What it takes to follow Jesus, what we need to hear God’s voice

By Dean Collins

Jesus reveals some things we would rather not see. When that happens, we may pull one of several avoidance strategies. Like a child, we might try simply to ignore or block out the voices calling out to us. Good parents know this tendency, so they keep calling until they have the child’s attention. Or they get closer or even stand between the child and the distraction demanding their attention. Pretending not to hear and understand eventually will catch up with the one who tries to ignore a request or directive.

A second avoidance approach involves arguing with the parent or authority figure. Every parent has seen this show from toddlers on up to teenagers. This approach might delay the inevitable, but it likely will not work in the long run. Good parents persist with the requests that are best for their children just as they continue to love them even when they protest, argue, and ignore.

Jesus spoke, and Peter argued

Peter tried option two when Jesus began to show his disciples he had to go to Jerusalem to complete his mission. Jesus didn’t hold back on the sequence of events when he explained that he would suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes. This suffering would include being killed. Jesus also said he would come back to life after his death, but in the moment, that was lost on Peter. When someone you know and love dies, it is helpful to know they will live again in Heaven, but it doesn’t stop us from hating their suffering and doing everything we can to prevent it.

Peter chose not to argue with Jesus in front of everyone. He took him aside. Maybe it was his love for Jesus that caused Peter to try and protect Jesus and to reason with him one-on-one. But just like a child or adolescent might think they know all the answers, Peter would have to learn he was wrong. Jesus told Peter he was a hindrance to him. And to finish the conversation, Jesus said, “Get behind me, Satan!” Ouch! The enemy of God will do anything to interrupt the purposes of God.

Jesus speaks, and we must focus

And then Jesus added, “For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” We might want to let that line stop us in our tracks. Following Jesus means our focus and energy must be on the things of God and not the things of men or the things of this world. This doesn’t mean we cannot enjoy the many things in life created for our pleasure and enjoyment. Scripture is filled with evidence that God loves us and gives us good gifts to enjoy each day. Food, rest, relationships, recreation, conversation, and beauty to name a few of God’s gifts.

Jesus would continue to teach Peter, the disciples, and us by reminding us that if we choose to follow him, then self-denial and even suffering come with our allegiance. We can no longer focus on saving ourselves but rather we choose to make sacrifices. In the end, living like Jesus results in having God’s favor, his provision, and a full and even abundant life.

Jesus sacrificed and set for us an example

Luke tells us that Jesus was committed to seeing life and his mission from God’s eyes. Luke’s phrase was, “He set his face to go to Jerusalem.” A face that is set is determined. Nothing could stop Jesus from fulfilling his purpose.

Isaiah might be helpful to us in understanding the love and focus of a servant. In Isaiah 50:7, the prophet describes the suffering servant as one who sets his face like flint and will not be put to shame. Even though going to Jerusalem would result in suffering that included harassment, being physically and verbally insulted, and even spat upon, Jesus was never ashamed before God. And the suffering of Jesus and our acceptance of his death on the cross for our sins means that we, too, will experience no shame before God. Men may interrupt or fight against us as we do the kingdom work we are called to do, but they cannot stop the purposes of God.

Men may fight against us, but they cannot stop the purposes of God.

Isaiah tells us what is needed in order to be able to set one’s face toward the things of God over the things of man: “Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught. The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I turned not backward.”

We know of many trips Jesus took to gardens, mountains, and desolate places in order to allow the Father to speak to him. It is hard to set your face toward the life God calls you to with just occasional time in prayer and in his Word. Morning by morning must be our plan and our posture before the Lord. It is in these times of quiet before God that he supplies us with knowledge, wisdom, and strength for the journey.

Following Jesus brings complete satisfaction, but the journey will have times of difficulty. We must choose to meet Jesus daily if we want to develop the courage to set our faces on the work he has given us.

Your time with God’s Word
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭16:21-25; Luke‬ ‭9:51; ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭50:4-7‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Photo by jonas mohamadi from Pexels

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