Skip to main content

Follow Me - Differently

           When Jesus called to Peter and said “Follow me”, Peter’s response was impressive:  “Immediately (he) left (his) nets and followed” (Mark 1:19).   From that point on, Peter made an impact. He was the first to recognize that Jesus was the Son of God (Matthew 16:13-20).  He stayed when others turned their backs and left. (John 6:8/ Mark 14:29).  Peter put his own life on the line by pulling out a sword and fighting to defend Jesus on the night of his arrest (John 18:10).  In every way possible, Peter was one of Christ’s best followers.
            However, in spite of all his effort, Peter ultimately failed.  At Jesus’ sentencing hearing, when Peter was asked if he was one of his followers, he said “no”.  In fact, he said it three separate times (Mark 14:66-72).  When push came to shove, Peter simply ran out of gas.  He could not force himself to do any more.
            Several weeks later, after his death, burial and resurrection, Jesus finds Peter and offers him another chance.  However, this time Jesus puts a condition on it.  Before telling Peter to follow him a second time (John 21:19), he asks, “Do you love me?”  In fact, Jesus asks him three times (John 21:15-17).  I think that is interesting because if I was Jesus I would have asked a different question.  I would have asked, “Do you think that you can do better this time?” or maybe, “Can you try just a little harder?”  At the very least, I would want to know, “Did you learn anything from your mistakes?”  Instead, Jesus asks, “Do you love me?”  Why would Jesus do that? 
            I think Jesus focuses on whether Peter really loves him or not simply because love was the only motivation that would really work!  You see, Peter did great things when he was out to prove how faithful he could be.  However, he would do even greater things if he simply loved Jesus, lived in the strength of his spirit and responded to the opportunities that God provided. 
            In the end, it never was about Peter.  It was never about his strength, his ability, what he could offer or even his commitment.  Rather, it was always about loving Jesus and letting God’s power work through him.  Once Peter had the proper motivation, he never failed again.
            It is still true that great strength makes a great hero, but great love makes a great disciple (Matthew 22:37-40). 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Art of Noticing.... Seeing what we need to see and what we miss when we don't

 What we focus on in life matters. Here are some scriptural reminders that will help us see correctly.  https://youtu.be/Rn76tV0ZH8s    
Post a Comment
Read more

Consider This.... Which Way Are You Leaning?

   When Ben Patterson agreed to join three friends climbing Mount Lyell, the highest point in Yosemite National Park, he did not realize what he was signing up for.  Early in the day, it became clear that he was completely unprepared for the task.  In an effort to keep up with his more experienced friends, Ben took a shortcut.  It did not occur to him that there might be a reason the others had not selected this route, but he soon found out why.  Ben became stuck on the glacier.  He could not move up, down or sideways and one wrong move would send him sliding down a forty-five-degree slope to the valley floor miles below.   That is when one of his friends came to the rescue. His buddy leaned over the edge and carved some footholds in the ice.  He told Ben to step to the first foothold and immediately swing his other foot to the second, then his buddy would pull him to safety.  Lastly, his friend gave him one more piece of advice....
Post a Comment
Read more

Consider This: The Biggest Problem Is Not Out There!

In a time when everyone has a vocal opinion on everything and judgment is everywhere, maybe we need to reconsider the words of Jesus. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?  How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:3-5).  Here are two observations to consider. First, when we look for what others are doing wrong, we are starting in the wrong place.  “Take the log out of your eye” is the first move.  Start with yourself!  It is easy to judge others and make excuses for ourselves.  Yet, that is completely backwards! If we are honest, we never get past making ourselves better.  There is always more to do.  This, then, leaves very little time to point out...
Post a Comment
Read more