Apostle Peter’s Encounter with The Lord

The Apostle Peter authored the book of 1^st Peter and 2^nd Peter. He was amongst the first group of disciples who followed Jesus. When He first encountered Jesus, this is what the Bible has to tell us in John 1:41-42 (NIV).

Andrew went to find his brother, Simon, and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means “Christ”). Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, “Your name is Simon, son of John—but you will be called Cephas” (which means “Peter”).

From this point on, he was called Peter. Other translations will still refer to him as Simon Peter, however, Jesus said he will be called “Peter”. This is Peter’s encounter with the Lord gradually unfolding. Amen. In the context of appreciating the relational attribute of the Lord, we see that one attribute that stands out between Peter and the Lord is that of confidence. Peter grew to a place where he was so confident in the Lord. This confidence began manifesting itself right after his encounter with Jesus as “Messiah” (Christ). Peter began by effortlessly accepting a name change and secondly, he left behind everything he had worked to follow Jesus. Amen.

When we genuinely encounter Jesus as the Messiah (Christ), we experience transformation and a name change. Remember this was the case with Saul who was later called Paul after his encounter with the Lord. The significance of the name change is beyond a physical change but a spiritual change. It is noteworthy that the genuine encounter always precedes the name change and this name change which might not always be physical, have a tendency of changing our destiny. It has the potential of causing us to effortlessly leave behind the things we once held so dearly to for the sake of the kingdom.

Another situation that reveals the confidence Peter had in the Lord is recorded in Matthew 14:22-33 where Peter walked on water. Verse 28 is the verse of interest here. Peter said, “Lord if it is you, tell me to come on the water”. We see another situation where confidence was being emphasized. Peter was willing to walk on water for as long as it was the Lord. That is why when his focus shifted from the Lord to the wind, he began sinking. I believe that if Peter maintained His attention on the Lord, he should have continually walked on water until he met the Lord.

So, when it comes to the relational attribute of our Lord, one more thing we learn about Him is that He is reliable; He is trustworthy; He is someone you can put your confidence in.

Apostle John’s Encounter with the Lord

When you read the books of the bible written by the apostles of Jesus, you realize that John was the only one who referred to himself in his writings as “the one whom Jesus loved” or “the disciple whom Jesus loved”. Have you noticed that? It was not the case with Matthew, Mark and Luke.

So, there must have been something or an experience that the Apostle John had with the Lord which made their relationship so unique. Amen.  The Apostle John seemed to have had an in-depth understanding of the love of God. The Apostle John authored the book of John, 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd John and the book of Revelation. A common theme that runs through most of his books was the subject of love. The Lord’s love for him stood out so much that he could not help but refer to himself as the “the disciple whom Jesus loved” and also talk about the love of God as he taught the body of Christ. Amen.

I will read to you a portion of the scripture which talks about the last supper. This is John reporting the event and He says this in John 13:23 (NKJV)

Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved.

We see here that John understood the Lord’s love for him such that he did not only talk about it but he demonstrated his confidence in the Lord’s love by leaning on His bossom, knowing that he will not be rejected. Amen.

 This is just one example yet very powerful. Love was a relational attribute that stood out in the relationship between the Lord and John. I will ask you this question again “which relational attribute of the Lord are you practically experiencing?