9). Three of those are negative, but they need not be considered irreversible. God redeemed Peter’s failure and used his weakness to strengthen his faith. The same can happen with us.

The very important question therefore for us is, What will you do if you love Jesus?

Will we be like shepherds?

It is to be noted that some following Jesus will be led into places of prominence. But the certainty for every believer is that if you love Jesus, Jesus will refine your love for Him and through your misunderstandings and failures Jesus will lead you to a place of strength.

Jesus certainly will take the initiative to deal with your misunderstandings, your doubts and your fears.

So with the Study Lesson we would like to call all Peters of every generation, those who might have started with wrong ideas about things and about Jesus, like the Jews. Like them you may have messed up things quite a bit, but weknow you will cast yourself toward Jesus and be nourished by His love.

Remember that on the highway of holiness there will be a wall that stands between Jesus and you, but as you get closer to Him, the strength of the walls will disappear or they will get less and less in their strength.

Once you believe that Jesus is Lord, that Jesus is the Messiah, the promised Redeemer, you do not really have to know or see everywhere you are going. Trusting your understanding of the Lord Jesus Christ is the greatest sight of all for us John 20: 29 reminds us:

Blessed are those who did not see, and yet believed”.

We know that for many of us there has been a turning point in our lives. We know that Satan is on a leash held by the hands of our sovereign God.

But that does not mean we don’t have to avoid him and resist him. We know from the saying of Jesus to Peter that the devil himself wants to personally shake our world and blow our lives apart, and blow our testimony away.

But we do know that Jesus is not finished with us. Peter knew that and so he grew from breath to strength and when it came the time for him to die he was not afraid. His spiritual muscles had been strengthened because he knew that Jesus had prayed for him, and so his faith would not fail

.Now you might have the false idea that when you fail Jesus is going to simply give you a hug and a as one writer calls it, give you a little plastic trophy. But instead Jesus will warn us about what we will do in our denial of Him. But Peter knew that Jesus had restored him. You should know that Jesus will restore you.

The Apostle Matthew knew that too. He ended up martyred in Ethiopia.

It is recorded that the apostle Philip also was martyred in modern day Turkey.

The Apostle Thomas made it to India where he will serve before being martyred near the city of Chennai.

All the disciples were martyred. They started following Jesus with their weaknesses but filled with the Holy Spirit they went from weakness to strength. Jesus’ knowledge leads Him to tell you that your ministry will have to change radically and become sometimes difficult and dangerous. But Jesus keeps on reminding you that He is with you and he will lead you on the way home to God the Father. He will take you from weakness to strength