Simon Peter
”Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” —Matthew 16:16
Read Matthew 16:13-20
Perhaps you know some people who have been given nicknames. While they pop up after certain incidents or events, nicknames are not always positive and are sometimes downright cruel. In that case it is better not to use them. Simon also had a nickname – Petra, which means “rock.” This name was positive, but often interpreted incorrectly. On the grounds of this text, the Roman Catholic Church teaches that Peter was appointed as the successor of Christ. Various Catholic Councils also made this pronouncement, claiming that God’s Church would be built upon Peter and he was given the power to assign mankind to heaven or hell (v. 19). According to the Church of Rome, Peter had merited this privilege by his exemplary life!
But when we examine Peter’s life, he does not come across so favourably. Early in Peter’s life as a disciple, He often sought to put himself first. He was not a very modest, sober man and therefore made rash and foolish decisions, even denying the Lord Jesus. As far as his life is concerned, he could not earn an impressive name or an honourable position. And yet, Peter’s nickname was honourable. Although many of his words and actions were often wrong, they were done in love for his Master. The reason Peter received his nickname was on ac-count of his confession: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
What do we learn from Peter’s confession?
This devotional was taken from “The Time of Your Life” a daily devotional published by the Youth & Education Committee of the FRC. To order a printed copy of this book, contact: bookorders@frcna.org.