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From Flaws to Future: The Transformative Journey of Simon Peter
When you look in the mirror, what do you see first? Your flaws or your future? Most of us immediately notice our imperfections. This was true for Simon Bar Jonah, who would eventually become Peter, one of Jesus' most influential disciples.
Simon's journey from seeing only his flaws to embracing his future offers profound insights for our own spiritual transformation. Let's explore how a fisherman with many shortcomings became the rock upon which Jesus would build His church.
How Does Life Change Begin?
Life change begins with an invitation to meet Jesus. If you want your character, heart, or perspective transformed, it starts by encountering Christ.
Simon's story begins not with him, but with his brother Andrew. In John 1:35-37, Andrew was following John the Baptist when John pointed to Jesus saying, "Look, the Lamb of God." Andrew and another disciple immediately began following Jesus.
When Jesus noticed them, He asked a profound question: "What do you want?" They simply asked where He was staying, and Jesus responded with the first invitation He typically offers anyone: "Come and you will see."
What Is Jesus' First Invitation to Us?
Contrary to what many believe, Jesus' first invitation isn't "come and surrender everything." It's simply "come and see." Jesus doesn't demand immediate sacrifice; He first invites us to experience who He is for ourselves.
This is important, especially if you're new to faith. Jesus knows what you've heard about Him—from professors, media, social platforms, and skeptics. His invitation is: "Don't take their word for it. Come and see for yourself."
How Does One Person's Encounter With Jesus Affect Others?
After spending time with Jesus, Andrew immediately found his brother Simon. "We have found the Messiah," he declared, and brought Simon to Jesus (John 1:41-42).
Andrew wasn't satisfied with meeting Jesus himself—he wanted his brother to experience Jesus too. This is the natural response to encountering Christ: inviting others to "come and see."
What Happens When Jesus Sees Us?
When Simon approached Jesus, something remarkable happened. Before Simon could introduce himself, Jesus said, "You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas (which means Peter)."
Simon came to see Jesus, but Jesus was the one who truly saw Simon. Jesus saw not only who Simon was at that moment but who he would become. The name "Peter" (meaning "rock") was invented by Jesus for Simon—a name that represented stability, strength, and steadfastness.
This must have seemed strange to Simon, who likely saw himself as impulsive, brash, and flawed. Simon was known for rushing in where angels feared to tread—always the first to speak or act, and often wrong. Yet Jesus saw beyond these flaws to the rock this man would become.
What Happens When We Stay Close to Jesus?
Simon remained in proximity to Jesus while continuing his fishing career. In Luke 5:1-11, we see how this proximity revealed both who Simon was and who Jesus is.
While Simon was washing his nets after an unsuccessful night of fishing, Jesus got into Simon's boat and asked him to push out from shore so He could teach the crowds. After finishing His teaching, Jesus told Simon to go into deeper water and let down his nets.
Simon's response reveals both pride and obedience: "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."
The result? They caught so many fish that their nets began to break and both boats began to sink with the weight of the catch.
How Does Proximity to Jesus Change Our Self-Perception?
Simon's reaction to this miracle is telling. Instead of celebrating, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!"
Proximity to Jesus revealed both who Jesus was (someone with divine power) and who Simon was (a sinful, flawed human). When we get close to Jesus, our flaws become more apparent, not less.
Our natural response, like Simon's, is often to push Jesus away because we feel unworthy. It's easier for Jesus not to be in our "boat" than for us to be confronted with our flaws.
But Jesus doesn't reject Simon. Instead, He says, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people." And Simon's response? He "left everything and followed him"—including the greatest catch of his career.
Is Following Jesus About Perfection or Progression?
Following Jesus isn't about perfection—it's about progression. Jesus sees not just who we are today but who we can become. He's willing to go on the journey if we are.
Simon was willing, and he left everything behind to follow Jesus. Though he was a jagged, unformed rock at the beginning, his journey with Jesus would gradually shape him into Peter, the rock.
Like a rough stone being kicked and tumbled until it becomes smooth and spherical, Simon would go through difficulties and failures that would ultimately shape him into the leader Jesus saw from the beginning.
Where Are You in Your Journey with Jesus?
Simon's journey can be summarized in three phrases:
"Come and see" (the invitation to experience Jesus)
"Follow me" (the call to discipleship)
"You shall be" (the promise of transformation)
Where are you in this journey today? Perhaps you're just stepping in for the first time, feeling uncomfortable as Jesus "gets in your boat" and sees who you truly are.
If you accept Jesus' invitation to follow Him, you'll become something you couldn't see in yourself, but Jesus could. When you look in the mirror, you might see:
Invisible → Chosen
Empty → Enough
Unwanted → Loved
Worthless → Worthy
Ashamed → Forgiven
Stuck → Free
Failure → Victorious
Jesus sees your flaws and failures, yet still says, "Follow me." His invitation to Simon is also His invitation to you.
Life Application
This week, take time to consider where you are in your journey with Jesus. Are you at the "come and see" stage, just exploring who Jesus is? Are you hearing the call to "follow me" and considering what that might cost? Or are you in the process of becoming who Jesus sees you can be?
Ask yourself these questions:
When I look in the mirror, what names do I call myself? What names does Jesus want to call me?
What is keeping me from accepting Jesus' invitation to "come and see" or "follow me"?
What would it look like for me to leave my "nets" behind and follow Jesus more fully this week?
Who in my life needs an invitation to "come and see" Jesus? How can I extend that invitation this week?
Remember, Jesus doesn't just see your flaws—He sees your future. And He's inviting you to journey with Him from who you are to who you shall be.
