Do your mistakes make you feel disqualified?
As far as disciples go, I’d rather be a Simon Peter than a Thomas (we’ll share more about him later). Thomas has a reputation for doubt, though often in a good way. People like this tend to lean toward the famous philosopher Descartes’ way of thinking: “I doubt, therefore I think, therefore I am.”
Nothing wrong with that. I just happen to lean a wee bit more toward a Simon Peter stance on life. You know: “I act before I think, and I'm therefore always in trouble.” I'd rather be gloriously wrong than meticulously right. I'd rather go down in a blaze of glory than rise in a fog of hesitation.
But that’s just me. And Simon Peter. And maybe you?
Simon Peter was famous for being outspoken in every way. He even holds the remarkable distinction of being praised by Jesus for recognising Him as the Messiah, only to completely miss the mark moments later. You can read it all in Matthew 16:15-23.
Still, as is so powerfully captured in The Chosen, Simon Peter didn’t just keep stumbling and blurting out foolish things. Jesus changed him. From hothead to rock. From an impulsive fisherman to the leader of the early church.
Maybe you recognise something of Simon Peter in yourself. Someone who jumps in with boldness and bravado, and sometimes falls flat on their face. But also someone who gets back up. Someone who admits mistakes. Someone who keeps following Jesus, even after getting it wrong.
So, are you a bit like Simon Peter? The one they call “The Rock”? You can find out by doing, you guessed it, our Character Quiz!
