Peter was a natural leader, and the Lord Jesus had spoken to him with the object of gaining the full submission of his heart. Then He told him, “Follow Me.” To follow the Lord is more important than to take the lead. But Peter is evidently a little disturbed that the Lord has singled him out of all the disciples to speak to him in this way. Instead of showing a thoroughly submissive spirit, he turns to observe John, who already was following, and asks, “Lord, what about this man?” But Peter is not allowed to slip out of the spotlight in this way.

What a lesson for us all! The flesh in us will twist and turn in every direction to avoid directly facing personal responsibility, but the Lord’s work with us will lead to our honest and stern self-judgment. He firmly tells Peter, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.” Whatever is the Lord’s will for another should not in the least influence my thoughts in regard to His will for me. Whatever others may do, I am simply and completely to follow the Lord. “You follow Me” are His words to each of us individually.

Our most effective way of leading others aright is that we ourselves follow the Lord wholeheartedly, without becoming experts on what others should do!

How precious is that fruit that glorifies the Lord,

Which springs from hearts made pure by His pure Word;

That Word the seed that enters in by faith and grows

And fills the hearts so that its fullness shows,

In fruitful loving actions, trust and faithfulness,

That we are Christ’s and His blest name confess.