Although I consider this an Easter-themed post, I’m going to focus on a conversation Jesus had after He died and rose again. His disciples encountered Him at the Sea of Tiberias, and He performed a miracle, providing an abundant catch of fish for them. After Jesus ate breakfast with them, He had a conversation with Peter—a conversation from which we can glean a very important lesson as we prepare for Easter.
Getting Distracted
“Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.” Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” (John 21:18-22 ESV)
Technically, this is the second part of Jesus and Peter’s conversation. (You can read the first part in John 21:15-17.) During this conversation, Peter got distracted—which may not surprise you when you consider other events in the gospels. As soon as Jesus predicted Peter’s future decline and death, Peter shifted his focus to John. Peter didn’t press for more details about Jesus’ prediction; rather, he pressed for details about another disciple.
I can imagine this thought popping into his head: Ummmmm, that’s enough about me for now. What about John though? Let’s talk about him.
But I love the way Jesus responded to Peter: “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” (John 21:22 ESV).
Refocusing on Jesus
Peter had lost sight of the Savior before. Remember when Jesus told Peter to walk toward Him on the water and he started sinking as soon as he panicked about the storm? Remember when Peter denied Jesus—three different times—by claiming that he didn’t follow Him?
I don’t want to beat up on Peter. Yes, he gave in to temptation. But deep down, he was committed to following Jesus. I commend his boldness and obedience.
Still, I don’t want to miss the significance of the question Peter asked Jesus at the seashore. Honestly, I think we sometimes ask God similar questions, especially when we’re worried about the future. I know it can seem like a scary place. After all, Jesus promised that His disciples would experience tribulation (John 16:33). But He asked them to follow Him despite pain and suffering.
Instead of focusing on what God has in store for other believers, focus on what He has in store for you. More importantly, focus on following Him no matter what. Jesus is worthy of your obedience. He sacrificed His life for yours. And when He died on the cross and rose from the dead, He overcame every evil thing in this world.
Let’s keep Jesus’ power and presence in mind as we move ahead to Easter, friends. Take heart and follow Him!
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