Following Jesus begins with love.
This week, Pastor Jeff took us into John 21, where the risen Jesus meets Peter and the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. After a night of unsuccessful fishing, Jesus calls from the shore, fills their nets, and then welcomes them to breakfast. It is a warm, familiar moment that leads into one of the most personal conversations in John’s Gospel.
Three times Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?” And each time Peter says yes, Jesus calls him forward: “Feed my sheep. Follow me.” Love becomes the foundation for Peter’s calling. He is not asked to prove himself, perform perfectly, or compare his path with anyone else. He is simply invited to love Jesus and follow where He leads.
Pastor Jeff reminded us that this same call is for each of us. Following Jesus shapes both the big picture of our lives and the ordinary decisions of each day. It can be seen in our vocation, relationships, priorities, the way we treat people, and the way we choose to live according to His Kingdom.
Jesus has already demonstrated His love for us. Now He asks for our response: do you love me? If the answer is yes, then follow Him. In the big things and the small things, trusting that the Holy Spirit will give us everything we need for the journey ahead.
