“And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon, called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. And going on from thence, he saw two other brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John, his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him” Matt. 4:18-22.
One might gather that these fellows were acquainted, perhaps friends; as they had grown up by the seaside, following the tradition that had been carried on by their fathers for many decades. But why leave that to follow Jesus? The verse just prior to where we began tells us, “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” Matt. 4:17. And then the scriptures immediately following, speak of Jesus going about Galilee; preaching the gospel of the kingdom, healing. . .His fame went throughout all of Syria; there followed him great multitudes of people. . .With such a following, is it possible that somewhere in the back of their minds these four fishermen envisioned Jesus as the King who should come; that they might some day find themselves sitting with him in the throne room of a palace? Such self-desire among allies is sure to lead to dissention. . .
“And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldst do whatsoever we shall desire. And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory” Mark 10:35-38. Then came to him the mother of Zebedee’s children with her sons,worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. . .Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on the right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom” Matt.20:20-21.
In both scriptures Jesus’ reply is directly to the disciples: “Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able” Matt. 20:22, Mark 10:38,39.
This all seems out of character for James and John - especially John. Was this the desire of their mother? and they, as proper sons, were willing to let her ask in their behalf? The only other option I can see is that they were “momma’s boys” and they persuaded her to come along to help influence the Lord in obtaining their desire.
The response from the other disciples: “And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John” Mark 10:41. “And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren” Matt. 20:24. But what is it, but Simon Peter, Andrew, and the others, may have harbored such thoughts within themselves, and their cup of “indignation” was brewed with a measure of jealousy! It would be a while yet, before these brethren would know of the true Kingdom of which Jesus spoke.
The Passover. “Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed. And he [Jesus] sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat. . .And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover” Luke 22:7,8,13. ( We must believe that Jesus did not randomly send these two together, but was preparing them for later service.) If Peter harbored any resentment against John, we are not so enlightened. However, the thought of John being “that disciple who Jesus loved” may have played a part in Simon’s quick response when, at the Lord’s table was announced that all would be offended because of Him. Actually Peter was at that moment on the offensive: “Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. . .Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee!” But the Lord had just told him that he would deny Him, and that very night. Can you imagine a confrontation with the Lord; and to His face declaring, Jesus, you don’t know what you’re talking about! You don’t know my heart! You don’t know what I will do, but I know!
Jesus foretells of his betrayal. “When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. . .Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. [John] Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake” John 13:21,23,24. There is no sign of strife between the two at this point, however immediately following “there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest” Luke 22:24. Christ was shortly to bear their griefs; to carry their sorrows. He would be wounded for their transgressions, bruised for their iniquities. He would be oppressed, afflicted; brought as a lamb to the slaughter. . .but their thoughts were focused on themselves - who will be the greatest in His Kingdom?
In the Garden of Gethsemane. Peter cuts off the ear of Malchus, the servant of the high priest, and then proceeds to follow the processional to the palace of the high priest. Only the providence of God prevented his being arrested; but then - where’s the evidence? Who in the company would take him before the high priest; charge him with cutting off his servant’s ear; and then explain that Jesus had restored it! How quickly the change! One moment he will fight and defend the Lord even unto death; the next, he will deny Him. Jeremiah rightly said, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Oh Simon! You’ve really blown it. Who now, will be your friend? “And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And Peter went out and wept bitterly” Luke 22:61,62. His weeping: was it because the Lord had proved him wrong; was it because he had grievously wronged Him who he loved; or was it the look of forgiveness and compassion in His Master’s eyes? From whence is the greater pain; from the awareness of our sin against Him; or the realization that we as sinners, deserving of judgment and Divine execution, are in great mercy and grace, forgiven? Not only forgiven, but reconciled; made the friend of God and of Christ; indwelt by His Spirit?
The first day of the week - Resurrection! Mary Magdalene finds the stone taken away from the sepulchre. “Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple [John] whom Jesus loved. . .so they ran both together. . .John 20:2,4. Simon had three days before denied the Lord and made a spectacle of himself; but there is no sign here that his disciple/brother had ostracized himself from Simon because of it. They may have their quibbles, but there must be a bonding, a love between these two brethren that transcends any circumstance that would cause a permanent separation. Their thoughts had before been directed to themselves: who shall be the greatest in the kingdom; who will sit on the right side and on the left? But all hope had vanished: their king was dead, and so the kingdom. But a resurrected Christ would soon draw all their attention. . .He lives? He lives!
On the Sea of Galilee. They had seen the risen Christ. Now they remember - He said that we were to meet Him in Galilee! And so they went. And being there with Jesus no where in sight, fishermen that they were, they boarded a ship and threw out the fishing nets. Perhaps the ships and nets were the same ones that they had left behind to follow Jesus. It’s not likely that any other fishermen would loan out their livelihood to these fellows - and in the middle of the night! They had fished all night, but caught nothing. Morning comes and Jesus calls from shore: “Cast the net on the right side of the ship.” Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord” John 21:6,7. Notice, he speaks not to himself, under his breath, not to all the disciples, but unto Peter; Simon Peter. May we not discern here his love and care for his Brother in Christ?
“And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also” I John 4:21.
“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, lovest thou me more than these? Then feed my sheep; Follow me. After being asked three times and replying in the affirmative, “Peter was grieved. . .And he said unto Him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee” John 21:15,17. (It is not now, Lord, you don’t know my heart; you don’t know what I will do, but I do!) Our brother is now coming into a position of worship, submission, and obedience.
“Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following. . .Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry til I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. Peter is reprimanded for his somewhat icy attitude toward his Brother. He’s not perfect is he? And neither are we.
Pentecost! The Spirit is come upon them; indwelling, empowering. “Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer” Acts 3:1. (Brothers that pray together, stay together?) Here we have recorded the first apostolic miracle. “Brethren, cast out the net of lovingkindness; draw in the poor, the lame, the sin-sick.” They have no silver or gold - no matter! This crippled man cried for someone to help him in his infirmity, but Peter and John had bigger fish to fry! They would, by the grace of God, help this fellow out of his infirmity! “Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk” Acts 3:6. This man had asked alms from the apostles, however, the “alms” he would receive would greatly exceed all expectation: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus!”
The first persecution: Peter and John before the Sanhedrin. “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and perceiving that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that THEY HAD BEEN WITH JESUS! Oh my dear friend! Do you know what it’s like tobe with Jesus? Is your life as such that others, even unbelievers, are made aware that you have been with Jesus?
Peter and John, missionaries to Samaria. “Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John” Acts 8:14.
What a testimony! The Gospel, entrusted to and delivered unto the souls of men by two apostles/friends, Brothers in Christ! They were chosen of Christ, bonded together in Him, and in fellowship with one another, despite all obstacles and persecution.
The following contains excerpts from an article by a dear friend and Brother. I trust you will find them heart-searching, instructive, and edifying.
“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17.
A true friend never fails, no matter what. A true brother is always ready to help in time of need or trouble. The wise man described excellent friends and brothers in a very few words. You must ask if you are such a friend, and you must ask if you have such friends.
Two are better than one! The solitary life is lonely and vain! Good friends help in four ways - they share in successes, they help when you fall, they provide encouragement and synergy, and they help oppose enemies (Eccl 4:9-12).
Successful men have great friends. Such friends are not found easily; they are a blessing from God. And such friends must be carefully preserved by a very conscious choice (27:10) and sincere friendliness (18:24; John 15:15). If you deeply offend a friend, it may be very hard to recover them (18:19). Look for friends among zealous saints (Ps 101:4-8; 119:63; Titus 1:8). They are won by a pure heart and gracious speech (22:11; I Sam 18:1). Holy living brings holy friends.
Saints make the best friends, for God forms their souls identically. They fear the LORD, believe the truth, adore Jesus Christ, follow Bible wisdom in life, have true love in their hearts, and know they will spend eternity together. They exhort and rebuke each other to perfection, which is sweeter than kisses (27:5-6,9). The world cannot know such unity!
It did not matter Paul was on trial for his life, his friend Luke was there (II Tim 4:11). It did not matter Jesus was crucified by rabid Jews; John was there (John 19:26-27).
Jonathan and David were friends. Jonathan loved David as his own soul (I Sam. 18:1-4). David described Jonathan’s love as greater than that of women (II Sam. 1:26). There was no competition or envy between them. They strengthened each other in the Lord ( I Sam. 23:16). Back to back with swords, no enemy could touch them! Face to face, no lovers could match their affection! Their covenant of friendship, in life and death, was glorious!
Peter and John were not Jonathan and David. I dare say that there had been a degree of envy and competition that hindered that caliber of friendship. But these brethren had a change of “heart.” As with the apostle Paul, their testimony became “Not I, but Christ!” And that makes all the difference.
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