God trained Peter to lead the faithful

By Msgr. John Wynand Katende

Posted on: Friday 21st August 2026

By the time a person is counted among strong believers in God and able to lead others in the same faith, they will have traveled a long way with their God. Among the 12 apostles of Jesus, John is mentioned as the beloved, but it is known that Peter was the leader and the most prominent on all important issues and occasions relating to the apostles and the Church.

In Peter’s journey of faith and of following Jesus, God demonstrated His power in redeeming a sinner. In the same way, we see an example of the sinner endeavoring to hold on to the power/grace of God.

On the day He called Peter and his fishing companions to follow Him, Jesus had first performed a miraculous catch of fish for them. This is when Peter began his journey of believing that Jesus was vested with divine power. He was quick to confess that he was a sinner, unworthy of being in company with such a holy man. However, Jesus emphasized that the miracle was a prophecy that those whom He calls to follow Him, He makes fishers of men.

On another occasion, Jesus asked His apostles if they knew Him, and Peter led them to confess that He was the Savior God had promised. Jesus then told Peter that that faith had been given to him from heaven. On that occasion He made him His Vicar by handing him the keys, which signify power. He also promised him a rock-solid faith (Matthew 16:13-20).

Owing to human weakness, however, Peter used to waver in his faith. Fortunately, each time it happened, God restored the faith of His servant. It will be recalled that on one occasion when Peter saw his Master walking on the sea, he asked for and received that authority. Although he walked for a while, he flagged in faith and began to sink. Peter pleaded with Jesus for help, and he was able to succeed.

On another occasion, when Jesus told his apostles that He would be arrested and killed by His enemies, Peter vowed to fight for Him. Jesus told Peter that He knew his weaknesses, but He also promised to pray for him, to strengthen his faith, and to, in turn, strengthen his brothers in the faith. Unfortunately, when Jesus was arrested, Peter panicked and denied His Master. Fortunately, again, God strengthened Peter’s faith, and he repented.

During His resurrection encounters with His disciples, Jesus gave Peter the pastoral staff/crosier to shepherd His sheep, the Church (John 21:15-17). When the Apostles received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Peter led them in publicly proclaiming the gospel; this time displaying unwavering faith. Throughout his leadership. Peter endured persecution and died for his Lord in Rome. He left the legacy for every Pope to be the anchor of Christian faith. Jesus Christ is considered the true ultimate anchor and foundation of faith, while the Pope serves as the visible, earthly guardian and servant leader who helps keep the Church strong in the faith and morals.

Peter’s journey of faith teaches us to be grateful for the gift of faith, but also to know that the journey is not smooth-sailing. We learn to relate to God as our companion in every situation. We learn to cling to Him when we feel a lapse in faith. We know that sometimes Satan tempts us to abandon our faith, and sometimes God tests us, making us more precious to Him than gold refined by fire (1 Peter 1:7-9).

Most importantly, we also realize that Jesus was tempted by Satan several times, but holding fast to His Father, He prevailed. When He was dying on the cross, Jesus commended Himself in the hands of God to be redeemed; and indeed He was redeemed by being raised from the dead (Romans 8:11).