Preparation for Elevation part 8

“This ROCK” 

              Today I want to dive into the elevation story of Peter who was one of Jesus’s key disciples that ultimately helped start the early church. Peter needed to go through some trials and tribulations before he could walk in his true calling after Jesus goes back to His father. If I could put it in modern terms, Jesus was like the Supervisor and Peter was the Team Lead which means that Jesus trusted Peter with certain responsibilities. 

              Jesus and Peter had many encounters. These encounters include when Jesus called Peter who was formerly known as “Simon” as one of the very 1st disciples (Luke 5:10-11). Peter walks on water to meet Jesus during the storm (Matthew 14:29-31). Peter requested Jesus to not only wash his feet, but his hands and head also (John 13:9). Jesus criticize Peter and the other disciples for sleeping during prayer (Matthew 29:40-41). Peter defends Jesus at the Garden of Gethsemane (John 18:10-11). Peter denied Jesus 3 times (John 18:16-26). Jesus restores Peter after resurrection (John 21:15-17). 

              A pivotal moment between Jesus and Peter was when Peter publicly proclaimed that Jesus was the Messiah and not one of the old prophets from the Old Testament. This increased the trust He had with Peter and publicly announced that He would build His church on “This Rock”, in other words Peter’s Rock (Matthew 16:13-21). This symbolism is later fulfilled when Peter started the early church and ministry located in Acts chapter 2. Peter was there at the Day of Pentecost where a diverse audience received the Holy Spirit and spoke in other languages. He led a sermon to help everyone understand what was happening, the importance of Jesus' life and death and resurrection, and to turn from their wicked ways and be baptized! Peter did many things that led other non-believers to believe and be baptized and born again. But this couldn’t have happened if Peter didn’t face many personal encounters with Jesus. His encounters with Jesus prepared him for his “ELEVATION”.

How do you value the encounters you’ve had with Jesus? How did those encounters shape your daily walk? Can you be trusted for Jesus to build His church on your “ROCK”?