“As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee,

he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said… ‘ (Matthew 4:18-19)

Peter was doing life, he was being a fisherman, when unexpectedly Jesus turns up and extends an invitation to Peter. At this stage Peter recognised Jesus as a Rabbi, a teacher worth following. He left the security of his trade and his family. He became a pupil of the teacher, taking the opportunity extended to him to be with the Rabbi and to learn from him.

Peter didn’t fully understand who Jesus was; he didn’t know where they were going or what the future held. There must have been something about Peter’s life and something about Jesus and the invitation he extended to cause Peter to take this courageous step.

As Peter continued to follow Jesus, learning from Him, being His disciple, he came to recognise who he was following

‘But what about you?’ he (Jesus) asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’

Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ (Matthew 16:15-16)

In response to this Jesus hints at the calling Peter would later receive:

‘Jesus replied, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.  And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.’ (Matthew 16:17-18)

Along this journey Peter, just like us, has much to learn. Through questions, conversations, opportunities, experiences and being in relationship with Jesus, little by little Peter grows in knowledge, understanding and character. He has times of putting into practice what he is being taught such as miraculously healing people or casting out demons. He also has some wonderfully exciting times such as the invitation to walk on water; he also learns how much he needs to depend upon Jesus!

Peter’s commitment was also put to the test; Peter denied being a follower of Jesus (Matthew 26:69-75). This is the point at which Peter becomes a broken man, realising perhaps for the first time whom he is really following and recognising his own weaknesses and shame.

Peter is later invited by Jesus and given the opportunity to declare his love for his Lord. During this conversation Peter receives his specific calling to feed and take care of Jesus’ lambs and sheep (John 21); the Lord’s flock which comes together in community in the church.

There were two occasions when Peter was called by Jesus: once to leave his nets and follow thus entering into a relationship of discipleship, secondly when Jesus speaks Peter’s specific calling.

Between these two invitations an incredible relationship and journey has taken place, one where Peter has learnt how to walk with Jesus Christ in surrender, sacrifice, love, faith, trust, obedience, and commitment.