"Truly I tell you, when you were younger, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don't want to go."

He said this to indicate by what kind of death Peter would glorify God.

After saying this, he told him, "Follow me."

John 21:18-19 CSB

Do you love me?

Three times Jesus asked that question of Peter. 

Each time he gave him an instruction;

Feed my lambs

Shepherd my sheep

Feed my sheep

Then we get this chat about how Peter is likely going to die, without a choice. 

His last words for Peter recorded here are simply "Follow me", a repeat of his calling 3 years earlier.

Here it is Peter, here's the great adventure, I've given you the ending, and the most vague idea I can about what happens in between, feeding, shepherding, doing what I have taught you to do as your Rabbi, your teacher. 

Even though 2 weeks ago you vehemently denied even knowing me, I know you.

I believe in you.

I know you love me, so love my people as I do, and follow me.

Maybe that's what we need to hear today too:

Jesus says "I know you,

I believe in you,

I know you love me,

so love my people as I do,

and follow me"

#loveGod

#lovepeople

#followJesus

#sunday

#worship

#thisisourGodwhoknowsus