The Morning After – Following Jesus From the Edges.

FOLLOWING JESUS FROM THE EDGES

THE MORNING AFTER –

Pastor Calvin Cook

April 20, 2026

Scripture: John 21:17; 1 Peter 5:2

Yesterday in our preaching here on the ARCC we tried to take you to the shoreline to stand with Peter.  We heard the question: “Do you love me?” And we heard the calling: “Feed my sheep.”

Hopefully we contemplated the three times Jesus asked Peter “Do you love me?” in a very personal way. The hope and prayer is that those three times the question was asked did not stay in the moment but followed us into the day.  And the questions are still echoing in our minds and hearts. Of greater importance, how are you responding?

Peter had a powerful encounter with Jesus. A time of restoration, redemption, maybe a change in direction through clarity and calling.

But then… the next day came.

I’m thinking this morning what did Peter do the morning after?

John’s gospel is clear that once again Peter heard Jesus say follow me. It is also clear that John the Beloved followed as well.

Where they ready? Unsure? Confused? Were they questioning, can we really do this?

Now let’s quit thinking about Peter and John and think about ourselves a bit. What is Jesus calling you to? Certainly we should all be hearing the eternal call to follow Jesus without consideration of the cost. But unfortunately, after the fire fades on our shoreline of life, that is not always where we are. We slip back into comfort. Into what we think is best. Back to the conditions where we feel we are comfortable. Unfortunately, my friends that is not where we are being called in our relationship to be faithful followers, disciples of Jesus. The call Is not just a moment— it must become a lifestyle.

Jesus didn’t say: “Feed my sheep… once.” A way of living. A way of seeing people. A way of responding.

And Peter later writes in 1 Peter 5:2: “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care…”

Not someday. Not when it’s convenient. But right where you are.

Who Is In front of you today? We often think purpose is something big… A stage. A picture in the newspaper. Recognition. A sermon. A plan.

But Jesus defines purpose much simpler: Who is in front of you? The person who needs encouragement. The one who is struggling silently. The one who has drifted away. The one who doesn’t yet know Jesus

“Feed my sheep” means: Pay attention. Be present.

Respond with love. Respond with Jesus. Our purpose will become clear not in the big moments but will happen in a conversation, a prayer, a kind word, a moment of listening. It will happen when no one is watching, but Jesus sees it.

Remember we are sent in the name of Jesus into the world to share that hope that is only found in Jesus and that is even when we don’t think we are ready.  Peter didn’t think He was ready. And yet—Jesus still said: “Feed my sheep.”

You don’t have to have it all together to live out your purpose. You just have to be willing ! Remember what we are doing today is eternal.