Peter

John 1:35-42; 6:22-71; 13:1-38; 21; Mark 1:16-39; Luke 5:1-11; 22:39-62; 24 Matthew 14:22-33; 16:13-28; 17:1-13; 18:21-35; 19:23-30; 21:18-22; 24-27; Acts 1-5; 10-12; 15; 1 Peter 1-5; 2 Peter 1-3

Jesus' first words to Simon Peter were "Come, follow me" (Mark 1:17). His last words to him were "You must follow me" (John 21:22). Every step of the way between those two challenges, Peter never failed to follow -- even though he often stumbled.

When Jesus entered Peter's life, this plain fisherman became a new person with new goals and new priorities. He did not become a perfect person, however, and he never stopped being Simon Peter. We may wonder what Jesus saw in Simon that made him greet this potential disciple with a new name, Peter -- the "rock." Impulsive Peter certainly didn't act like a rock much of the time. But when Jesus chose his followers, he wasn't looking for models; he was looking for real people. He chose people who could be changed by his love, and then he sent them out to communicate that his acceptance was available to anyone -- even to those who often fail.

We may wonder what Jesus sees in us when he calls us to follow him. But we know Jesus accepted Peter, and, in spite of his failures, Peter went on to do great things for God. Are we willing to keep following Jesus, even when we fail?