Devotional by Jason Ostrander
If we read through all of the different accounts of Jesus’ life as he was recruiting his disciples, we’ll find that there wasn’t any magic potion in the process except for two little words that he used over and over again: “follow me.” As a result of that clear and simple calling, Jesus worked in and through the lives of his disciples. It was an extraordinary calling that carried on from the first time they met Jesus straight on through to their work with the first-century church.
Even though the call of Jesus is simple and often repeated, it can be difficult for us to stay committed to it.
Take, for example, the highly provocative Matthew 16 passage where Jesus says the following to Peter, “Get behind me Satan!” I call this provocative because even in my most passionate moments, I couldn’t imagine saying this to someone. The face value of this statement seems harsh, but when you explore it a little more, Jesus is helping to remind Peter of his original calling.
“Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him.” Matthew 16:22
Probably not the best idea to rebuke Jesus, but in Peter’s defense he didn’t want Jesus to go anywhere. He loved him, and if he could do anything to stop him from being killed, he would. Yet in spite of Peter’s courageous move, Jesus pulled no punches in reminding Peter that “leading Jesus” was exactly the same thing that Satan had in mind while he was tempting him in Matthew 4.
Jesus is not a follower. He doesn’t want to be consulted or attended to…he wants to lead. Jesus’ interaction with Peter is a healthy reminder for our lives and our ministries that we must work hard to stay true to our clear and simple calling.
“Follow me.” –Jesus
- Post by Jason Ostrander
