Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Following the shepherd...

John 21:15-19 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” 
Peter had to be almost fearfully awaiting this moment - their first conversation about his failure to follow Jesus as he had promised the night Christ was betrayed.  But Jesus wanted to make it very clear what He meant when He pressed Peter on his allegiance.  He was not asking him to pull out his sword and conquer the world for Chist.  He was not asking Peter to join Him as He ascended to heaven. He was asking Him to look at people the way He does - as sheep needing a shepherd, and to lovingly lead them to His fold, to the place of spiritual safety and pasture.  It was quite a change from "the son of thunder" who wanted to call down fire on unbelievers.  That fire of judgment will come on all who fail to respond in faith.  Our call is to compel them to instead come to faith in Christ and be saved.  Let us follow and look for more followers.

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