When Jesus said to Peter, “Follow me” in John 21:19, He was calling Peter to another location (cf. v. 20). Later, however, Peter gave the same command a spiritual significance. “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21). Then consider the command of Jesus to “follow me” and its implications.
When we follow Jesus, we will stand not in idleness. Steps, forward steps, must be taken, steps in the direction of the Leader. A follower of Christ is an aggressive person. Moreover, we will turn not aside into worldliness. “No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him” (2 Timothy 2:4). And, we will lag not behind in fear. There is danger in lukewarmness. When Peter “was following at a distance” (Luke 22:54), he was severely tempted, and he fell. Safety is in nearness. When we follow Jesus, we will go not before Him in presumption. A follower must not attempt to precede his leader. Then we should do nothing as worship or service without a precept or example from our Leader, Jesus (cf. 2 John 9). Finally, following Christ, we will depart not from Him in unbelief. Let us continue to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
Follow Jesus. Be active. Be aggressive. Move ever forward and never backward, to the right nor to the left.
–Andy