What Discipleship Entails

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!” ~ John 21:15-19

This passage has always shown to me God's (vis-à-vis Jesus) infinite capacity to forgive us, regardless of how often we let Him down.  There is no finite number of times for us to fail; as often as we fall down, God will lift us up.  It also serves as a stark reminder that being a Christian, and serving God in that role, ain’t easy!  Jesus does not say, “Follow me and you will be on Easy Street!”.  In fact, just the opposite; following him will not guarantee a life of ease and simplicity.  

But…

There is the promise of an eternity of living in Love and Peace.  We need to keep that Promise in our minds and hearts as we move through our days of toil and occasional (or frequent!) aggravation.  

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Have a wonderful day!

Love     אנגלית     الإنجليزية

Take care of     דואג ל     اعتني ب