Do we just want to be with Jesus with no strings attached? Or are we like the crowds, standing on the outside looking in, waiting to see what Jesus is going to give them.

And then Jesus concentrated on the twelve me who were closest to him and “taught them…” Always the Teacher. The Teacher who loves and cares for those He has created.

Imagine what happened with Peter:
He left his boat on the shore to follow Jesus.
He left his livelihood on the shore to follow Jesus.
He left his life on the shore to follow Jesus.
What did he gain? Everything

“…the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.”

We have the same tools as Jesus had at our disposal. We have the Word of God and we have the Spirit of God.