Day after Easter

Once again Peter becomes our object lesson of what NOT to do.  After his denials and brief stint as a plastic surgeon (remember the ear episode in the garden) he has been reinstated by Jesus.  Three times the Lord asks him about his committment and three times he claims his devotion.  The graciousness of Jesus to allow him 3 times to re-commit is not missed since it was 3 times that he denied Him.  So you would think that Peter would be ready to move on with the single-minded focus of the forgiven.  Especially since Jesus had given him some very specific insights into the future,

¹⁸ I tell you the truth, 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. ¹⁹ Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

But, as is his style he begins to worry about other people.  His rivalry with John is seen in his question to Jesus as to what is to happen to John.  Jesus sets for him a principle that would behoove us all on this day after Easter when He said, “you don’t worry about him, you follow Me!”  In the simplicity of Easter morning our hearts long to walk with the Lord in response to His great sacrifice for us and His conquering of our foes (our sin and the grave).  On Monday morning (the day after) we need to make sure we don’t forget our simple need to follow Him.