Thoughts that Might Rock Your World
Simon is a Hebrew name meaning “listener.” There were several disciples of Jesus named Simon. Perhaps to differentiate between the two, Jesus gives Simon, the brother of Andrew, a new name. This name was Peter or Cephas. Peter is the Greek designation and Cephas is the Aramaic designation. Both names are translated: “Rock.” To best understand the gist or essence of this name, we need to specify that Peter/Cephas means “shard or piece of a rock.” The designation “Peter” speaks of being a part of a larger rock. It is like the saying, “A chip off the old block.” The imagery implied in this name is important. In the Old Testament, God is often referred to as our "Rock" and our refuge. God is the granite mountain that provides foundation and substance in our lives. Simon is described as a small rock that takes its value and purpose from the mountain that is its origin.
There are those who want to say that when Jesus changed Simon’s name to Peter, Jesus was building the church on Peter. Nothing could be further from the truth. Again, the etymology will not support that meaning, and application of the word says otherwise. Jesus constantly speaks about how the disciples were to follow Him. Jesus is our leader, our foundation, our master and savior. Peter was a faithful follower of Jesus. To use another metaphor, when Peter (the little cheese) got in trouble, it was because he thought he was the “Big Cheese.” A faithful and careful observation of Peter’s life bears this truth out. On the heels of Jesus giving Simon his new name, Jesus spends some time telling his disciples what the coming days were going to bring. Jesus spoke of His impending death. When Simon, newly named Peter, heard Jesus speak of the necessity of dying, he corrected Jesus. Do not miss what is happening in Matthew 16. Peter was attempting to modify Jesus’ plan of action. The student was lecturing the teacher. In response to Peter’s misunderstanding, Jesus called him out and told him to backoff! This “be quiet and listen” correction was exactly what Peter needed. The “piece of the rock” needed to listen to the “Mountain of Rock.”
This was a lesson that Peter would have to learn many times. When Peter attempted to walk on water, he sank like a rock. (Pun intended by the way!) Remember when Jesus warned His followers that He would be betrayed? What was Peter’s reply? Peter boasted that even if all the other disciples failed, he would not. The Gospel record tells us that Peter's promise of faithfulness crashed and burned next to an early morning fire while Jesus was on trial a short distance away. When Jesus asked a few of the disciples (Peter included) to stay up and pray with Him in the Garden, Peter fell asleep. My intent is not to knock or ridicule Peter; I am pointing out Peter’s vulnerability. The small rock (Peter) was nothing without the Big Rock (Jesus). This lesson was one of the greatest lessons that Simon Peter would learn in his life.
Learning to rely on God is of utmost importance for all of us. We tend to forget who we are. We can think we are of no value, but that is wrong. We are loved and cherished by the King of Creation. We can also think we are the “Big Deal” and again, we would be wrong. We are servants of the King. We live in a fallen, sinful world. We don’t always like to admit it, but we need help. We are in the midst of a cosmic, spiritual war that rages for the souls of humanity. It is to this issue that Peter speaks in 1 Peter. Peter writes to fellow Christians and reminds them that they are born again to a living hope (1 Peter 1:3ff). Peter encourages the church to remember that they are protected by God’s power. Peter reminds his brothers and sisters in Christ that despite the hardship and persecution they face at the hands of a hostile world, God is up to the task of protecting them.
Simon “the Rock” reminds the early Christians that Jesus is the “Living Stone” (1 Peter 2:4). Peter continues this metaphor and teaches that each Christian is a “living stone,” and each “living stone” is being built into a “spiritual house” that glorifies God. As we enter into this new year, we might not know what this world will throw at us, but we can know what God is doing with each of us. Jesus calls us to walk with Him, and we have a decision to make. Will we trust in ourselves (and this world) or will we trust in God? If we make God our refuge, if we rely on Jesus as our rock and foundation, we will find real strength, hope and salvation. Trust in the Rock (Jesus) and keep looking up!