I like Peter. Many people do, because we can all relate to him, especially when he first began to follow Jesus.
He didn’t seem to be anyone special. He wasn’t well educated. He wasn’t a professional or among the elites of his society. He was simply Simon the fisherman, a trade which he (and his brother Andrew) had learned from their father.
But then he met Jesus who saw something in this young, married man and called him to be one of this 12 disciples. He left his nets and followed. Jesus would change his name to Peter, train and disciple him into the apostle and Christian leader that he would someday become. Two key events stand out in my mind as Jesus did that.
A fisher of men
Soon after Jesus called Peter, he made this prophetic statement to Peter and his brother – “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Matthew 4:19) Now that was quite a career change!
Peter knew a lot about catching fish on the Sea of Galilee. He caught fish of different shapes, sizes and kinds. He knew nothing though about being a “fisher of men” (meaning everyone).
That was about to change. Jesus used this appropriate metaphor to describe the future ministry of evangelism he foresaw for him.
Peter (and the other disciples) would share life and ministry with Jesus for three years. During that time, he would have “mountain-top experiences” (some literal) when they witnessed supernatural miracles, healings and teaching. On one occasion, Peter was part of the miracle when he walked on water (briefly).
However, being human (and rather impetuous) Peter would also have his “valley experiences”.
He needed to be corrected more than once for his rash statements. His worst failure (you may recall) is when he vehemently denied knowing Jesus during those tense, frightening hours between the arrest and crucifixion of his Master. His lowest point of guilt and shame is described thus – “And he went outside and wept bitterly.” (Matthew 26:75)
Not much of an evangelist or “fisher of men”, eh? Ah, but Jesus wasn’t finished with Peter yet.
A shepherd of men
Jesus’ prophetic word about Peter being an evangelist occurred at the beginning of his training.
Now, Jesus will complete his commission to Peter at the end of his training. After his execution, Jesus comes back to life again and begins appearing to his disciples. Peter is always present but Jesus doesn’t say anything directly to him.
One day, Peter (and six other disciples) decide to go fishing on the Sea of Galilee. This is the same lake where Jesus had first called Peter to follow him and had called him a future “fisher of men”. Someone calls out to them from the shore inquiring about their catch (which had been dismal). He then instructs them to try the other side of the boat (which they do) and haul in a huge catch. Peter remembers a similar unexpected catch three years earlier and the “lights” go on. He shouts, “It is the Lord!” and (still impetuous) jumps into the water and swims to shore (you gotta love this guy).
After their breakfast of fish, it’s time for Jesus’ special one-on-one with Peter. They are sitting around a charcoal fire. Peter painfully remembers the charcoal fire a few days before where he denied Jesus. Jesus asks him three times if he loves him. Peter remembers with anguish the three times he swore he didn’t know Jesus.
After each of Peter’s replies, Jesus affirms his disciple with three similar commands, “Feed my lambs”, “Take care of my sheep”, and “Feed my sheep”. Jesus has changed the metaphor from fishing to farming. Feeding and caring for sheep (young and old) is the role of a shepherd. Jesus is now calling Peter to be a “shepherd of men”, a caring pastor, a discipling teacher, and a leader of the new movement he’s about to launch. Peter now knows he’s not only forgiven, but also recommissioned to ministry.
So, did Peter actually fulfil his Christ-given destiny of becoming a “fisher and shepherd” of men? Read the New Testament book of Acts (chapters one to eight) and you decide.
Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor.
