How often do you have to be reminded of your calling? How many times do you have to be told what to do before you do it? 

Here on this same lake three years before while Peter and his brother Andrew were fishing, Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me,” (Matthew 4:18-20). 

Here on the other side of the resurrection and Peter’s desertion, Jesus has several instructions for Old Saint Pete. 

• He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish, (verse 6).
• Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught,” (verse 10).
• Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast,” (verse 12).
• When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs,” (verse 15).
• Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep,” (verse 16).
• The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep,” (verse 17).
• Then he said to him, “Follow me!” (verse 19).
• Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me,” (verse 22). 

A couple of notes are in order.

1. Jesus is a better fisherman than Peter.
2. Where Jesus guides, he provides.
3. Jesus provides what we need when we need it.
4. Jesus restores rebels and deserters.
5. Jesus reminds us of what is most important.
6. Jesus keeps us focused on our responsibilities and not the responsibilities of others. 

Which one of these observations is most important to you today? What will you do in response to this reminder?

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I will follow Jesus wherever he leads.

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