What Jesus Did! 'The Rock Meets Jesus' — John 1:42

Sunday, January 25, 2026

Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, "Your name is Simon, son of John — but you will be called Cephas" (which means "Peter").
— John 1:42 NLT

Key Thought

When a new child is born, godly parents stare lovingly at their gift from the Father and wonder, "What will this child grow up to be?" They name the child, usually taking great care not to give that child a name that will be a burden and sometimes giving the child a very biblical name like Faith or Grace. They want their child to be blessed by God and to be a blessing to others. But they don't know, they can't know, what lies ahead. Jesus changed Simon's name to Peter (Cephas) or Rocky.[1] Jesus could look beyond Peter's blustering ego and horrible failures we see later in Jesus' ministry [2] to the man who loved God and who could be used mightily for the Kingdom. What does Jesus see in you? No matter where you have been or the road you have taken to this point, Jesus can give you a new life and a new name. He has great plans for you. Don't be dismayed. Don't let discouragement claim you. If he can change Simon into the Rock, he can change you and use you mightily, too!

[1] Just as our verse says "Cephas" means "Peter," it could have also said "Peter" means "Rocky." The name "Peter" comes from a similar root word as "petrified" or "rock."
[2] For example, Matthew 16:21-23, 26:35, 74.

Today's Prayer

Father, please help me trust that you have great plans for me. Please help me catch a glimpse of what you can do with me and through me to bring you glory and to bless others. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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Illustration

Illustration of John 1:42 NLT — Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, "Your name is Simon, son of John — but you will be called Cephas" (which means "Peter").

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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