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A New Name

As John 1 comes to a close, we see Jesus gathering His first disciples. The first being Andrew, a guy we talked about yesterday who also brought his brother Simon to Jesus. In verse 42, Jesus takes one look at Simon and changes his name. 

Jesus calls Simon, “Cephas,” which is Aramaic for stone or rock. Translated into Greek, Cephas is Peter. 

What was so special about Peter that makes Jesus rename him? 

In Luke 5:10, we get a glimpse of Peter’s occupation as a fisherman. Based on 1 Corinthians 9:5, he was also a family man. 

Acts 4:13 lists Peter as one of the guys who were unschooled and ordinary but astonished people with miracles. The only thing people saw that set Peter and John apart was that they had been with Jesus. 

Ordinary is definitely a way to describe Peter, but Jesus saw something far from ordinary in him—even after Peter made mistakes. In John 18:10, Peter’s anger gets the better of him and he cuts off a servant’s ear. In Mathew 26:70-74, he denies knowing Jesus three times. On the outside, Peter seems to be the kind of guy who goes to extremes—one minute he’s loyal, and the next he’s overcome with anger and guilt. 

However, Jesus sees way beyond all that. He sees a strong, steady, and faithful man He can trust to lead His Church. Jesus calls that out in him by naming him the rock on which the Church will be built (Matthew 16:18-19). Fast-forward to Acts 2:14, where we see Peter preach one message that leads 3,000 new people to come to Christ.

Jesus often sees something in us that we can’t see in ourselves. You may see your past, your family and friends may see your present, but God sees what He’s designed you for—who you were meant to be. 

Consider: 

Have you ever wondered what God sees in you? 

If Jesus were to give you a new name, what might it be? 

Prayer: 

Gracious God, thank You for who You are. Thank You for seeing something in me that I can’t always see in myself. Help me define myself by who You say I am, not by who I think I am or who others say I am. 

*Learn more about who God says you are by learning who Jesus is. Keep up your Jesus Is … journal today and reflect on what you’ve learned so far.