Follow Me

April 15, 2018 Background Scripture: John 21:15 – 25 Lesson Passage: John 21:15 – 25 Today’s lesson is a continuation from last week of the encounter between the risen Jesus and his disciples. At this time, most of the disciples of Jesus had encountered him for the third time after his resurrection from the dead. They were sure it was him, but they did not dare to ask concerning his identity. After they ate of the fish and bread that Jesus cooked on the shore, Jesus and Peter went for a walk. As stated in last week’s notes, Peter was a natural leader. If this group of disciples were going to get on the right track, then Peter needed to be on the right track because he had great influence over them. They were going to follow Peter. Jesus was preparing to leave and ascend back to heaven. His disciples will be tasked with winning the world for Christ by preaching the good news and demonstrating signs and wonders. Therefore, Jesus inquired concerning Peter’s devotion to him. Peter assured Jesus that he was still his friend. Jesus’ question and Peter’s response were like two ships passing in the night; they shared a common waterway but were heading in two different directions. Jesus’ inquiry concerning Peter’s personal devotion that could only be present as a result of benevolent love was answered by Peter in terms of mere friendship. The mission that Jesus was sending his disciples on demanded more than mere friendship from his disciples. They needed to exhibit a benevolent love towards Jesus that would lead to self-sacrifice for Christ’s sake and therefore, the sake of the gospel. If Peter could submit himself to this level of sacrificial humility, he would lead the others to follow likewise. Peter, likely suffering from self-doubt as a result of his epic failure of character during the pre-crucifixion trials of Jesus, could not bring himself to commit to the level of personal devotion that Jesus was asking of him. Jesus accepted Peter’s disposition for now with the admonishment to Peter that when he matures, he will be led by someone else to go places he would not want to. In other words, Peter would commit to this level of devotion to Christ later on as the Holy Spirit guided him. Peter would have his own day of crucifixion just as Jesus had his in submission to the will of the Father. When Peter noticed John following them, he asked Jesus, in essence, “What would be John’s fate?” The question brought a sharp response from Jesus. The answer to that was between Jesus and John and not a matter for Peter to concern himself with. Peter was to concern himself with following Christ. Too often, we fail to focus on our ministry and calling of God because we are too concerned about someone else. Each of us need to stay in our lane and not be consumed with how God chooses to deal with another Christian. Every relationship with Jesus is personal. How God interacts or what He requires of others in their relationship with Him should not be of concern to us. Every Christian should concern themselves with strengthening their personal relationship with Christ and then seek to help others do the same. Jesus beckons us all: “Follow me!” Robert C. Hudson March 7, 2017