I have been pondering what “follow me” means. I do best with pictures, so I picture trying to follow someone in my car or following my husband through a big crowd or perhaps following directions given by a friend.
First off, if I am following I most likely don’t know the way myself. I am dependent on the other person to get me where I want to go.
Secondly, following requires focus. I cannot let my mind or eyes wander or I will be lost. I must be aware of my circumstances but I can’t be distracted by them.
Lastly, I need to stay close to whoever I am following. Too much distance between the leader and me allows others to budge in and block my view.
Jesus says, “Follow Me.”
To follow Him I must apply the same dependence, focus and closeness. He is leading; I must do my part to follow.
This verse in John 21 comes right after Jesus tells Peter what kind of death he is going to endure. That is like following Todd through a crowd of people knowing at the end I will end up in the back of a cop car. Why would Peter want to follow Jesus to that end? Because that was not his end! His hope was eternal.
Wow!
So “Follow Me” may not always be easy. It may not always be glamorous. Following Jesus may even bring bad days, but “Follow Me” doesn’t end there. “Follow Me” provides the comfort of Jesus never leaving me or forsaking me. He is with me. I can look forward to my Jesus welcoming me into eternity with wide open arms and that is where following Him will ultimately lead.