You Follow Me!
an Exhortation on John 21:21-22
by Errol Klein
Intro: Do you know your mission for the kingdom? It’s no coincidence you’re here in this particular place, surrounded by these specific people. Do you know your purpose, God’s plan for your life? And if you do know it, are you walking in it? Are you living it out to the best of your ability? Or are you looking for something better?
Text: Please turn with me to John chapter 21, verses 21-22:
In the verses leading up to our text, Jesus and Peter are walking down the beach in conversation while John is following close by. It is here that Jesus restores Peter and then lays out several missions He has for Peter’s life. Namely, to feed Jesus’ sheep, and later, to glorify God through his death. Let’s read how Peter responded.
Verses: “When Peter saw him (that is John), 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!’” Jesus had literally just finished giving Peter several assignments and already Peter wants to know how they measure up to those around him. “What about this man?” Peter asks Jesus. But isn’t this a common human tendency? Don’t we often ask God the same kind of questions? Why are you giving me this Lord? I’d much prefer what you’re doing in this-or-that one’s life.
Notice how Jesus responds to Peter’s question. He says, “What is that to you?” Other translations put it: “What difference does that make to you?” Or “What’s that got to do with you?” Or even, “That is none of your business.” Brothers, the purposes that God has for other men’s lives are none of our business.
We need to stop looking at what God is doing in the lives of those around us, comparing our gifts and talents, our blessings and purposes, and then complaining when we feel that God has left us wanting.
So, what should we be doing instead? Jesus tells Peter in three words: “You follow me.” Accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior – becoming a Christian – is an important first step. But after salvation, we don’t simply sit around saved.
Jesus says, “You follow me.” No one can follow Jesus for you. Discipleship is a decision that you must make and you must make it daily, hourly, moment by moment. When I was in County, a volunteer there told us his mother used to wake him each day with a little sing-song: (knock-knock-knock) “All to thee Lord Jesus.” Isn’t that a great way to start each morning, dedicating the day to Jesus, specifically at this time and in this place? There is a reason you are still alive. And there is a reason you are here today.
Maybe you do know your purpose and you’re walking in it. If that’s so, well done! I encourage you to press onward toward the prize.
Maybe you know your purposes, but you’re afraid of commitment, or what certain people might think, or failure. Maybe you’ve only got one foot in, in this Christian thing. You’re leaving a way out, you’re lukewarm. Maybe you’re just tired, or lazy. Or you repeatedly tell yourself the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Maybe you’ve been running from your mission, like Jonah. Brothers, we can’t say we’re following Jesus if we know what He wants us to do but refuse to do it.
And if you don’t yet know your specific, God-given purpose, I exhort you brothers, I implore you, take some time to figure it out. For this life – and the opportunities that go with it – are fleeting. So get to know your spiritual gifts, your talents, the abundant ways God has blessed you, and the desires He’s placed in your heart. Study your Bible for training in righteousness. Imitate the godly examples around you. Ask for spiritual eyes, and then look around – in the church, on the yard, amongst family and friends – for needs you can fill. Ask God. “How can I glorify You?”
Jesus says, “You follow me.” It must be Jesus we are following, and no one else. If you want to learn math, do you take surfing lessons? If you want to learn how to box, do you go to a music studio? In the same way, if you want to be Christ-like, can you learn it from the world? By reading worldly philosophies, for example, or listening to wordily music, or engaging in worldly relationships? Do not be deceived, brothers: Friendship with the world is enmity with God. Jesus has left us a wonderful example in the Bible of how we are to think and behave. Who better to learn from than the Master himself?
Jesus says, “You follow me.” It takes action to follow. In Luke, Jesus asks His supposed followers point-blank: “Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and not do what I tell you?” Discipleship is where we live out the plan that Jesus has for our lives. But we can’t say we are following Jesus if He is over there and we are over here. We must stay in step with Jesus. We are to be yoked with Jesus. When animals like oxen are yoked, they are neck and neck, walking side by side, the older, more experienced guiding and training the younger. Who better to be yoked with than Jesus, for His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
Brothers: there are important missions that God has for each and every Christian, like sharing the Gospel, and bearing good fruit. But then there are the specific plans He has just for you. Do you know what He wants you to do in your current circumstances?” Expect Him to answer. He will.
We are to be representatives of Christ here on earth, using all we are and everything we have to further His kingdom. So, let us ask ourselves before every action we take: “Am I following Jesus?”
Amen.
