It’s been a while since we have explored a Bible character while “Searching His Word and Seeking His Heart,” so let’s have a look at Peter.

Only one Peter is found in the Scriptures. Others could likely have been named Peter, but we only have info on this one and quite a character he is. What do you know about him? Perhaps you would say, “Peter was a disciple of Jesus, a fisherman, and the brother of Andrew from Bethsaida.” Yes, and so much more.

We have more stories and incidents where “Peter did… or Peter said…” than any other disciple. Perhaps that’s because Peter had a personality that was larger than life—always the bold one, the first with an opinion, out-spoken, impetuous, headlong, spontaneous, but unbridled. We never have to wonder what Peter was thinking. Perhaps that’s why his name pops up more than any of the other disciples of Jesus.

Peter’s birth name, Simon, means “he has heard” or “obedient.” He demonstrated aspects of hearing Jesus’ words, but often had to  be tested with fire to truly understand  Jesus’ heart. He proved obedient but bore many trials to get there.When we place ourselves in God’s hands, miracles can happen, but Jesus had his work cut out for him with this live firecracker.

We know that he had a brother, Andrew, who was most likely overshadowed by his domineering brother. Scripture only gives us two quotes from Andrew, but it is Andrew who first introduced Simon Peter to Jesus.

The back story is that, in the beginning, Andrew and John were early followers of John the Baptist. One day they heard John the Baptist say,

“Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, ‘a man who comes after me has surpassed me, because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.” John 1:29-31

John the Baptist then told what happened when he baptized Jesus earlier—the appearance of the dove, the voice from heaven and all. 

The next day, Jesus came walking by again. And again John the Baptist pointed him out and said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”

This time, Andrew and John walked away and started following Jesus. Jesus noticed them and turned around to ask,

“What do you want?” John 1:38

They asked where he was staying. (In other words, “We want to talk to you.”) Jesus invited them to spend the rest of the day with him. They were convinced. Andrew went straight to his brother and said,

“We have found the Messiah.” John 1:41

And that’s where we shall begin our journey with Simon Peter.

~ Joyce ~