SIMON, SON OF JONAS, IS A DISCIPLE OF MUCH PROMISE. He has left all to follow his beloved Master, Jesus Christ. With deep spiritual insight, he is the one who declares Jesus' true identity as the Messiah, "the Son of the living God." For this, Simon is given the keys to the kingdom of heaven and the new name of Peter, meaning "rock."
But there is a shadow that follows Peter's calling—a shadow he can't seem to shake. On the heels of Peter's revelation about Jesus' identity, Jesus declares his own impending crucifixion and resurrection. Peter takes Jesus aside and rebukes him, "God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you." Stunningly, Jesus' reaction is swift and harsh, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things." Matt. 16:22, 23 (NRSV).
Later, with his mind still on human things like honor and glory, Peter is unable to fathom why Jesus, after partaking of his last supper, would humble himself in washing his disciples' feet. "You will never wash my feet," Peter tells him. Jesus answers, "Unless I wash you, you have no share with me." John 13:8 (NRSV).
