Introduction:
1. The disciples were discouraged and disappointed even after Jesus’ resurrection
2. They returned to fishing
3. Then the risen Lord appeared before them
4. Commissioned them saying, “follow me…”
5. He is the Lord of Easter
6. This Easter His commission for the church is that we follow him
7. How do we follow the Lord of Easter?
Jesus said, Follow Me…
Read: John 21.15-22
1. Supreme love for Christ, v. 15-17
a. Peter, do you love me more than these?
I. More than… others who also loved Jesus
II. Peter once declared that he would never deny the Lord, (Mark 14:27-31
III. After denying the Lord, Peter is not so quick to declare superior commitment
IV. Those who love Christ genuinely don’t boast nor compare with others
b. More than… you love these men?
I. Jesus is asking Peter whether he wants to be the leader among others or Jesus’ servant?
II. Disciples were used to bickering over positions constantly
III. Jesus taught that His disciples must “hate” (by comparison) father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters (Luke 14:26)
IV. Commitment to Christ is more important than man’s approval
c. More than… you love these things?
I. Security of earthly possessions
II. You don’t have to have money to love it!
III. Must be willing to leave “comfort zones” of life, and love Christ supremely in every area
2. Carrying the cross willfully, v. 18-19
A. Juses’ prophesy: Martyrdom of Peter
B. Cross the most shameful form of execution
C. Choosing the crucified life is volitional
D. “Now, in fact, all of who want to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12
E. Shouldn’t be surprising (1 Peter 4:12-13
3. Unconditional obedience, v. 20-22
A. God’s will: always in agreement with the word and Holy Spirit
B. Calling Abraham to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22)
I. God’s plan did not allow for human sacrifice
II. Abraham believed even if Isaac dies, God will raise him from death because Isaac was the promised son,(Hebrews 11:17-19)
III. Abraham proved that he loved God more than the blessing
C. A positive attitude towards God’s will
I. Jona obeyed but did not agree with God’s decision to spare Nineveh,(Jonah 4)
II. Peter had to adjust his thinking concerning ministry to Gentiles,(Acts 10)
III. Paul found his greatest delight in following Christ at any cost,(Philippians 3)
D. His way is the best, (James 1:17)
I. Perfect (Psalm 18:30)
II. Beyond human comprehension,(Isaiah 55:8-9, Romans 11:33)
III. Trustworthy (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Wrapping it up…
A. Reserve your supreme love for Christ
I. Love Him more than everyone else that loves Him also
II. Love Him more than you love your family, friends, etc.
III. Love him over your titles, positions, and material possessions
B. Carry your own Cross
I. Faithfulness to faith means how you perform under pressure
II. Deny your self-ego: I, Me, Mine, Myself
III. Be willing to be embarrassed for the sake of Christ?
IV. Crucified lifestyle: For the true disciple, death is again but to live is for Christ (Philippians 1:21)
C. Unconditional obedience
I. Obey your leaders (spiritual and secular) in the Lord
II. Wicked men obey out of fear; good men, out of love – Aristotle
III Nobody can display perfect obedience to God in his/her own strength
IV. Peter tried on his own only to fail
V. That’s why we must depend on God’s grace
Conclusion…
A. This Easter lets remember that what matters is not the Easter itself, but the person behind it
B. God is calling us to follow our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ wholeheartedly
C. Would you like to invite Jesus to be the Lord of your life and savior of your soul if you haven’t done it yet?