•7:47 PM
THE COMPLEXITY OF PETER
John 1:40-42
Matthew 14:27-31
Matthew 26:69-75
John 21:5-7
LESSON FOCUS
Today we are going to look at all aspects of Peter’s personality as reference through the scriptures, his strong points, his weaknesses/failures and in the end how he managed to overcome and pick up a lead role.
KEY WORD(S) DEFINED
SUBSTANCE - material: a kind of matter or material
tangible physical matter: physical reality that can be touched and felt
practical value: real or practical value or importance
material wealth: wealth in the form of money and possessions
gist of meaning: the actual or essential meaning of something said or written
PHILOSOPHY essence: the unchanging essence of something
PHILOSOPHY something specific: something that is individual and caused
INTRODUCTION
The lesson commentary made the statement that Christians are fascinated with Peter, his childlike faith and we marvel at his childlike failures. Peter went from being viewed as an unlearned common man to an individual that had a key role in the establishment of the New Testament church.
LESSON DISCUSSION
SEEKING OTHERS (John 1:40-42)
Discussion points:
Andrew was initially a follower of John, but after conversing with Jesus was so excited, he sought his brother Simon (Peter) and brought him to Jesus. The commentary points out “To find Christ is to share Him.”
Please note the following scriptures: Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:14-16; Luke 24:44-48
Facts about Peter prior to being called to be a disciple for Christ
He was a married man - Mark 1:30; I Corinthians 9:5
He was not educated - Acts 4:13
He was a fisherman - Matthew 4:18
Thought of himself to be unworthy, a sinful man to be in the presence of Jesus - Luke 5:8
SEEKING HIS SAVIOR (Matthew 14:27-31)
Discussion points:
His faith allowed him to walk on water, but his lack of substance allowed him to begin sinking.
Other examples of Peter seeking his Savior
The healing of his Mother-in-law - Matthew 8:14-15
Being overly protective caused him to be rebuked by Jesus - Matthew 16:21-23
Tried to speak out on Jesus behalf during the Transfiguration - Matthew 17:1-8
Sought guidance - Matthew 18:21-22
Ran to the tomb of Christ - John 20:1-8
SEEKING HIS COURAGE (Matthew 26:69-75)
Discussion points:
To gain sincere humility/courage, Peter had to fall flat on his face with internal disappointment.
A contrast of Peter’s life before and after Pentecost
Once a coward, but now courageous - Acts 2:14
Impulsive, now humble - John 18:10
Lacked understanding, now enlightened - Matthew 16:21-22; John 21:1-14
Boastful of self, now boastful of Christ - Matthew 26:33-34
SEEKING HIS RESTORATION (John 21:5-7)
Discussion points:
After hitting rock bottom and realizing his short comings, Peter was ready to make amends with Christ.
Another point to consider
Peter was the only disciple referenced in the scripture that was personally restored by Christ - John 21:15-19
