Saturday May 27, 2023

[Jesus] spent the whole night praying. When day broke, he called his disciples, and he chose twelve, to whom he gave the name of apostles. Luke 6. 12, 13

Here are the names of the twelve apostles. The first, Simon called Peter. Matthew 10.2

The apostle Peter : the first named (1)

Peter, originally called Simon, was from Bethsaida, on the shores of Lake Tiberias. He had a fishing business, with James and John (Luke 5.10). It was his brother Andrew who led him to Jesus after finding the Messiah (John 1:40). When Jesus looked at Simon, he gave him a new name: Cephas (or Peter). Peter became a disciple of Jesus, he left everything to follow him.

Later, Jesus gathers his already numerous disciples. He chooses twelve to be with him, and calls them apostles. Peter is almost always named the first of the twelve ; he is often the group's spokesperson. It is he who recognizes Jesus as "the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16). He says again : "We have believed and we have known that you are the Christ, the Holy One of God" (John 6.69).

Pierre is often fiery and fearless. Thus, he leaves the boat to walk on the water towards Jesus ; but, as soon as he no longer fixes his eyes on the Lord, he begins to sink. Then Jesus seized him by the hand saying : "You of little faith, why did you doubt ?" (Matthew 14. 28-31).

Before the arrest of the Lord, Peter affirms loud and clear that he will never abandon him (Matthew 26. 33). However, shortly after, he affirms three times that he does not know him. But after his resurrection, Jesus will meet his disciple and make known to him his grace and forgiveness. Peter will be able to say to him : "Lord, you know all things, you know that I love you" (John 21. 17).

(Each week we will feature one of the apostles ; continued tomorrow)

Source (The Good Seed)