Day 8 – Follow Me
(John 21:15-22)
The Way and the Truth and the Life
“Follow Me” is an instruction or invitation to someone from a person who knows the way. Jesus said “follow me” because He is the Way and the Truth and the Life (John 14:6). He is the only way to true life with God because in Him is the life of God.
To know Him personally is to experience everlasting life. The person of Jesus guarantees our salvation, and His principles guarantee our fulfilment in life. Therefore, it is our wisdom to respond to His invitation to follow Him.
The love test
We all profess a love for Jesus until our love is tested. The proof of our love for Christ is our willingness to serve Him. This is why Jesus instructed Peter to feed His sheep if he loved Him. This makes me wonder how I would have responded if Jesus asked me the same questions?
How would you respond if Jesus asked you: Do you love Me? Do your really love Me? Are you even my friend?
It would be right to say that the way you live now is the indication of your true answers to those questions.
Another level of intimacy
In verses 18-19 of this encounter, the conversation moved to another level of intimacy that demanded a higher level of demonstration of love. Jesus gave Peter a prediction of the kind of death Peter would experience, which did not look rosy. Despite what the future held for Peter, Jesus asked Peter to follow Him.
Our future may be uncertain, and we may be fearful of what lies ahead, but if we know that God is in control, we can confidently follow Christ. This is Christ’s demand from you today, to follow Him despite your fears and uncertainties.
As for you, follow Me
Peter wanted to know the fate of John, having been given his own fate by Jesus (vs.21-22). Sometimes we compare ourselves with others either to rationalise our level of devotion to Christ or to question God’s justice in His dealings with us.
Jesus’ response to Peter is what He is saying to you today: “What is that to you? As for you, follow Me.”
Jesus calls you to follow Him and the path He has marked out for you regardless of the costs. Will you follow Him today?
“And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises“
Hebrews 6:11-12
