John 21
October Memory Verse: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5 (NIV)
John 21
The book of John closes with a great picture of restoration and redemption—which sums up and puts a bow on this account of Jesus in a beautiful way.
Following Peter’s denials of Jesus, it’s hard to imagine his thoughts and emotions—regret, shame, you name it. But when Peter saw Jesus, Peter’s reaction was not to run away from Jesus, but to run toward him (into the sea nonetheless!). What do you think this says about their relationship and Peter’s understanding of Jesus is?
Then Jesus has the conversation with Peter on the beach, where he asks him three times if Peter loves him. There certainly seems to be some type of restorative moment between the two, especially in that Jesus asks him the same question 3 times, the same amount of times that Peter denied him. Between Peter’s denial and Peter’s restoration is the cross and resurrection—what a beautiful symbol of the power of the gospel!
What are some of the biggest things that stood out to you from today’s passage?
By: Graham Withers
John 21
The book of John closes with a great picture of restoration and redemption—which sums up and puts a bow on this account of Jesus in a beautiful way.
Following Peter’s denials of Jesus, it’s hard to imagine his thoughts and emotions—regret, shame, you name it. But when Peter saw Jesus, Peter’s reaction was not to run away from Jesus, but to run toward him (into the sea nonetheless!). What do you think this says about their relationship and Peter’s understanding of Jesus is?
Then Jesus has the conversation with Peter on the beach, where he asks him three times if Peter loves him. There certainly seems to be some type of restorative moment between the two, especially in that Jesus asks him the same question 3 times, the same amount of times that Peter denied him. Between Peter’s denial and Peter’s restoration is the cross and resurrection—what a beautiful symbol of the power of the gospel!
What are some of the biggest things that stood out to you from today’s passage?
By: Graham Withers
4 Comments
I have always loved this passage. Heard an interesting sermon once on how Jesus changes the word for "love" to come down to Peter's level like Jesus meets us on Earth, where we each are. And I laugh when Peter starts to understand what Jesus is saying and like a child asks what about my sibling over here? What about him? And Jesus sounded just like my mom did when I complained that my brother got better treatment. You don't need to concern yourself about him. I love how personal it is between God and me. He meets me where I am, He knows me and loves me so much anyway! Lol
I see it as prepping Peter as for what is to come. A sign of love indeed, but also a test to make sure that he is ready to die for his faith that he will eventually face through persecution. My study Bible among many other scholarly articles I have read over the years convey that Peter chose to be crucified upside down because he did not feel worthy of being put to death in the same manner as Jesus.
What stood out to me today was Peter's bravery. If I had just denied a family member or friend, I would be been ashamed, embarrassed, regretful, and a whole slew of other emotions. But Peter ran TOWARD Jesus-the one he had denied-he wasn't afraid Jesus didn't love him anymore because of his denial. Just a beautiful picture of how we can run to Jesus with even our worst sins because He loves us and cares for us!!!
I also love this encounter between Peter and Jesus. It reveals the heart of Jesus-in his worst moment one of the people he loved most betrayed him and basically left him to suffer alone (although John and the women remained by his side). Peter ran to Jesus and I can supplement the text to imagine the words and embraces exchanged.
I'll also note that at the end of the book John says that Jesus did many other things not recorded, but these things written were specifically chosen so that we would believe in Jesus and know that we have eternal life. Throughout this book we see Jesus reveal himself over and over as God's son as well as His love and faithfulness for the children God has given him.