Follow Me

NOTE: I have been sharing a four part study on John 21:15-19 that I started 34 years ago and never completed until now. Edward


18 I can guarantee this truth: When you were young, you would get ready to go where you wanted. But when you're old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will get you ready to take you where you don't want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to show by what kind of death Peter would bring glory to God. After saying this, Jesus told Peter, “Follow me!” John 21:17-19 (GW)

One of the many games I played as a child was one called "Follow The Leader" and basically way this game worked was one child was chosen as a leader who would lead us...well goodness knew where. Often the trail chosen was quite interesting as it could lead you anywhere and often the going was rough especially if one was being led along an unknown forest trail. Since we did not know who was going to be chosen as a leader there were no pre-planned trails. As we struggled to follow the "leader" would occassionally call out, "C'mon keep up, follow me."

In John 21:15-17 Peter's love is tested three times and three times the disciple cries out in anguish," Lord, I do love you." "Lord You know me, You know I love You." now in verses 18-19 Jesus makes it very clear to Peter that from here his life is going to be very different.

Before Christ came into Peter's life (Matthew 4:18) he was a full time fisherman, it was a family business as Andrew, Peter's brother, was also a fisherman. Peter may or may not have had a choice of profession as usually a son followed in his father's footsteps and the tradition would be passed from father to son for generations. Whether or not Peter had a choice as to his profession he did have choices in other areas (18 I can guarantee this truth: When you were young, you would get ready to go where you wanted) . Peter could choose his responsiblities, he could choose which part of the work he wanted to do, he could choose his entertainment, he could choose when and where he travelled. Peter could choose what he said and to whom he spoke. Peter made a choice to jump out of the boat and swim to Jesus. Its sad to note here that Judas made a choice to commit suicide rather than come to Christ and repent. As Peter listens to his Friend he is beginning to to sense he no longer has the freedom he had before, he senses he has a "weakness" ( Ro. 8:26; 1Cor. 1:25; 2 Cor.12:9; ) and that Christ is his only source of strength (Phil. 4:13; Eph.3:16; Col.1:11Heb.11:34). Peter's freedom would be in and through Christ ( Gal.5:13; 1 Peter 2:1). Christ's will now becomes Peter's will, his freedom now consists of living for Christ and serving Him according to His will. Peter's words will be words that will glorify and honour God.
Sometimes it almost sounds like Christ is very demanding. Why should I chose to be God's servant, obedient to His will? Look at your life before becoming a Christian. You could do as you pleased, you could go where you wanted without first seeking God's will, you could enjoy whaterver form of entertainment you wanted. Yet, what were the consequences of what you did? What happened when you did what you wanted to do or go where you wanted to go? Often we faced consequences that were more demanding and severe than one who lives for Christ. As you lived your live on your terms you unknowingly added even more (sinful) burdens upon yourself and life became so demanding you felt you were suffocating. Christ makes it very clear in Matthew 11:29-30 29 Place my yoke over your shoulders, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble. Then you will find rest for yourselves 30 because my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (GW). When I see the word "yoke" I immediately think of a picture I once saw of two oxen yoked together pulling a plow. The word yoke translated means "submission to authority." As Christians we are submissive to Christ's authority and the "burden" of responsibility He places upon us will not be so overwhelming that we can't bear them for He shares our yoke and gives us strength to carry out those responsibilities (Phil.4:13). Jesus then lets Peter know that he too will make the supreme sacrifice, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will get you ready to take you where you don't want to go.”
Over the ages many have debated and discussed how and where Peter died. In The Thompson Chain Reference Bibles there is a section that relates, according to popular belief, how each disciple died (NASB: Thompson Chain Reference Bible pg 1947 - 4300b). In Peter's case many believe Peter was in Rome when he was executed and at his request crucified head down as he felt unworthy to die in the same position as his Lord ( Early Christian writer Hegesipp). Others believe that since Peter was Jewish that he was indeed crucified but not in Rome. It is also possible that Peter could have been stoned to death by fellow Jews who were not Christians. Regardless of where, when and how Peter died Christ told Peter that one day when he was old he would be taken captive by his enemies and executed for his love and faith in Christ
Jesus tells Peter,"Regardles of what happens Peter, follow me." Never mind what will happen to your fellow apostles Peter, you follow my will, you go where I command you to go, you speak what I ask you to speak , you do what I ask you to do. As one studies the Acts of the Apostles, 1 & 2 Peter we get a good look into the ministry of Peter but also his undying love and service for the One whom he loved so much and we know for whom he made the supreme sacrifice.
Each and every child of God, regardles if we have one talent or more are to use that for the glory and honour of Christ and His church. We need to have Peter's humility and love, we need Isaiah's dedication and service. Beloved in Christ let us continue to faithfully fllow and serve Christ and one day we will hear Him say, "Well done good and faithful servant..."


1 In the year King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a high and lofty throne. The bottom of his robe filled the temple. 2 Angels were standing above him. Each had six wings: With two they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. 3 They called to each other and said,


“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Armies!

The whole earth is filled with his glory.”


4 Their voices shook the foundations of the doorposts, and the temple filled with smoke.
5 So I said, “Oh, no!


I'm doomed.

Every word that passes through my lips is sinful.

I live among people with sinful lips.

I have seen the king, the Lord of Armies!”


6 Then one of the angels flew to me. In his hand was a burning coal that he had taken from the altar with tongs. 7 He touched my mouth with it and said, “This has touched your lips. Your guilt has been taken away, and your sin has been forgiven.”
8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom will I send? Who will go for us?”
I said, “Here I am. Send me!”
9 And he said, “Go and tell these people...", Isaiah 6:1-9 (GW)
I am reminded of the words of a old and beloved hymn by Mary Brown and Charles E. Prior




It may not be on the mountain’s height, or over the stormy sea;
It may not be at the battle’s front my Lord will have need of me;
But if by a still, small voice He calls to paths I do not know,
I’ll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in Yours,
I’ll go where You want me to go.

Refrain

I’ll go where You want me to go, dear Lord,
O’er mountain, or plain, or sea;
I’ll say what You want me to say, dear Lord,
I’ll be what You want me to be.

Perhaps today there are loving words which Jesus would have me speak;
There may be now, in the paths of sin, some wand’rer whom I should seek.
O Savior, if You will be my Guide, though dark and rugged the way,
My voice shall echo the message sweet,
I’ll say what You want me to say.

Refrain

There’s surely somewhere a lowly place in earth’s harvest fields so wide,
Where I may labor through life’s short day for Jesus, the Crucified.
So, trusting my all unto Your care, I know You always love me!
I’ll do Your will with a heart sincere,
I’ll be what You want me to be.

Refrain