Then he said to him, “Follow me!” – Jn. 21:19

It was a cold and breezy morning on the shores of the Sea of Galilee (Jn. 21:1-23). The resurrected Jesus appeared to seven of His disciples after a night of fruitless fishing. He dined with them over hot broiled fish and bread, after which Jesus reinstated Peter and gave him a peek into his future demise (9-18). What a time for a stroll in the morning breeze along the coastline, so Jesus said to Peter, “Follow me” (19).

A perfect time for intimate discipleship, but the news about his death had unsettled Peter. He could not focus on the personal talk with the Master. You likely know how some information has the power to upend your life. It becomes your preoccupation and overshadows everything around you.

After all that had happened in the past few days, one would think that Peter would focus on Christ alone, his charge to him, and the strength to obey His will. There were trials and strenuous days ahead, and he needed every word of instruction and power to stand against them. But sadly, Peter took his eyes from his Master and fixed them on John, who followed them.

Did Peter learn anything from stumbling during his sea walk with the Lord (Matthew 14:28-33)? The failures at Gethsemane and the courtyard of the high priest were too soon to forget, but obviously, he had.

Sadly, that’s human nature. Under different circumstances, we quickly forget the lessons of our past. Our tendency is towards self-gratification. Disturbing news clouds our minds. Instead of thinking critically about solutions and the best way forward, other people become our focus.

However, if we are to do God’s will, we must remember He does not hold us accountable for His will for other people. He controls our future, and that knowledge is privileged information. Absolute obedience to what He tells us should be our priority in discipleship.

Peter’s curiosity did not come out of a pure heart. It was a comparative interest born out of jealousy. Will John have it easier in death than him? But, as Jesus asked him,

“If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is it to you? You must follow me” (John 21:22). Now, that is true discipleship.

It is about focusing on what Christ has committed to us to do and being faithful to it. It is self-emptying and selfless devotion to our Lord (Phil. 2:5-8). The disciple has their heart set on heavenly things, and their minds absorbed in eternal considerations and have no time for other people’s business (Colossians 3:1-3) unless directed by the love of God. They stay disciplined, unyielding, and joyful in their walk to degrade it with jealous feelings. So, when Jesus said to Peter, “Follow me” (Jn. 21:19), that’s what He expected of Peter, and it is His expectation of us as well.