What’s That to You? You Follow Me

   John 20:20-21 Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; the one who also had leaned back on His bosom at the supper and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” So Peter seeing him said to Jesus, “Lord, and what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!”

   When Peter asked Jesus about John, and Jesus replies, “What’s that to you, you follow Me,” we learn a very important principle in which to take to heart. Regardless of what others may or may not do, we need to keep our eyes on Jesus. No matter what happens in the world, we must continue to follow Him. And that states the obvious; but know also, there are consequences for shifting our gaze elsewhere.

Focusing On Others Has Caused People to Fall

   Church history has shown us some consequences of following people instead of Jesus. In some cases, people elevated those in the church they admired, and when their “heroes of the faith” fell, so did they. Prior to their fall, they entered into mentor-worship, and would go as far as to mimic them. Even to the point of dressing and talking like them. In essence, they identified more with them than with Jesus.

    Unfortunately, some of those heroes fell off their pedestals, and became stumbling blocks to their followers. Some incident or scandal revealed they were human after all. How many walked away from God as a result? Remember, Christians are still human, regardless of how prominent they appear.  

   For those who are leading others, remember your job is lead and connect them to Jesus; not yourself!

   When Paul wrote, “Be followers (or imitators) of me, just as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1), he wasn’t intending others to become his disciples; rather, his intent was they would follow Jesus Who lived in Him. Just as he also wrote, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children” (Ephesians 5:1).

   Some still put Paul on a pedestal, but remember, Holy Spirit is the Author. Paul merely penned what he was led to write. Yes, we do give honor where it is due: respect to our brother! However, our question should not be, what did Paul mean when he wrote such and such? The question should be, what did Holy Spirit mean by what was written?

Failing to Follow Jesus has Caused Division

   It’s easier to guard your heart from becoming critical of others by following Jesus. Conversely, one can become the biggest church-critic by following the flesh. Even perceptions can pose a threat to unity. When people or congregations fail to meet expectations, criticism will more than likely follow. There’s no such thing as a utopian church, and by the way, most have their own idea of Utopia. How many complaints have been leveled at various congregations? How many have murmured against a brother or sister for his or her misbehavior? Is that the way of Jesus?

   Should we not be more concerned about what Jesus thinks than our opinion of how things should be? What if our opinion doesn’t match His? For instance, if we see a brother acting poorly, wouldn’t it be better to ask Him how to handle the situation? At the very least, wouldn’t praying for him be preferred over criticizing or condemning him? What value is there in gossip? Quite often, we are unaware of what’s going on in another person’s life. For example, so called misbehavior may indicate someone is experiencing pain. As such, he’s acting out of that pain; he is not acting out of rebellion. Maybe he needs someone to come alongside him, and not have his situation broadcasted throughout the universe.   

Following Jesus Leads to Steadfastness and Unity

   Hebrews 12:1-3 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

   Jesus is more than aware of your circumstances, challenges and heartaches. He made provision for everything you face. He holds all wisdom, which means He can reveal to you the proper way of handling anything, while holding you steady in His arms. No matter what you experience from others, regardless what they do or fail to do, He is your Rock.

   Jude 1:21-25 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

   In order to maintain unity in the Body of Christ, we have to do things His way. If we neglect to follow Him, we will fail miserably. His way is rather simple in this regard.

   Ephesians 4:1-4 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

   Unity comes through submission to Holy Spirit and walking in His love.

   Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

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