John 21:18-19, Follow Me

18  “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself 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.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

Now that Peter has been reinstated by Jesus and accepted his call to feed and tend to his sheep, he is immediately confronted with the cost of following Jesus. Peter will be crucified himself. That is what Jesus means when he says, “When you are old, you will stretch out your hands and will be carried to where you do not want to go.” Peter will not die young, but he will not die of old age either.

The road of discipleship is the road of the cross. Jesus never says his followers will have easy, wonderful lives. Instead, they will be hated, martyred, and die because of Jesus. Yet they will also have Jesus with them every step of the way, and he will be awaiting them because he has prepared a place for them. Plus they must not forget that crucifixion leads to resurrection. All that his disciples do and all that they suffer will bring glory to God.

Father God, help me to bring you glory today, even if I have to suffer. Amen.