What a disciple Simon Peter was to Jesus, so much so that when Jesus knew that only by His Father revealing to him who He really was gives us the true meaning what Jesus meant that a person is the temple of the living God when He called Peter the rock on which He would build His church that even the gates of hell would not prevail against! (Matthew 16:13-20)  When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ…….(2 Corinthians 6:16-18).

To walk with Jesus must have been awe inspiring to say the least. One particular event for Peter who along with James and John were the only ones allowed to accompany Jesus when a maiden was thought to be dead. They firsthand saw one as dead yet her spirit returned again and she rose up. (Luke 8:49-56).  While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden. And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise. And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat. And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.

As surely as Peter loved Jesus he shows a side that maybe we today have done in fear of rejection or persecution by others to claim not to know the Lord as we should, but in this human act Jesus knew Peter would once again become strong in knowing and loving Him and then he should strengthen his brethren……. for Jesus knew ahead of time Peter would deny Him three times and prayed for him. (Luke 22:31-34).  And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.