Simon/Peter

Did your mom use a different name for you when she was annoyed? You know what I mean. “Betty Jane Smith, clean this room right this minute!”

It seems that Jesus did the same to Peter.

Everybody called Simon by his name, until Jesus changed it for him.

Walking along the beach of Lake Galilee, Jesus saw two brothers: Simon (later called Peter) and Andrew. (Matthew 4:18-20, MSG.)

We see the same thing again in more detail in (John 1:40-42, MSG)

Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John’s witness and followed Jesus. The first thing he did after finding where Jesus lived was find his own brother, Simon, telling him, “We’ve found the Messiah” (that is, “Christ”). He immediately led him to Jesus. Jesus took one look upand said, “You’re John’s son, Simon? From now on your name is Cephas” (or Peter, which means “Rock”).

Matthew 10:2-4 lists all the disciples. Note that while the others are described by relationship or profession, Simon is the only one with a new name.

Simon (they called him Peter, or “Rock”), Andrew, his brother, James, Zebedee’s son, John, his brother, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, the tax man, James, son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon, the Canaanite, Judas Iscariot, who later turned on him. (Matthew 10:2-4, MSG)

Is it possible that Peter needed to see himself as Peter and act accordingly?

Prayer- Lord, we hope you never have to use our whole name to get our attention. Open our ears, minds and hearts (and our feet!) to your instruction. Amen.