By Andrew Williams
“Andrew went to find his brother, Simon, and told him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which means Christ). Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, ‘Your name is Simon, son of John—but you will be called Cephas’ (which means “Peter”).” – John 1:41-42 (NLT)
Good morning fellow disciples.
This passage introduces us to Simon Peter’s first encounter with Jesus, and what an extraordinary moment it was! Peter is brought to Jesus by his brother Andrew, and before Peter can say a word, Jesus looks intently at him and declares that he will be called Cephas (Peter), which means “rock.” At this point, Simon was still an ordinary fisherman with no idea of the incredible journey ahead of him. Yet, Jesus didn’t see Simon for who he was in that moment; Jesus saw who Simon would become.
This moment is a reminder of Jesus’ transforming power. Simon wasn’t perfect—far from it. He was impulsive, outspoken, and flawed. But Jesus saw deeper. He saw beyond Peter’s weaknesses and failures to the man he would grow into: a leader, a cornerstone of the early church, and a bold proclaimer of the Gospel. Jesus’ renaming of Simon as “Peter” was a declaration of the purpose and identity God had for him from the very beginning. It shows us that Jesus doesn’t just call us as we are—He calls us into what we can become through His power.
Peter’s story empowers us because it reminds us that Jesus sees us through the lens of His grace, not our imperfections. Just as Jesus looked at Simon and declared what he would become, He looks at you and sees your potential, your purpose, and your God-given identity. You may feel unworthy or inadequate, but Jesus knows the plans He has for you. He is not intimidated by your weaknesses or failures; instead, He is committed to transforming you into the person He created you to be.
Like Peter, you may not feel like a “rock” today. But Jesus has the power to redirect your focus from your shortcomings to His strength, from your limitations to His purpose. Trust in His ability to transform your life and use you for His glory.
Take a moment today to reflect on how Jesus sees you, not as you are, but as who you are becoming in Him. Write down the areas in your life where you feel weak, unqualified, or unsure. Then, pray and ask Jesus to redirect your focus from your past or present struggles to the future He has planned for you. Commit to trusting Him in those areas and take one step forward—whether it’s serving in a ministry, encouraging someone, or simply spending time in His Word to grow your faith. Remember, just as Jesus transformed Peter, He is working to transform you.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for seeing me not as I am, but as who I can become through Your power. Just as You looked at Simon and saw Peter, the rock, I know You see my potential even when I can’t. Help me to redirect my focus from my failures and insecurities to Your grace and purpose for my life. Transform me daily into the disciple You’ve called me to be. I trust You to shape my heart, my character, and my future for Your glory. Use me, Lord, for Your Kingdom. In Your name, I pray, Amen.
Amen