Are You Following Jesus Today?

N.T.#768 "Are You Following Jesus Today?"

April 3, 2026 

John 13-Part 10

LET IT GLOW 

Others will know we are followers of Jesus when we love one another. How are we showing others that we love them and Jesus?

What conversation went on between Jesus and Peter, in verses 36-38?

• Jesus told His guys where He was going they could not come. 
• Then Peter asked where Jesus was going.
•  Jesus answered Peter, "Where I go, you cannot follow Me now; but you shall follow later. "
• Peter asked the Lord why he could not follow Him right then. Peter said he was ready to lay down his life for Jesus' sake.
• Jesus answered, "Will you lay down your life for Me? Truly, truly, I say to you, a cock shall not crow, until you deny Me three times."

Peter was confident that he was ready to follow Jesus. However, Jesus knew what was going to happen-Peter was going to deny Him 3 times before the rooster crowed. It was as if Jesus poured cold water on this fiery disciple. Jesus wanted Peter to put his pride to death. He was talking a good game, but he wouldn't be able to back it up with action. (18:15-18, 25-27) (Tony Evans)

Are we playing a game at being a Christian? Are we an actor in a play, playing the good guy? Or does Jesus truly have our heart, our life, our soul? Jesus knows all and sees into our heart.

LET IT GROW 

Three years earlier it had been easy for Peter to follow Jesus. He was fascinated with Jesus and didn't need the Holy Spirit to help him do it. Then Peter came to the place where he denied Jesus, and his heart broke. Then, he received the Holy Spirit, and Jesus gave Peter another chance to follow Him faithfully. This follow went from an external following to an internal martyrdom. (John 21:18) Peter died stretched out on a cross upside down.

Peter preached a fantastic sermon on the Day of Pentecost when 3,000 got saved. Jesus forgave Peter of his denial, loved him, and used him in a mighty way to bring others to believe in Jesus. This is my prayer for all who read this blog.

Friend, have you admitted your sins to Jesus, believed Jesus is the Son of God, died on the cross your place, arose from the dead, sits at the right hand of the Father God? Have you asked Jesus to be your Savior and Lord of your life?

Too often we're exactly like Peter. In our minds we envision ourselves as better disciples than we actually are. Pride will cause us to think too highly of ourselves and then fall flat on our faces.

But Jesus...

He loves us, forgives us, cleanses our heart from sins, dusts us off, and uses us again for His glory.

LET IT GO 

of pride, ego, hurts, unforgiveness.

Deny thyself, take up thy cross, and follow Jesus. (Matt. 16:24)

Then you will be living the happy life with purpose-serving God and others.