Hello everyone. 🙂 Today I will be sharing an edited version of a chapter I compiled a few years ago regarding the conversion story of the disciple/apostle Peter followedby some closing thoughts that I am just writing now.
Peter is the disciple whom we learned denied Jesus, even after boldly proclaiming that he would never do such a thing. Jesus was so merciful, forgiving, kind and patient in His relations with Peter, and Peter eventually became a converted, changed man.
I hope that the thoughts below will inspire all of us that good change is possible and that Jesus is the One who can help us to change if we will only surrender to and cooperate with Him as He helps us.
“Peter’s Conversion Story: From Un-converted to Converted ( an edited version of a chapter from a compilation I made)
“Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?” John 13:6 (KJV)
Note: This text is here to establish the fact that “Simon” is the same person as “Peter”.
“31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Luke 22:31-32 (KJV)
“31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
32 But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.
33 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.
34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
35 Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.” Matthew 26:31-35 (KJV)
“55 In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.
56 But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.” Matthew 26: 55-56 (KJV)
56 But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.
57 And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.
58 And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.
59 And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.
60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.
61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
62 And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.” Luke 22:56-62 (KJV)
Note: From these texts, we can see that Peter once had an attitude of self-confidence and pride. He thought that he would never be offended on account of Jesus during his Savior’s dark hour. He also thought that he would never deny his Lord; However he did become offended and he did deny his Lord.
“15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” John 21:15-17 (KJV)
I strongly recommend that you all read this chapter as well. This chapter really help us to understand Peter’s conversion story better.
Note: We can now see that after Peter’s conversion, he was no longer self confident; he was humble. Through Jesus’ tests, all of the disciples were able to discern that a beautiful change had come over Peter.“
I, like Peter, desire to have God change my life. He has already done much to change me and I plan to share my personal testimony on this blog next week. Even so, there is much more that needs to be done in my character. I am certainly God’s work in progress and I will definitely be learning and growing forever. The sentiment that I expressed on the home page of this website is still my sentiment today:
“I am on a journey with Jesus. The longer I walk with Him, the more amazing I find Him to be. It is a beautiful thought that He really can make my character like His; He sees me, not as I am, but as I can be. He is there to help me to improve in every area of my life so that I can become like Him. How glorious!”
I hope that all of you will join me on this journey of beautiful transformation. God wants to make each and every one of us into the wonderful people that He knows we can become. It is so wonderful to be loved by a Person who knows who you can be and who can help you to become that way. It is so wonderful to be loved by a Person who is SO forgiving. My prayer is that God will help all of us to look at others through the lens of who they can become and not merely through the lens of who each one currently is. My prayer is also that God will help each and every one of us to become as forgiving as He is. The more mature we become in our walks with Jesus, the more forgiving we will become. After all, if God hadn’t forgiven us, we would have had no opportunity to have eternal life: no opportunity at all. It becomes easier to forgive other people as we realize more and more fully how much we have been forgiven by God.
Dear Jesus,
I am so thankful for the forgiveness that you extend to everyone who confesses his or her sins and forsakes them. You did say in Your word that those who confess and forsake their sins will find mercy (Proverbs 28:13).
Please help us to see others for what they can become and not simply for who each one currently is. Please help us to understand how MUCH you have forgiven us and to put away any harbored bitterness and unforgiveness that we may be cherishing in our hearts towards someone or some people. Please help us to experience Your ways of thinking about and responding to other people on a daily basis.
Thank you so much for being a God who answers prayers that are according to Your will-which this prayer is (1 John 5:14-15 )Thank you Jesus.
In Jesus’ Name Amen
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