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Meditation

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Reader,

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The lines we are copying out today show the conclusion of the conversation between Jesus and Peter, as Peter is commanded to "follow me" twice.

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Peter has been restored but still needs to be exhorted to stay on track repeatedly...and there is only one track. Following Jesus.

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The words "You must follow me" are Jesus' last recorded words in John's Gospel and are a call on Peter's life...and ours.

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Today's text is John 21:17b–22.

Jesus Reinstates Peter

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep."

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18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”

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19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

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20 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) 21 When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”

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22 Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”

Encouragement

There is an interesting tension between Peter being reminded that when he was young, he wandered where he wanted (likely blindly), and towards the end of his life, he will be led against his will but for now he must clear-sightedly follow Jesus.

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Only in following Jesus does he (and we) truly live in the light.

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Andy

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God's Word In Your Hand