Following Jesus is not meant to be a distant relationship. It is an invitation to walk closely with Him, trust Him, and allow His presence to shape the way we live.

Let’s look at Luke 22 and the story of Peter’s denial. It is a powerful reminder of what can happen when we begin to follow Jesus from a distance, and why we are called to draw near to Him.

Peter Followed Jesus at a Distance

Luke 22:54 tells us that after Jesus was arrested, He was taken to the house of the high priest. Peter followed, but he followed at a distance.

Peter had been one of Jesus’ closest disciples. He had walked with Him, witnessed His miracles, and declared his loyalty to Him. Yet, when the pressure came, Peter found himself standing at a distance from Jesus.

Three times, Peter was asked if he was one of Jesus’ followers. Three times, he denied knowing Him.

Then something happened that changed everything.

“And immediately, while Peter was still speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter.”

Luke 22:60–61

Jesus looked at Peter, and Peter realized what he had done.

“He went outside and wept bitterly.”

Luke 22:62

Peter’s story is painful, but it also gives us an important warning. When we allow ourselves to drift away from Jesus, our faith can become vulnerable.

Don’t Follow Jesus at a Distance

One of Pastor Jim’s key reminders is simple:

“If you follow Jesus at a distance, you’ll deny Him.”

Peter’s experience challenges us to ask ourselves: Am I following Jesus closely, or have I allowed distance to grow between us?

Following Jesus closely does not mean that we will never struggle or fail. Peter failed, but Jesus did not give up on him. Instead, Peter’s story became part of his journey of restoration and transformation.

James gives us this encouragement:

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”

James 4:8

Drawing close to Jesus means making Him part of our everyday lives. It means seeking Him in prayer, learning from His Word, worshiping Him, and staying connected to other believers.

Four Ways to Draw Closer to Jesus

Growing closer to Jesus is not complicated, but it does require intentionality.

1. Spend Time in Prayer

Prayer is more than asking God for what we need. It is an opportunity to know Him, listen to Him, and bring our lives before Him.

Set aside time each day to talk with God. Even a few quiet moments can help us refocus our hearts on Him.

2. Read God’s Word

The Bible helps us understand who God is and how He wants us to live.

If you are not sure where to begin, start with a chapter a day. Ask God to help you understand what you are reading and show you how to apply it to your life.

3. Make Worship Part of Your Life

Worship is not limited to singing songs at church. We can worship God through prayer, gratitude, obedience, and the way we live each day.

Take time to slow down, thank God for who He is, and remember His goodness.

4. Stay Connected to Other Believers

We were not created to follow Jesus alone.

Church, small groups, Bible studies, and Christian friendships give us opportunities to encourage one another, grow in faith, and remain accountable.

When we stay connected to God’s people, we are reminded that we are part of something bigger than ourselves.

When We Walk Closely With Jesus, We Share His Message

Drawing close to Jesus does not stop with us. As our relationship with Him grows, His love should begin to overflow into the way we treat and serve others.

Pastor Jim puts it this way:

“Walk closely, delight in Him, declare the Gospel, and disciple others.”

Jesus calls His followers to share the Gospel and make disciples. When we truly understand His grace and what He has done for us, we have a story worth sharing.

How Can We Share the Gospel?

Sharing our faith does not always require a platform or a microphone. Often, it begins with simple, everyday opportunities.

Tell Your Story

Your testimony matters. Share what Jesus has done in your life and how He has changed you.

Live Out Your Faith

Our actions can open doors for conversations about Jesus. Show kindness, patience, forgiveness, humility, and love.

Invite Others

Invite someone to church, a Bible study, or another opportunity where they can hear about Jesus and connect with other believers.

Pray for Opportunities

Ask God to show you the people He has placed around you and give you opportunities to share His love and truth.

Draw Near and Go Tell

Peter’s story reminds us that distance from Jesus can leave us vulnerable. But it also reminds us that failure does not have to be the end of our story.

Jesus calls us to draw near.

As we spend time with Him, grow in His Word, pray, worship, and walk with other believers, our relationship with Him becomes stronger. And as we grow closer to Christ, we become more prepared to go and tell others about Him.

The Christian life is not simply about knowing about Jesus. It is about knowing Him, following Him closely, and helping others know Him too.

So today, ask yourself:

Am I following Jesus closely, or am I following Him from a distance?

If you have drifted, take a step toward Him today.

Draw near to Jesus. Delight in Him. Declare the Gospel. Make disciples.

Let’s go and tell the story of His glory.