John 21:20-24 - Peter Asks about John

John 21:20-24

20 Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; the one who also had leaned back on His bosom at the supper and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” 21 So Peter seeing him said to Jesus, “Lord, and what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!” 23 Therefore this saying went out among the brethren that that disciple would not die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but only, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?”

24 This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is true.

Message: Peter Asks about John

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)." 

What the Lord is Saying: In the last passage Peter's life is contrasted, from the beginning of his life when he is young and ambitious and has the world before his eyes, to the end of his life when Jesus foretold his death as a martyr. And also in speaking this he remarks about how there is a way of life that is outside of our control that we don't control. This is death but other things as well. There is a trust that occurs in life in outcomes. We can try to control things and do things to the best of our ability but at some point things are not in our control and will happen differently. 

We were with some friends the other night and talked to them about how they met. It was an interesting story and how the gal had seen a picture of the guy and he came for a visit and he thought that she was close friends with his brother and wife and the guy wasn't real impressed with the character of his brother's wife (they would later divorce). It wasn't until they had an argument that the gal revealed she doesn't really know his brother's wife. And this then made the guy see the gal in a whole new light. In way, God used an argument or some fighting to open the eyes of two people in a new way. 3 days later, spending time together, they left each other with a confidence and idea that they would always be together. 

There are some things in life we control and some things we don't control. What we control is how we live and respond to situations. It is important to be committed to God, to something outside of our marriage. And trust that God will always be working on our mate. It is important I think to always be in church together, in small group community, in finding ways to do things together - like riding bikes or working in the yard, or going to the gym or even watching TV. And praying. Not that we are perfect in those things always, but striving to do those things together. 

In this passage we have Peter being told to follow Jesus and now Jesus wonders what will happen to John. A comparison occurs by Peter. He has just found out his outcome and he immediately now wonders what will happen to John. His fate is known, but he now looks to his brother. That sibling rivalry which happened with Cain and Abel, which God addresses in his commandment of coveting. And now Peter brings it up. What about John? Peter has just found out about his life and he has been told he needs to simply Follow Jesus and trust Jesus and his first reaction is, "What about John?" 

Now John has started following Jesus and Peter. Jesus has been speaking to Peter, providing specific language to Peter about his life and beckoning Him to follow and John hears this and through the working of another person in His life, follows. John isn't told something directly but he still follows. 

However, maybe Peter had the best in mind for his brother and maybe he wants to make sure that John's future is also under God's control. It is interesting that in Peter referring to John he quotes from the last last supper time when John asked Jesus about Judas as Jesus predicted also the future of one who will betray. That is how Peter brings up John. 

And then Peter asks, "what about this man?” Interesting here. Peter wants to know his brother's outcome. His intention is not clear for asking this question - perhaps he is comparing and perhaps he is concerned about his brother. Jesus responds in verse 22 that his outcome or his future is really not a concern to Peter. We need to take care of ourselves and trust that God knows the best for others. Jesus reminds Peter of his calling to "Follow Me." 

In verse 24 is the reminder that the words spoken in this book are the words of John, the disciple immediately in question in previous verses by Peter. 

Summary: Peter asks about the outcome of John and Jesus assures him that his outcome is known and under His control and Peter needs to simply Follow Him. 

Promise: As we follow the Lord where He has placed us, He will bless us and give us the strength to remain true to Him. 

Prayer: Father, thank you for your great love. I follow You. I follow You Lord and thank you for blessing me with peace and life today. You are the great God. You are living in Me and I pray that I would honor You with my life and you would strengthen me always each day in my endeavors. Help me to not get off course, looking to my right or left but stay focused on You always. Thank you for the blessing of those around me, like my wife and giving me that great gift. Help us to be focused on one another and always committed to You. Be glorified in all we do and say. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 21:18-19 - Jesus Predicts Peter's Martyrdom

John 21:18-19

18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go.” 19 Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me!”

Message: Jesus Predicts Peter's Martyrdom

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)." 

What the Lord is Saying: In the previous lesson, I looked at the words from Jesus to question Peter and his commitment to the Lord and the challenge or call to tend His sheep, to care for those that have been called into the family of God. John is recording Jesus and his conversation with Peter. 

The Gospel of Matthew records 5 verses following Jesus' resurrection focusing on the Great Commission we take application to as well for us and all Christians - to go and make disciples. The Gospel of Mark is similar in it with the number of words, but adds a little more information. It also emphasizes preaching the gospel. And then after speaking to the disciples he leaves to heaven, ascending. The Gospel of Luke also says something similar, and it has a little more information. The word choices in Luke are a little different mentioning that "repentance for forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all nations." But the Gospel of John spends two chapters - John 20 and John 21 talking about his resurrection - speaking more of Jesus to the disciples, to a small group and to Peter more specifically - which I am studying right now. 

The words of Jesus here are I suppose somber. Jesus speaks words to Peter - proclaiming his life to him before his eyes - speaking a truth that when he was younger, he did as he wished but at some point someone else will make the decision on his end - meaning he will be martyred. In the meantime, "Follow me." As I recall, they are sitting by the fire that Jesus prepared to serve the fish that He provided through their catch. They are together again. This chapter 21 speaks much of Jesus' encounter with Peter. 

A few thoughts - Jesus speaks about Peter's youth. Alexander Maclaren mentions that in our youth there is a zeal for life and achievement and accomplishment. There is a hope and sometimes we do things also by not thinking twice, but simply going forward. There is a self-reliant confidence which is truly a blessing of early days. But Jesus then provides a sharp contrast from this to the end of life. The reality is there are stronger forces that determine a person's life that their own will and wish. A patience acceptance of the inevitable results, as in, "someone else will gird you." 

Maclaren says, So ‘when thou shalt be old’ your fancy will be gone, your physical strength will be gone, your freshness will be gone, your faculty of hoping will work feebly and have little to work on; on earth your sense of power will be humbled, and yet you will not want to be borne to the place whither you must be borne.

Life begins with a zeal and then in our lives we discover that we are not in control. And then Jesus reminds us of the full meaning of life, of the complete peace that we can have. "Follow me." It is what makes us complete and completely blessed. None of us will ever be solitary if stepping in Christ's footsteps. But we don't simply follow Him because He is a great example, a one-of-a-kind Companion, or the Commander of our life. I follow Him because He went to the cross for me, and all of my hope is in Him because of this. 

Summary: Jesus contrasts the life of Peter from his youthful days to the end of his life, whether he feels life to be certain or not, says that he should follow Him. 

Promise: From Maclaren, "if we follow Jesus, we shall put our hands quietly and trustfully into His, as a little child does into its mother’s soft, warm palm, and shall not ask whither He leads, assured that since it is He who leads we shall be led aright."

Prayer: Lord, thank you for followers of You that have preceded me and You have illuminated their words and given them understanding of You. I thank you for Alexander Maclaren and the way his words help give me understanding into Your truth. But thank you Jesus for speaking to Peter the way you have and giving me the opportunity to hear His words. You are over all of my life and I do follow You, finding true peace and amazement continually that you came to earth, and went to die for me. You bring me peace. Your my gravity. You are the air I breathe. Nothing can separate me from You. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 21:15-17 - Jesus Restores Peter

John 21:15-17

15 So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My lambs.” 16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Tend My sheep."

Message: Jesus Restores Peter

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)." 

What the Lord is Saying: As Jesus was being interrogated by Jewish and Romans officials prior to being crucified, Peter had an opportunity to show that He was a believer in Christ and yet in that instance denied Jesus three times. It was Peter that Jesus had proclaimed a prediction and plan to build his church - Matthew 16:18. Peter was involved in Jesus walking on the water. He had a boldness about him, but he also seems to have struggled in his complete devotion. Thomas was recorded earlier also about one that needed to see to believe. It is interesting in these few stories of Jesus following His resurrection that we see encounters with Jesus that were not always perfect encounters with perfect believers in Christ but those that experienced honest ideas and reflections. 

In this instance, after Peter dying Jesus three times, Jesus asks Peter three times to tend his sheep. A denial of Jesus does not disqualify one from ministry. Once Jesus has chosen someone that person is sealed. And that person will be a vessel God uses, despite the imperfections. This is a comfort to me. God uses all kinds of people and situations and all types of imperfections. Peter was teachable and one that wanted to be used and wanted to be a vessel. This is what is important. Not that he got all the answers to every question right every time. I really appreciate this. I think in the church and in many circles, some sort of perfection of understanding is expected of people. We are on a journey and trying to figure things out and it is harsh I think to have such high expectations, especially in our world that has so many different flavors. Even there are many different flavors of those that hold to this book, without adding additional texts. 

Thus, this passage speaks to Peter being restored. After denying Jesus 3 times, Jesus is asked three times whether he loved Jesus "more than these." Jesus is restored because his love is real. 

"Jesus gave Peter the duty of shepherding His people, of teaching them the truth that feeds their souls." In the previous encounter of Peter's denial, he denied being a follower of Jesus. Conversely, what restores him is not a direct question of following Jesus but rather obedience to Jesus. I am not simply one that follows God, but I show my true colors by being obedient to Him. 

Summary: After earlier Peter denying Jesus three times, to be restored to his place among the disciples, he confessed three times that he would care for Christ's followers. 

Promise: I am to feed people the Word of God. 

Prayer: O Lord, you are Savior and You are God. You are one I will follow, but also the One that I want to obey and do what you ask. There is fullness and completeness in this. I want to be a person that is a doer of the Word. Give me this strength each day. Thank you for bringing someone into my life that I can speak with. Give me opportunities to speak to others your truths. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 21:9-14 - Eating Breakfast with Jesus

John 21:9-14

9 So when they got out on the land, they saw a charcoal fire already laid and fish placed on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have now caught.” 11 Simon Peter went up and drew the net to land, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not torn.

12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples ventured to question Him, “Who are You?” knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and the fish likewise. 14 This is now the third time that Jesus was manifested to the disciples, after He was raised from the dead.

Message: Eating Breakfast with Jesus

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)." 

What the Lord is Saying: The disciples have left the boat after encountering Jesus. They were in the boat out at sea, and Peter jumped into the water after seeing Jesus. Not sure where Jesus was at exactly upon seeing him but the other disciples sailed back to shore. Arriving at the shore is now where verse 9 states they arrived to the land only to see a charcoal fire with fish and bread already there. I can imagine the scene - "Who left this?" or "Wow, someone is looking out for us." And yet in verse 10 Jesus is there and tells them to bring some of the fish they caught. Peter goes to get more fish at Jesus' request, and there is a lot - 153 fish to be exact and they go to have breakfast with Jesus. 

There is not much else to speak of regarding this passage. Tabletalk does reference other verses for further study:

Deuteronomy 6:13 - You shall fear only the Lord your God; and you shall worship Him and swear by His name. - God is it in our life. The only one. The only one to fear, to worship and uphold. 

Mark 9:2-8 - 6 days later, Jesus took Peter, James, John to a high mountain and was tranfigured before them; garments radiant and really white; Elijah appeared and Moses and spoke to Jesus. Peter said, "This is good here; I will be build 3 tabernacles for each of you, but then a cloud came and spoke, "This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!” All at once they looked around and saw no one with them anymore, except Jesus alone. -- Again, Jesus is it for us. Our authority. If God's word says only fear God and Jesus is the one we are to listen to then there must be a correlation between the two. 

Summary: The disciples arrive to the land and have fish and bread breakfast with Jesus, at his beckoning. 

Promise: Jesus is the incarnate Lord of glory whom we should fear in reverent awe. Let us worship Him this day. 

Prayer: You are God alone. You are one I fear. Give me a holy fear of You and reverence and esteem awe. Thank you for showing yourself to people Jesus and testifying of yourself following your resurrection. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 21:1-8 - The Disciples Go Fishing

John 21:1-8

1 After these things Jesus manifested Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and He manifested Himself in this way. 2 Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will also come with you.” They went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing.

4 But when the day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 So Jesus said to them, “Children, you do not have any fish, do you?” They answered Him, “No.” 6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch.” So they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish. 7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put his outer garment on (for he was stripped for work), and threw himself into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat, for they were not far from the land, but about one hundred yards away, dragging the net full of fish.

Message: The Disciples Go Fishing

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)." 

What the Lord is Saying: This is an interesting passage to me. It almost seems like after leaving the room where they had been hiding ("After these things..."), the disciples including Simon Peter start off on the trek to go fishing. Most recently, Jesus had visited with the disciples and seen him, Jesus shows himself to Thomas. And now the disciples are going fishing. It is almost as if life is back to normal. But they aren't having any luck catching and so Jesus directs them (though it isn't apparent that they are recognizing him from the telling of the passage), but after doing what Jesus has told them to do, suddenly they were able to haul in a great number of fish. It is at this time that Peter recognizes Jesus and proceeds to go to him. 

Verse 1 mentions that John has recorded that "Jesus manifested Himself again." Johann Albrecht Mengel (1687-1752) mentions, "More than eight days, as it seems, having intervened, for they had now no longer an expectation of another manifestation as verse 4 states, "the disciples did not know that it was Jesus" so they were not expecting to see Jesus again. 

It is also interesting in verse 2 as mentioned by Alexander Maclaren (1826-1910) that the disciples are together. That is, after the resurrection of Jesus and his appearance and then now some time or days since last being together, the disciples have not dispersed, but instead remain together. Sheep scatter, but these disciples remain together. Seven are mentioned here. 

And Simon Peter led them to go fishing, at night, which is the most opportune time to go fishing. They returned to their role where they had been at first. 

So in verse 4 is the disciples returning to their trade and Jesus is there. They don't realize it, but he is there - with them. This has been Jesus. He is with us. As we return to work, he is there. He mentions when He leaves at some point, the Holy Spirit is with us. God with us is the outcry to us. He is near. I think I can never lose sight of this reality that God is near, Jesus is near, the Holy Spirit is near. Despite the loneliness that I feel, see the promise that God is there. And Jesus understands out situation and understands our struggles. Jesus says to them, “Children, you do not have any fish, do you?” - He knows our situation and in this situation he speaks to them and speaks His provision and His solution. 

And like clockwork, once His presence and provision is seen, the disciples wake up to the realizing that He is present. The sad thing about our existence is this, that we need to see God provide before we acknowledge Him. John says to Peter, "It is the Lord." They recognize him and then life goes on. Peter is excited it is the Lord. The rest of the disciples gather the fish. 

Summary: The disciples go on with their lives having not seen Jesus for 7+ days, and fish, but struggle, then Jesus sees them and provides a large catch. And then the disciples recognize Him. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "Although Peter frequently talked and acted before he should have done so, surely his eagerness to be with Jesus serves as a model to us. We should likewise be eager to spend time with our Savior."

Prayer: O God, you are Savior and You are Lord. I praise you for your presence in my life and for being present with me always. You are there. You are right by my side. Help me to see this and know this, recognize this, believe this and like we said yesterday in our study about the sexual union of a husband and wife, help me to act in way that is glorifying to You always. I want to be excited to be near You God. I do love Your word and love conversations with people about You. Place more of these opportunities in my life - both online but also in real life. Help me to seek them out. Show them to me. Lord, be a light in my life and Lord, help me to be diligent always in my service to You.  

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

My Utmost for His Highest - October 1 - The Sphere of Exaltation

 Jesus leadeth them up into a high mountain apart by themselves. - Mark 9:2

     We have all had times on the mount, when we have seen things from God's standpoint and have wanted to stay there. The test of our spiritual life is the power to descend; if we have power to rise only, something is wrong. It is a great thing to be on the mount of God, but a man only gets there in order that afterwards he may get down among the devil-possessed and lift them up. We are not built for the mountains and the dawns and the aesthetic affinities, those are for moments of inspiration, that is all. We are built for the valley, for the ordinary stuff we are in, and that is where we have to prove our mettle. Spiritual selfishness always wants repeated moments on the mount. We feel we could talk with angels and live like angels, if only we could stay on the mount. The times of exaltation are exceptional, they have their meaning in our life with God, but we must beware lest our spiritual selfishness wants to make them the only time. 

     We are apt to think that everything that happens is to be turned into useful teaching, it is to be turned into something better than teaching, viz., into character. The mount is not meant to teach us anything, it is meant to make us something. There is a great snare in asking--What is the use of it? In spiritual matters we can never calculate on that line. The moments on the mountain tops are rare moments, and they are meant for something in God's purpose. 

-- Oswald Chambers (1874-1917)

 - From Oswald Chambers, "My Utmost for His Highest" - Classic Edition

Highlights and Underlines are courtesy of Mom from her print edition

John 20:30-31 - The Purpose of John's Gospel

John 20:30-31

30 Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.

Message: The Purpose of John's Gospel

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)." 

What the Lord is Saying: This is an interesting verse and sounds like the end of the book and yet there is one more chapter. It is interesting that I have read that many of the Gospel writings were written after many of Paul's writing or that they were written close to the same time period. Since this was said to be written around AD 85 and 90, it may not be the John who was the forerunner of Jesus that wrote this. And yet there is this focus in the book that believing in Jesus is the focus. The book is a good record of the life of Jesus, the historical figure. 

I have found that John has at times a clearer focus on Jesus as I have repeatedly seen him to talk about Jesus as the one who gives people life. I have seen at times that some of the red letter words in the gospels don't seem like words by Jesus but rather commentary, such as John 3:16 and several of those verses around that. But John wrote with a purpose in this book - and that purpose is that in Jesus and believing in Jesus people would have life in His Name. 

 

I do like how John mentions that his book is not exhaustive. He admits that there are other signs that Jesus performed that are not recorded in this book. Jesus did more than what He is presenting. His writing is not exhaustive but that does not lessen the writing, but John gives us what He believes at the time to be most appropriate. John is writing this after Jesus has been resurrected. 

John speaks of this in John 10. Verse 16 says, "I have other sheep (which seems to signify the Gentiles which is not the primary audience that Jesus is writing to), which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they shall hear my voice (so they will be found redeemed in the same way the present audience is found redeemed); and they shall become one flock with one shepherd." All are found to be worthy in Christ, some now and some later. Verse 17, "For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father." 

John clearly states here the words of Jesus that He will be laying His life down and so will be dying on the cross and then be resurrected. And this laying of His life is on His own initiative. 

The lesson today remarks, "If someone believes that the resurrection happened but fails to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, nothing will convince him." And so the life of Jesus record is important. Only believing in the resurrection is not the gospel, the good news. We need the gospels to help us understand the life of Jesus. There is only salvation because of his life that is lived. 

Today, we need the entire record of Jesus. It is all important, not simply parts. John is giving us his part of the story and his part is needed. It tells the story of Jesus and how he lived on this earth and how people came to know Him as Lord and Savior. 

I Corinthians 2:2 Paul says, "For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." The Gospel of John tells us about Jesus Christ. This is an important message. Paul brings it home in giving us the fuller meaning of Him crucified and that entire message is the Gospel record. 

Summary: John provides us his purpose in this gospel - that people will know Jesus, believe in Him and have life in His name.

Promise: John wrote His Gospel with a focus of Jesus as the Messiah. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for John, whichever John it was, but you knew we needed this message and John records this message for us. I thank you for these Words that help me better understand You Jesus and who you were and the person You were and the perfect way you dealt with people. Thank you for the Gospel and the life that is found in You. Help me to be careful and courageous in speaking these truths to people and to focus always on the cross and the resurrection. Forgive me for being too proud and setting myself apart as someone elite. Lord, you are the great one. I am your vessel. Train me in understanding this truth and making it known to others. Thank you for the truth of it all. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.