THE DISCIPLES:
PETER, A MAN UNDER UNCONSTRUCTION
Part Two
October 4, 2026
Scripture: II Peter 3:18
One day Billy and Ruth Graham were driving through a long stretch of road construction. They had many slowdowns, detours, and stops along the way. Finally, they reached the end of all that difficulty, and smooth pavement stretched out before them. This sign caught Ruth’s attention: "End of construction. Thanks for your patience.” She commented that those words would be a fitting inscription on her tombstone someday.
In fact, those words fit all of us as believers, because in this life we are "under construction." When we accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, we begin the lifelong process of spiritual growth. The Holy Spirit works in us to remove our selfishness, to renew our thinking, and to develop qualities in us that are more like Jesus.
Two weeks ago, we noted that the disciple Peter was a man under construction. He had many strengths such as being a natural leader, charismatic, influential, confident, passionate, energetic, decisive, and optimistic. Yet, Peter also had weaknesses such as being strong-willed, impulsive, impatient, prideful, unschooled and emotionally challenged. He often had his foot in his mouth. Even though he had many weaknesses, Jesus saw something extraordinary in him. He saw a man who could make a dramatic difference if only he would be willing to learn and grow! Peter did learn and grow!
His life is full of valuable lessons on faith, growth, and God’s transformative power. We noted three reasons why Peter became the man that God wanted him to be. 1. Peter became the man that God wanted him to be because Jesus called him and Peter responded in faith as he followed Jesus.
2. Peter became the man God wanted him to be because Jesus gave him a new identity.
3. Peter became the man of God wanted him to be because he spent time with Jesus! Peter was constantly asking questions to Jesus. He was not afraid to interact with Jesus, and He wanted to be around Jesus. Today, I want to note several more reasons why Peter became the God wanted him to be.
Here is a fourth principle. Peter became the man that God wanted him to be because Jesus taught and corrected him.
In Matthew chapter 17, Jesus instructs Peter to pay the temple tax, using a miraculous coin found in a fish’s mouth to cover the cost for both. Peter learned an important lesson as he writes in I Peter 2:13-17, Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
Jesus learned the importance of submission. Now please note there are times when we have higher authority than government. Peter and other apostles were given strict orders not to teach in Jesus’ name. They did and were arrested. In Acts 5:29-32, we read, Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
Jesus also was repeatedly correcting or rebuking Peter. For instance, Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14:22-33).
After Jesus explained to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer at the hands of the religious leaders and be killed, Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!" 23Jesus then turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men" (Matthew 16:22, 23).
When Jesus wanted to wash the disciples’ feet, Peter responded, Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” After Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, he said Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. What was the example Jesus set? Jesus says it clearly in John 13:34, 35, A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”
Jesus had given them a great lesson on love and Peter understood this lesson after the resurrection and recommissioning. In 1 Peter chapter 4:8, Peter repeats this lesson as he writes in I Peter 4:8, Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
When Jesus was in the garden, he found the disciples sleeping. He said to Peter, “Are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour?” For instance, Mark 14:37, 38 When Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane, he went to his disciples and found them sleeping. So, he approached Peter and challenged him saying, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
When Peter drew his sword and cut off the high priest’s servant right, 11Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"
Peter’s tendency was to act first and think later, leading Jesus to correct and rebuke him.
Even the Apostle Paul had to correct Peter (Galatians 2:11-14). Later, Peter would speak highly of Paul (II Peter 3:14, 15).
There are times when we need correction. Our attitude, our perspective is not right. Our thought process is not proper. Our faith is not where it should be or our behavior is unloving or immoral. As a result, there are times we need to be brought to attention by being corrected.
Sometimes you are chastised as you read or hear God’s word. As Timothy states, For God’s word is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (II Timothy 3:16, 17). Today, I am afraid too many professing believers simply do not want to apply God’s word or listen to correction.
I hope we all learn to take corrections. Proverbs 12:1 states, Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid. Proverbs 15:31, 32 notes, Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise. Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.
Now, if you are going to correct others, do it in love. Speak the truth in love! I have found the best way, at least initially, is to ask a question.
5. Peter became the man that God wanted him to be because God allowed trials, even a sifting experience.
Jesus warned Peter that he would go through a testing period. Jesus said, in Luke 22:31, 32 Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.
Jesus apparently believed that this process was necessary for Peter. Jesus called it a sifting like wheat.
Peter went on to deny Jesus three times. As a result, Peter, "the Rock," sat alone in a dark corner weeping. This strong, self-reliant man was now completely undone. This moment of weakness left him heartbroken, teaching him a hard lesson about the cost of following Christ.
Many great men and women of God can point to a time of breaking in his or her life where a time of conflict, a time of pressure, or a time of decision transformed them from an ordinary piece of coal into a precious diamond, which is useful in the master’s hand. For example, Moses fled Egypt after killing an Egyptian, spending 40 years in the wilderness. David experienced profound brokenness after his sin with Bathsheba and the death of their child. Joseph was betrayed, sold into slavery, and endured years of hardship. Yet he recognized God’s hand in his trials, saying, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20)
A great leader first needs to have a great failure/suffering. A great leader needs to learn humility. Strip away self-reliance, forcing dependence on God. Peter learned this. He realized that he was a sinner big time, but he grew in understanding of the Lord’s grace and the importance of listening and depending on Jesus. This great failure was a steppingstone to immense success. He recognized that he didn’t have it all packed in.
Peter learned as he writes in I Peter 5:5b, 6, All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
As I look back, I was spiritually prideful, particularly in my 20’s. I felt the Lord working in my life. My father-in-law even told me, “You think you have it all packed in.” I would think, “Ya.” Then in 1983, when I was 25 years old, I was broken. My sister went through a second divorce. I had a major identity crisis as a professional counselor told me not to go into the ministry! I admit I was not happy with that counselor at that time. Today, I think it was one of the best things that could have happened to me. But that was not all that happened in 1983. Then my father-in-law, Kathy’s grandmother and my dad all passed away within 7 weeks. For the first time, I really experienced depression. My temperament type does not manage emotions well. I was an emotional mess.
Tests and trials have a way to mold us as we respond to them in faith. Yet, how we respond to the test or trial is critical. I often say trials will make us either bitter or better. One verse that I held onto during that emotional mess was I Peter 5:10, 11, And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
6. Peter became the man that God wanted him to be because he was an eyewitness to Jesus’ resurrection and experienced the restoration of serving Jesus!
Jesus took personal interest in Peter’s restoration after his denial. Scripture notes that the resurrected Jesus appeared to Peter (Luke 24:34, I Corinthians 15:5). He appeared to his disciples. In Luke 24:44-47, he appeared to his disciples. Jesus told them what has happened to him was to fulfill was written in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms. Their minds were opened and they came to understand the Scriptures that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead.
Peter learned the significance of Jesus suffering and resurrection and shared it with others. For instance, in Acts 2, Peter uses several Old Testament passages that gave evidence to Jesus’ suffering and resurrection. Then he says, Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah (Acts 2:36). Also note Acts 3:17–18; I Peter 1:3-12; II Peter 1:12-21).
Later, Jesus appeared to Peter and the other disciples as noted in John 21. Peter and some of the disciples went fishing. Jesus virtually repeated the miracle of Luke 5 by telling them to let down their nets and Peter then acknowledged his sin and left his career to follow Jesus. In John 21, when he heard to let down your nets on the other side, Peter knew it was the Lord.
After breakfast, in John 21, Jesus questioned Peter concerning his love for Him. When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.
Here are my thoughts. Jesus confronted him with the lack of love that was demonstrated by his disobedience Jesus extended forgiveness and restoration to him. This moment highlights God’s grace and mercy, showing that no failure is too great to be redeemed. Apostle Peter’s story reassures us that, even when we fall, God offers forgiveness and the chance to start anew.
Here is another thought. Leaders tend to be task-oriented rather than people-oriented. They can just plow people under. Peter needed to learn that if he loved Jesus, then he needed to focus on people. He needed to feed them and help them to come to know Christ and grow in Christ.
Peter learned this and would later write in I Peter 5:1-4, To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
Then in John 21:18-19, Jesus told Peter that he would have to go through suffering and experience an unpleasant death. Then he told Peter, “Follow me.”
Peter then asked Jesus, what about John. Jesus said, If I want hm to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me! (John 21:20-22).
During the years Peter followed Jesus, he resisted suffering and rebuked Jesus for speaking about His own suffering. Peter did not yet have a biblical perspective on suffering. He did not yet understand the sovereignty of God in suffering.
However, Peter learned and in his first epistle teaches about suffering. In fact, Peter mentions the idea of suffering 19 times in I Peter. For instance, I Peter 4:12-14 states, Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
Peter had to learn a proper perspective of suffering and have courage to trust the Lord!
According to the Jewish Historian Eusebius, who cites Clement, before Peter was crucified in Rome. He was forced to watch the crucifixion of his own wife. As he watched her being led to her death, Clement says, Peter called to her by name saying, “Remember the Lord.” When it was Peter’s turn to die, he pleaded to be crucified upside down because he wasn’t worthy to die as his Lord had died.
Peter changed, from a man who sought Jesus for power, prestige, and prosperity to a man who counted rejection, suffering, and death for Christ’s sake a great privilege and a blessing.
Lastly Peter became the man that God wanted him to be because Peter experienced the power of God’s Holy Spirit! He was filled with the Spirit and continued to reveal truth to him to empower him for ministry!
On the day of Pentecost, the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Peter stood up and preached the gospel and 3000 people received Jesus Christ. He boldly addressed the crowds, explaining the significance of the Holy Spirit’s arrival. In Acts 2:14-41, his message reached thousands, leading many to believe in Christ and become baptized. Peter’s courage and willingness to lead in uncertain times helped solidify the foundation of the early church.
The Spirit’s presence gave Peter courage in the face of persecution. In Acts 4, after being arrested for preaching the resurrection, Peter, “filled with the Holy Spirit,” boldly declared that healing came “by the name of Jesus Christ… whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead” (Acts 4:8‑10)
The Spirit also enabled Peter to perform miracles, such as healing a man lame from birth at the temple gate (Acts 3:1‑16).
The Spirit gave him guidance in reaching out to Gentiles. In Acts 10, the Spirit directly spoke to Peter, commanding him to go to Cornelius, a Gentile centurion, after a vision broke down Jewish dietary barriers (Acts 10:19‑20)
Peter’s ministry shows that the Spirit’s presence changes both character and mission, enabling a man who once denied Christ to become a foundational leader in the Church.
Peter experienced and grew as God’s Holy Spirit worked in his life and he wants that all of us will experience the power of His Spirit. He writes in II Peter 1:3, 4, His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
Experiencing the Holy Spirit, God’s presence working in your life, walking in His Spirit, is an extremely important aspect of spiritual growth! Jesus instructs us to ask, seek and knock for the Spirit!
In many ways, it is amazing how Peter grew and matured in Christ. Here are some of the qualities that I have observed.
Peter grew from denying Christ to preaching Christ.
Peter grew from being prideful to being a man of humility.
Peter grew from serving self to truly following Jesus.
He submitted his will to do God’s will.
Peter went from overwhelming guilt to experiencing the forgiveness of his foolish sin.
Peter learned to resist the Evil One and stand firm in the faith.
Peter grew from a lack of knowledge of God’s word to understanding God’s word.
Peter grew from making fishing a priority to making fishing for men a priority.
Peter grew from lacking love to loving others.
Peter grew from being fearful to having courage to be crucified.
Peter grew in grace and knowledge.
His story reminds us that God can transform us into the man or woman of God to be his faithful and effective disciple. So, my hope is that each of us will grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Let’s pray.
