Read John 21:15-24
It’s Worth It!
We read that Jesus asked Peter if he would love him with a sacrificial love and Peter never gave a direct answer to his question. Later in the conversation, Jesus told Peter of the kind of sacrificial death he would suffer for the glory of God. Then he said to Peter, “Follow Me!”
Jesus had a vision for Peter which is actually amazing. He’s going to use Peter in many great ways to spread the good news of Jesus. Jesus is not upset that Peter denied him three times. He’s making it clear to Peter that he still loves him and still has a plan for his life to bring glory to God: both when he’s alive and even in his death.
This is both ATTRACTIVE and SCARY.
ATTRACTIVE because it’s great to know in the midst of our imperfections and bad choices, there is a forgiving God and an opportunity for redemption and for being reinstated back into God’s vision for reaching lost souls.
SCARY because if God told me that I would suffer a death for him that would bring glory to his name, would I accept that? Would I still be willing to follow Jesus? Just as Jesus told Peter what to expect, Jesus ended with the words, “Follow Me!” Why would he ask us to follow him if our lives will end in a sacrificial manner? It’s a way of God saying, “It’s Worth It!! And Great Is Your Reward In Heaven!!”
The fact that Jesus said, “Follow Me,” is comforting because he’s not asking us to do this on our own strength. He promises to be there with us.
For years I have believed that I would be persecuted for my faith. Is it a scary thought? Sure! But I’ve come to grips that I can’t withstand such persecution On My Own strength but by God’s grace and strength alone I can. Is it worth it? Yes it is!
Was Peter scared? Sure! In fact he tried to take the focus off from him and on to John who was following Peter and Jesus in their conversation. Jesus basically said, don’t worry about John. Focus on my call for YOU!!! Then follow me. It’s worth it!
