Thoughts on our John Series

John 21:1-25

In this last chapter of John, considered to be the Epilogue, we have a final word to the already followers of Jesus. There may be times in your life you have failed to live up to the commands of the Lord Jesus whom you love and are tempted to return to the former things which you remember having success and fulfillment. However, the Lord quickly reminds His disciples, there is no satisfaction or success in the former things (“..Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, no”) (vs. 5).

The time had come for Peter and the disciples to be restored, recommissioned and reassured of the Lord’s love, purpose and sustaining care for them in the new paths they should now walk…following Him.

However, before Jesus does this, He speaks with Peter, who is probably now doubly wrecked with guilt, and brings him back to square 1. “Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?” Three times Jesus ask Peter this question and three times Peter says yes and three times Jesus then replies, then…feed my sheep. It reminds us of the time Jesus told Peter, when the day comes, and you have returned to me, “strengthen thy brethren” (Lk 22:32). What it teaches: Jesus’ restoration is relational before it is functional. The reset button only starts with a reminder of our love to Christ, repentance, forgiveness, then walking again following. (21:15-17)

If we can embrace that restoration is love to Christ first, then afterwards following and service, then we can be assured that the obstacles to come will be to the glory of God, as Jesus shares with Peter the details of how he will ultimately give his life in faithful witnessing to Him. (21:18-19)

But yet, even then, we are tempted to look at our fellow brothers and sisters and compare our service to theirs. When Peter asked, what about John? Insinuating, “will he also die, or is it just me?”. Jesus does not allow this attitude to fester in Peter, with a quick rebuke, He teaches Peter, that if it was God’s will John should never die, how does that alter what Jesus gave to Peter to do? (21:20-22). We should avoid the trap of comparing our faith and walk according to others faith and walk. Comparisons will always lead to pride, resentment, distraction or jealously. It will never alter the will of God in ‘your’ life. Let’s not allow that temptation to knock us off the path.

Finally, John ends the letter with a plea to the reader to trust his eyewitness and the words of promise Jesus told them to share with the world. If you believe, you will be saved and have life in His name. (John 20:31)

These are the Words of Jesus Christ, which are true and will endure and persevere forever and ever. (21:23-25).