Disciple
The best 2 words you will ever understand are these in verse 19 of John 21.
‘Follow me’.
Here is the grace of God. 3 years previously Jesus had used the exact words.
But a lot has happened in 3 years. Highs and lows. Successes and failures.
At the time of Christ gifted students of the day would approach a rabbi and ask “May I follow you?” The rabbi either accepted the student or sent him away to pursue a trade. If he was accepted, it meant the rabbi believed the student had the ability and commitment to become like him.
But Jesus, He chose his followers. He approached them. People who had adopted a trade either because they had been turned down by a rabbi or that they hadn’t even bothered asking because they knew they weren’t good enough. The decision to follow a rabbi meant total commitment.
Three years later and after Peters denial, he is now reinstated and once again it is Jesus who initiates with the statement ‘follow me’.
Jesus is saying “I believe in you. I believe you can become like me. I believe you can be committed to me.”
When you decided to become a Christian it was on the basis of His love and His approach to you. He chose you.
So today in work, in play, at home, in education, at leisure, wherever you are and whatever you are doing you can do it all as a disciple.
A disciple who is not one because of the choice you have made, the commitment you hold to. But rather a disciple because of His choice!
That’s a complete different understanding to some demonstrations of discipleship. But one that is amazingly and outrageously gracious!
Missions Paul 