“Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, ‘Follow me.'” – John 21:19
What a difference a few days can make! The night Jesus was arrested, Peter was too scared for his own skin to even admit knowing Jesus. Now, as the risen Jesus stands in front of Him and lovingly restores him to faithful ministry, Jesus invites Peter to die. Jesus tells him that he’ll spend time under arrest and ultimately be executed for preaching and teaching the good news of Jesus Christ.
This time, Peter doesn’t turn away. Once again, just as He did in the beginning, Jesus invites Peter to “follow”. Where Peter failed before, this time he’s ready and will follow Jesus for decades before giving his life for Christ. Peter is now ready to yield his whole life, every day he’s given, to preaching and teaching Christ. He’s ready to follow Jesus, wherever He leads and whatever the outcome.
What about you? Few are required to follow Jesus to death, but every Christian is called to follow Jesus. You’re called to follow Him into sacrifice, uncertainty, joy, blessing, challenge, disappointment, satisfaction, purpose, significance, and possibly persecution or even death. Are you ready to follow?
Jesus is present with you. He invites you each day to get out of bed and follow Him. Will you follow Him today?