The Call to Follow Jesus

May 27, Saturday of the 7th Week of Easter
Daily Readings: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31; Gospel: John 21: 20-25

As we turn our attention to John 21:20–25, we find the apostle Peter asking Jesus about the future of the disciple John. In response, Jesus redirects Peter's focus to his calling to follow Him. In this passage, we are reminded of the importance of following Jesus and the cost that comes with it.

Verse 20 begins with Peter turning and seeing the disciple John following Jesus. Peter asks Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus responds, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!" Here, Jesus is telling Peter not to worry about the future of others but to focus on his calling to follow Jesus.

In verse 22, Jesus says, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?" Jesus reminds us that our calling to follow Him does not depend on anyone else's journey. We are each called to follow Jesus uniquely, and we should not compare our journey with anyone else's.

Following Jesus comes with a cost. In verse 18, Jesus tells Peter, “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress 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.” Jesus tells Peter that he will face persecution and possibly death for following Him.

In verse 19, Jesus tells Peter, “Follow me.” By following Jesus, Peter will have eternal life and become more like Christ. However, the benefits of following Jesus far outweigh the costs.

As we reflect on John 21:20–25, we are reminded of the importance of following Jesus and the cost that comes with it. Following Jesus comes with a price, but the benefits are eternal life and becoming more like Christ.

Let us be faithful in our calling to follow Jesus, regardless of the cost.