Acting More Like Peter
The Apostle Peter After the Resurrection
I’ve been thinking a lot about Peter lately. Not the impulsive, foot in mouth Peter we usually talk about. But Peter after the resurrection. The Peter we meet in John 21, with courage to step out when no one else would dare. And I’m wondering what our lives would look like if we acted more like Peter?
Personally, that question exposes how quickly I default to caution when Jesus is clearly present and inviting me forward.
When Obedience Feels Familiar
The scene opens quietly, almost ordinary. Peter and a few of the other disciples head out to fish. That detail matters. Fishing was Peter’s trade. It was familiar, and for the most part, comfortable. It was probably the one thing he knew how to do without thinking too hard.
John writes, “After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way.” https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.21.1.ESV
Peter says, “I’m going fishing,” and the others follow. They fish all night and catch nothing. I’ve felt the disappointment of not catching after long hours of fishing, but not when my livelihood depended on it.
And yet, on some level, I think we all know what it’s like, feeling disappointment after hard work. Doing what we know how to do. Working hard and burning time and energy. Ending the shift empty handed.
When Jesus Shows Up Again
Early the next morning, Jesus stands on the shore, though they don’t recognize him at first.
“Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.” https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.21.4.ESV
He tells them to cast the net on the other side of the boat. Suddenly the nets fill with fish. And that’s when it clicks. John says to Peter, “It is the Lord.”
That moment changes everything!
Acting More Like Peter
As soon as Peter hears those words, he moves. No meeting with the others ans no discussion. No weighing the pros and cons. He throws on his outer garment and jumps straight into the water.
“When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea.” https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.21.7.ESV
Peter leaves the boat behind. That boat may have belonged to him. It was his livelihood. His backup plan and his safety net. And yet, when Jesus is there, none of that matters.
Acting more like Peter means choosing presence with Jesus over protecting what feels secure.
Acting More Like Peter Today
I can picture that moment; cold water and heavy clothes. Arms burning as he swims to shore. And I wonder what was stirring in Peter’s chest. Was it joy? Relief? Hope? Maybe a little fear mixed in? Above all, he clearly was feeling urgency. Jesus is here. I need to be with him now!
If I’m honest, I don’t live like that very often. In ministry, in leadership, even in faith, I tend to wait for the boat to drift closer to shore. I want the timing right. I want clarity and comfort. But acting more like Peter means trusting that obedience matters more than control.
We live in a church culture that rewards caution. We’re trained to play it safe. Don’t rock the boat. Do not make any waves. And don’t risk looking foolish. But Peter didn’t hesitate. He moved toward Jesus, even if it meant getting wet.
And maybe that’s the invitation for us too.
When you hear that quiet nudge. Or when you sense Jesus is near. If the Spirit whispers, “It is the Lord.” Don’t wait for the boat. Grab your coat. Step out. Speak up. Act in faith. Leave what you were doing behind and move toward him.
I’m still learning this. Still prone to hesitating and gripping the sides of the boat longer than I should. But I want to live with that kind of urgency again. The kind that trusts Jesus enough to jump.
Lord, help us be a little more like Peter today. Amen.
Join the Conversation; Answer This Question
- Where might Jesus be inviting you to step out of the boat and move toward him right now?
