The Samaritan village was coming to hear Jesus and accept him; the royal official's son was being healed; the lame man was being healed at the Pool of Bethesda; the feeding of the five thousand was a spectacular display of Jesus' power. It was an exciting time to follow Jesus! But what about the cross? What if Jesus' ministry isn't all about miracles and healings? What if Jesus' way includes suffering, pain, and sacrifice? What would you do then? For many disciples, this is where they abandoned Jesus: "After this, many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him." But for Peter, following Jesus was worth it because he had the words of eternal life and was the Holy One of God.

Accepting responsibility is a core part of what it means to be a mother. The privilege and the beauty of the relationship of mother and child are unlocked because of the nature of the responsibility, loyalty, allegiance, and faithfulness that exists at the core of this relationship. Likewise, accepting responsibility as a disciple of Jesus is what unlocks our ability to truly enjoy newness of life in Christ. For Peter and the disciples, their life in Christ was worth every suffering that may come with being a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. Is following Jesus difficult at times? Yes. Will there be a cost to following him faithfully? Absolutely. Is it worth it? Without question.