Plot Twist

After this [Jesus] said to [Simon Peter], “Follow me!” – John 21:19b (NRSV) 

The calling of the disciples varies somewhat from Gospel to Gospel, but basically Jesus shows up and says, “Follow me.” Without hesitation, they do! They drop whatever their work was before and take up the only work that suddenly seems to matter: the work of following this shiny new messiah. 

But that was like, so twenty chapters ago. Jesus and Peter have been through some stuff since then. It’s been healing and laughter over here, and teaching and tears over there, and betrayal and new life everywhere you look.  

Finally, here at the end of the party known as following Jesus, Peter does what we all do after a celebration season. He squares his shoulders and goes back to work.  

But, wait, plot twist! Jesus is here after all! He’s no longer the shiny new savior he once was, but he must be the same old Jesus, because he’s saying the same old thing: “Follow me.” 

Well, here we are. It’s the day after the day after the Big Day. Time to square our shoulders and get back to the life and work we knew before the Incarnate One burst irresistibly onto the scene. Or is it?  

Because—spoiler alert—here’s Jesus, holding out a warm and real hand and saying it again. And still. And always. “Follow me.” 

Prayer
Brother Jesus, call us. And then give us the will and the courage to follow. Amen.

About the Author
Rev. Jennifer Garrison (formerly Brownell) is a writer, spiritual director and pastor living in the Pacific Northwest. Her published work most recently appeared in the book The Words of Her Mouth: Psalms for the Struggle, available from The Pilgrim Press.