An Enthusiastic Follower of Jesus

The Apostle Peter was an enthusiastic follower of Jesus. When many of the disciples turned their backs on JESUS, because they weren’t willing to pay the price of discipleship, the Lord asked his intimate group of followers if they too would leave.

The impulsive and enthusiastic Peter answered for them all.

 “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” John 6:68,69

“Lord, to whom shall we go?” There is no one like our precious Lord Jesus. What a privilege to know and serve Him!

Our relationship with God inspires enthusiasm. One meaning of the word is “to have God on the inside.” With God’s help we can emanate the fragrance of enthusiasm. After meeting Jesus, Andrew, Peter’s brother, runs with enthusiasm to tell the news, “We have found the Messiah!”

Let’s communicate this enthusiasm to our children and students. Let’s spread the spirit of sharing with family and friends the good news of the gospel.

Peter had some interesting experiences. Who else has walked on water? Who has retrieved from the mouth of a fish the money needed for taxes? The coin that Peter found in the fish’s mouth was exactly the amount that Jesus and Peter needed.

God knows our needs. Let’s trust Him for provision. Let’s inspire our students to follow Christ with enthusiasm, to be faithful to Him in all circumstances.

Two amazing miracles of fish-supply happened to Peter the fisherman. One, when Jesus called him to be a fisher of men (Luke 5:1-11). Second, when Jesus appeared on the beach after the resurrection and had breakfast ready for his friends (John 21:1-14).

On that occasion, Peter, who had denied his Master three times, had to declare three times his love. Jesus gave him a most precious commission, to feed his sheep and his lambs (vs. 15-19).

The Most Important Question

In this story, our little friend Albert, known as Salt, has been thinking about Fragrance and the words they have learned so far: Love, Kindness, Compassion, Generosity, Enthusiasm… When Salt wonders how he can practice that fragrance in his life, the thought occurs, “What would Jesus do?”

The verse for the week talks about doing and saying everything in the name of Jesus. It’s like asking, What would Jesus do? What would Jesus say?

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

The question of what Jesus would do has followed me since my teen years. In today’s story this question comes to life again.

In the previous story we talked about Peter’s enthusiasm. His enthusiasm made him promise Jesus that he would never leave Him, that he was willing to die for Him.

When the day came that Jesus was arrested, Peter followed Him from afar all the way to the courthouse of the high priest. That night, warming himself by the fire in the courtyard, Peter three times denied knowing Jesus. And then the rooster crowed.

From where he was in courtyard, Jesus looked at Peter. It must have been a look of pure love, a look that totally overwhelmed Peter. He went outside and wept bitterly. Peter, who so enthusiastically promised to be faithful to Jesus, had failed him. That must have been his saddest day. But Christ Jesus loved him and forgave him.

God promises in his Word that although we are unfaithful, He remains faithful. And he always keeps his promises. Praise his name!

Welcome to read the Treasure Club stories 41 & 42.