Comment: One of the attributes of a good leader is the ability to mentor followers. At the first sight of Simon Peter and Andrew his brother, Jesus Christ, enabled with the holy spirit, recognised the qualities in them as future leaders. (Matthew 4:18-22). He later named them apostles. (Luke 6:13). Knowing that they were beginners in spiritual matters, Jesus Christ was patient with them as their teacher. He taught them the mysteries of the Kingdom. He used parables to unravel spiritual matters.

When they could not comprehend His parable about what defiles a man, he dutifully explained that, as worshippers of God our concern should be to keep our hearts pure so that our thoughts would be pure. – Matthew 15:15-20. See also Matthew 16:6-12.

When he threw a test at His disciples, wanting to know their perception of him, and Apostle Peter gave the correct answer, He declared: “Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.” – Matthew 16:17.

But Christ brooked no idle sentiment when it came to the business to which he had been divinely assigned. He had committed himself to sacrificial death and no one was going to dissuade him from that goal. His sharp rebuke to Apostle Peter therefore, serves as a great lesson in his uncompromising dedication. (Matthew 16:23 See also John 18:37). The point is that we should be praying for understanding by God’s grace. – Colossians 1:9,10.