Whenever I read John 21:15-19, which is only a few verses from the end of the Gospel, I am drawn to reflect on Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his book “The Cost of Discipleship.”   In this text, he powerfully presents the argument dealing with being a faithful Christian in difficult times.  He came to understand this cost during World War II and, ultimately, he needed to surrender his life to his beliefs.

Jn 21:15-19 might be entitled: “The Cost of Discipleship.”  In this post-Resurrection story, Jesus offers to the apostles the culmination of his teaching about the meaning of discipleship.  The story is familiar and should challenge us.  It concludes with the simple invitation of Jesus to Peter“follow me”—the call of discipleship.  Once again, Peter stands-in for us.  He takes the role which should be played by each of us in our relationship with the Lord.  Three elements lead up to the dramatic invitation of Jesus.  Each of them is important for the one who wants to be a true follower of Jesus.

First, we hear the question which Jesus asks Peter (and us) three times:  Do you love me?  It seems like a simple question, and perhaps it is when we are only asked once and when we do not think a lot about it.  But the Lord asks Peter this same question three times.  We need to ponder carefully and respond seriously to this question each time that we hear it.

Secondly, Peter is told that the love which he has for the Lord must lead to service.  Each time Peter responds positively to the Lord’s question, he is told to “feed my lambs/my sheep.”  Love of the Lord must lead to the care of God’s people.  One is empty without the other; as one grows, so does the other.

Finally, Peter is told that his love and service will ultimately lead to his death.  Being faithful to the Lord requires the ultimate commitment and willingness to sacrifice.

Thus, three elements are highlighted as the cost of discipleship: love, service and sacrifice.  Only when a person willing places all three on the line can he/she hear the invitation of Jesus to “follow me.”  True discipleship places demands upon a person. The cost is measured: by one’s heart in true love of the Lord; by one’s actions as one serves one’s brothers and sisters on behalf of the Lord; and by one’s life as one surrenders oneself willingly and completely to walking after the Lord.  When our discipleship lacks one of these elements, it comes too easily.  Bonhoeffer calls seeking entrance without paying the cost “cheap grace.”

In our Gospel, we place ourselves with Peter to hear the call to discipleship.  We want to heed the summons and its demands as well.  We pray for the grace to be able and eager to respond with a willingness to pay the price.  When the Lord invites “Follow me,” we want to rise and do so willingly in love, in service, and in sacrifice.