Jewels From JohnSample

No Turning Back 

“Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing.” John 21:2-3 (NKJV)

The trial, crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus was probably one of the most traumatic times for the disciples of Jesus and also for all those who loved Him and followed Him closely. After having given up their all, having had Jesus their Master live with them, teach them, provide for them, protect them, pray for them, and love them for three and half years, the absence of Jesus’ physical presence must have certainly devastated the disciples.

Even though Jesus predicted His death, burial and His rising from the dead on the third day, to His disciples, when all of this actually happened, they were unable to comprehend the full meaning of all that transpired in that period. In spite of the fact that some of them were eyewitnesses of the empty tomb, the risen Christ Himself appeared to them encouraging them with His peace, and breathed on them the Holy Spirit, (John 20:19-23) there was still a sense of insecurity and aloneness that prompted Peter (who was accompanied by six other disciples), to go back to what he did before he met Jesus.

Have we, at times, found ourselves in a similar place the disciples were? After having embarked on this journey of following Jesus, walking closely with Him, loving Him, and serving Him, it is possible that we, too, when faced with discouragements and hardships, may be tempted to give up. Let’s never lose heart, because the risen Lord is with us and His promise to us in Matthew 28:20, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age,” still stands sure.

 For those of us who have decided to follow Jesus, may we press on and never give up. May Jesus' words to the one who made excuses to follow Him serve as a caution. “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62 (NKJV)