Introduction The disciples were discouraged and disappointed even after Jesus’ resurrection They returned to fishing Then the risen Lord appeared before them Commissioned them saying, “follow me…” He is the Lord of Easter This Easter His commission for the church is that we follow Him How do we follow the Lord of Easter?

1. Supreme love for Christ, v. 15-17 Peter, do you love me more than these? More than… others who also loved Jesus Peter once declared that he would never deny the Lord, (Mark 14:27-31) After denying the Lord, Peter is not so quick to declare superior commitment Those who love Christ genuinely don’t boast nor compare with others

Supreme love for Christ, Contd… B. More than… you love these men? Jesus is asking Peter whether he wants to be the leader among others or Jesus’ servant? Disciples were used to bicker over positions constantly Jesus taught that His disciples must “hate” (by comparison) father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters (Luke 14:26) Commitment to Christ is more important than man’s approval

Supreme love for Christ, Contd… C. More than… you love these things? Security of earthly possessions You don’t have to have money to love it! Must be willing to leave “comfort zones” of life, and love Christ supremely in every area

2. Carrying the cross willfully, v. 18-19 Jesus’ prophesy: Martyrdom of Peter Cross the most shameful form of execution Choosing of the crucified life is volitional “Now in fact all who want to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12) Shouldn’t be surprising, (1 Peter 4:12-13)

3. Unconditional obedience, v. 20-22 God’s will: always in agreement with the word and the Holy Spirit Calling Abraham to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22) God’s plan did not allow for human sacrifice Abraham believed even if Isaac dies, God will raise him from the death because Isaac was the promised son, (Hebrews 11:17-19) Abraham proved that he loved God more than the blessing

Unconditional obedience, Contd… C. A positive attitude towards God’s will Jonah obeyed but did not agree with God’s decision to spare Nineveh, (Jonah 4) Peter had to adjust his thinking concerning ministry to Gentiles, (Acts 10) Paul found his greatest delight in following Christ at any cost, (Philippians 3)

Unconditional obedience, Contd… D. His way is the best, (James 1:17) Perfect (Psalm 18:30) Beyond human comprehension, (Isaiah 55:8-9, Romans 11:33) Trustworthy (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Wrapping it up… Reserve your supreme love for Christ I. Love Him more than every one 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

Wrapping it up… B. Carry your own cross Faithfulness to faith means how you perform under pressure Deny your self ego: I, Me, Mine, My self Be willing to be embarrassed for the sake of Christ? Crucified life style: For the true disciple, death is a gain but to live is for Christ (Philippians 1:21)

Wrapping it up… C. Unconditional obedience Obey your leaders (spiritual and secular) in the Lord Wicked men obey out of fear; good men, out of love – Aristotle No body can display perfect obedience to God in his/her own strength Peter tried on his own only to fail That’s why we must depend on God’s grace

Conclusion… 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 whole heartedly 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?