Follow Me - John 21 - Articles ‹ Country Club Road church of Christ

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Follow Me - John 21

Hugh DeLong
05/11/18 - DAILY COMMENTARY

Follow Me - John 21

Discipleship is an individual journey we take together. Jesus purposely and repeatedly revealed himself unto the disciples after His resurrection. Luke wrote "He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God (Acts 2:3). Such appearances turned their ‘belief’ into conviction. They KNEW He was raised from the dead. They KNEW that He was sending them forth with this message of salvation. They KNEW they were His disciples. Thus, the ‘belief of facts’ [believe THAT…] became TRUST IN Jesus, His teaching, His promises.

As Jesus met with them on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he ate with them, and then He has a direct conversation with Peter. He informs Peter of the uncomfortable and distasteful days that lay ahead for him. Discipleship often includes hardship! Then Jesus simply says: “Follow me.”

Wait! That’s not fair! Why ME! Why must I experience such events? Peter then, seeing John, asks “What about this man?”

Jesus gave a direct answer: “what is that to you?

In our service to God we are individuals. We each have our own road to travel and our own burdens to bear. God in His wisdom and mercy has provided that we make this journey with others who can encourage, comfort, and help us individually. Yet, with all the help and companionship, each of us in the end is required to be faithful to Jesus. We must EACH individually stand before the judgment seat of Christ. We must EACH individually give an account of our stewardship.

We may struggle while others are at ease. We may serve without recognition while others are lauded and esteemed among brethren. Through all of this we can individually hear Jesus saying to us “what is that to you? Follow ME”. The glory is the Lord’s. The service is unto the Lord. Regardless of what happens to others, I must follow Jesus.