C
ome,” Jesus replied nonchalantly, “and you will see.” Come! How inviting the sound when it came from him.
They had walked together for perhaps an hour, when Jesus abruptly faltered again. He had been doing well. His strength appeared to be holding until at length, he needed nourishment. Simon’s hand steadied him. Jesus looked at him and said, “Thank you. I think I will be fine when I have some food.” And then their eyes met. Jesus lifted his arm to Simon’s shoulder. The old fisherman stood still. “You are Simon the son of John?” Jesus said as if looking directly into the other man’s soul. Simon started. How could this starving man know him? As they had walked, most of the conversation concerned Jesus’ experience on the mountain. The two men had to know every particular. They were amazed that he had not had food now for forty-one days. They were fascinated with the story of how he had dealt with Satan. They were awed by the ministering angels. But most of all they wanted to know of him. Is he really the Messiah? they wondered. Simon needed little convincing. In his heart, he knew what John had known. His heart was settled. Yet Jesus’ gaze penetrated. Jesus saw inside him. Jesus knew him, perhaps better than he knew all others.
“I give you a new name, Simon; from this day on, you will be called Peter, the rock.” Simon’s heart leapt. He had been “Simon” all his life. But in that moment, this follower of John the Baptist knew that he had been changed forever. And that is how it would be for all who would discover intimacy with this unusual man. One’s heart, one’s mind, one’s life is radicalized for the rest of one’s days on earth and beyond. A shift occurs. A new beginning. A new birth. Simon was a new person. He would be Peter the rock forever.
