Jesus calls us “to follow me”…
Jesus here after being tempted by Satan begins his public ministry and calls Simon and Andrew and later James and John with the words “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.”
What does it mean to follow Jesus? Is it follow like a guide on path or in a museum? Or is it a walk along side and be pals on the journey. One of my favorite blessings is “As you go forth from this place remember that Jesus goes before you to lead the way, Over you to shelter you, behind you to protect you, and beside you to guide you on your journey.” Is this how we think about our walk with Jesus, as two pals going out for a stroll?
Is that what is means to follow Jesus? I always am interested by this passage, because the words used here by Jesus in the original Greek language are use a little later in the Gospel of Mark, in chapter 8…
Mark 8:33 says “But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peterand said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”” The words Jesus uses for Follow me, are the same words he says to Peter, Get Behind Me…
Jesus tells the disciples to get behind him, just as he tells us to get behind him. There is a proper place for us and it is not along side of Jesus, but behind him!
So as we walk these days of Lent and draw closer to God, remember that Jesus wants followers, not advisers. So give up your life to Jesus and do not tell him what you want, but cheerfully take what it is he wants to give you.
aSacredRebel 