A By Way of the Word Teaching Series
Peter is the man we follow. Jesus is the One we study.
Follow Peter from an ordinary Galilean fisherman to a shepherd of Christ’s church—and see how Jesus calls, teaches, corrects, breaks, restores, commissions, and uses the people who follow Him.
“Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Matthew 4:19
The Making of Peter
Peter’s growth is not a smooth ascent from potential to greatness. It is a story of calling, discipleship, failure, grace, restoration, and Spirit-empowered usefulness.
Christ Calls
Jesus knows Simon completely and calls him before he has become Peter.
Christ Makes
Jesus patiently forms Peter through truth, correction, failure, and grace.
Christ Sends
The risen Christ restores Peter, entrusts His sheep to him, and sends him to serve.
Part One: Peter With Jesus
Twelve Gospel messages trace the making of Peter from his first meeting with Jesus to Christ’s final command: “You follow Me.”
1. You Shall Be Called Peter
John 1:35–42 — Jesus meets Simon, knows him completely, and declares what He intends to make of him.
2. Follow Me, and I Will Make You
Luke 5:1–11; Matthew 4:18–22 — Peter sees Christ’s greatness, confesses his sinfulness, and leaves everything to follow.
3. That They Might Be With Him
Mark 3:13–19; 6:7–13 — Before Jesus sends His disciples, He brings them near and forms them in His presence.
4. Lord, If It Is You
Matthew 14:22–33 — Peter steps out, sinks, is rescued, and learns that faith rests in Christ rather than self-confidence.
5. You Are the Christ
Matthew 16:13–20 — The Father reveals the identity of Jesus, and Peter makes his great confession.
6. Get Behind Me, Satan
Matthew 16:21–28 — Peter confesses the right Christ but resists the cross Christ came to bear.
7. Listen to Him
Matthew 17:1–8; 2 Peter 1:16–18 — Peter sees Christ’s glory and learns that the beloved Son must be heard.
8. You Do Not Understand Now
John 13:1–17, 36–38; Luke 22:31–34 — Jesus serves Peter, exposes his confidence, and promises sustaining prayer.
9. The Breaking of Peter
John 18:1–11; Luke 22:54–62 — The sword, the courtyard, and three denials bring Peter’s self-confidence to an end.
10. He Appeared to Simon
Luke 24:1–34; 1 Corinthians 15:5 — The risen Jesus specifically seeks the disciple who denied Him.
11. Do You Love Me?
John 21:1–17 — Jesus restores Peter publicly and entrusts His sheep to a humbled shepherd.
12. You Follow Me
John 21:18–23 — Peter learns that following Jesus will cost his life, and Christ calls him forward once more.
Teaching Resources
Message notes, follow-along handouts, presentation materials, and additional study resources will be added here as the series progresses.