Reading the end of John this evening where Jesus said follow me to Peter reminded me that Jesus had said this before.
Indeed these were the first words that Jesus said to Peter (or Simon as he was then) back at the start of His ministry (Matthew 4 v 19).
There are no unnecessary words in the Bible and it must be important that the first, and almost last words Jesus said to Peter were, “follow me”.
The first thing we can see from this is that the life of Peter would now revolve around Jesus, while Jesus was alive on earth and also once He had ascended into Heaven.
The picture for us is that our life should revolve around Jesus, as disciples we should follow Him.
In order to follow someone, we need to know them, and we know about Jesus from the Word of God and from being in relationship with Him. To follow means to be like, to aspire to, to admire and respect.
Again in order to do this we need to know Jesus, and again this is found in His Word and in relationship.
The first and last thing that Jesus said to Peter is what He is saying to you tonight, “follow me”; “Make me central in your life and aspire to be like me”, is really what He said to Peter and what He is saying to you.
Even as a born again believer who has trusted in Jesus as Lord and Saviour, He is still saying this to us tonight.
Salvation (our ticket into Heaven in this context) is not the be all and end all of the Christian life; the Christian life is about learning more about Jesus in order to renew our minds and see transformation in our lives.
I want to change and become more like Jesus, what about you?
Speak this out today…..”Thank you Lord that I can renew my mind through your Word and see transformation in my life”.
Matthew 4 v 19…..And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men
John 21 v 19…..This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me
Heilan Word Ministries 