Called, Equipped, Commissioned: Growing in Christ
I watch my grandsons who are 2 and 4 years old as they continually grow and learn and begin to do the things that they have been taught. That is what we expect of children. And not only that they would develop and grow, but that they would reproduce and teach the next generation. After all, that is what they are supposed to do! In Matthew 4:18–20; 16:16–18; John 21:15–18; 2 Peter 3:14–15, 18, we see that Jesus called His disciples to follow Him so that He could teach/equip them and ultimately send them to “fish for people”. After 3 years of equipping them, Jesus commissioned them to go, make other disciples and build up the church. And Peter, faithful in his commission, went on to make Christian disciples and care for Jesus’ church. I pray that having come to Christ and His salvation, that you would continue to grow in your walk with Him and fulfill your commission from Him to go and make other disciples, building up the church and the kingdom of God. Amen.
Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. (Matthew 4:18–20)
This scripture shows Jesus beginning to call the men who would become His inner circle of disciples. The first part of His message was “Come, follow me”. We are still called to come to Jesus and follow Him. To learn from Him, to fellowship with Him through the Holy Spirit, and to grow into becoming more like Him. The second part of His message was “I will send you out to fish for people”. Jesus’ purpose in calling these men (and us), was to prepare them so that Jesus could send them back out, so that they in turn coils bring others to follow Christ.
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. (Matthew 16:16–18)
Peter demonstrated some understanding of Jesus divine identity. People who had encountered Jesus, had all manner of opinions as to His identity (as do many today). But God revealed to Peter the truth of who Jesus is. He is the Messiah (Savior, promised deliverer) and Son of the living God. The church is built on the foundation of Jesus and these truths about 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.”
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.”
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. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” (John 21:15–18)
After Jesus’ resurrection, an angel of the Lord had promised Jesus disciples that He would meet them in Galilee. Upon Him meeting with them there, He ate with them and fellowshipped with them. Now Jesus, having called them to follow Him, and given them the training they would need, is ready to send them to “fish for people”. First though, Jesus restored a repentant Peter (who had denied knowing Jesus) into relationship with Him. God’s grace restores us into relationship with Him when we repent and return to Him. Additionally, Jesus commissioned Peter, for the purpose of caring for those that Jesus would call to “come and follow” Him.
So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen (2 Peter 3:14–15, 18)
Peter urged believers to make every effort remain in fellowship with God. For this to occur, repentance is essential. And Peter also reminded us that we are to grow in Christ through grace (developing Godly character) and knowledge (developing Godly wisdom and understanding). We are not just to come to Christ in salvation, but we are to grow in Christ as we follow Him and come to know Him more. He is not just our Savior, but He is to have Lordship over our lives.
Conclusion
Jesus called these disciples to come to Him and follow Him. But Jesus had a greater purpose for them than just being followers. He intended for them to become “fishers of people”. In order for them to become that, He equipped them by growing them in grace, wisdom and understanding of God. And He commissioned them, sending them on their mission to go into the world teaching, baptizing and making other disciples who follow Christ. Likewise, we are called by Christ, to be equipped with the word and character of God, and to fulfill our mission of teaching, baptizing and making disciples for the kingdom of God. So, let us continue to grow and be faithful in all of this!
Blessings, Rev. Glenn
“Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts” ~ Psalm 145:3-4
