John 21:15-25

Today’s Passage: John 21:15-25

John 21 is one of the sweetest ends to a gospel and shows us the heart of Jesus. Yes,
Jesus is about mission - as we see in the end of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. But John
shows us another part of who Jesus is, His heart, and what He accomplished -
redemption.

JESUS REDEEMS EVEN THE WORST PARTS OF US.

Just three chapters earlier Peter had denied Jesus three times. You can tell in the text
the brokenness he felt. The shame that he felt. The hopelessness that he felt. That is
what makes John 21 so special. Jesus redeems it.

He asks Peter three times “Do you love me?” To which each time Peter answers that
He does…when I read this this justfloors me. It makes me smile. It makes me think of
all the things that Jesus has redeemed in my life.

Jesus is in the business of restoration. He wants to make us whole… not just forgive us.
The cross has the power to redeem even the worst parts of us as we submit them to
Jesus and follow Him daily. That brings me hope. Not one of us has messed up too
bad. Not one of us has gone too far. Jesus can redeem and use any of us.

And when we understand the redemption of Jesus and rest in it a few things happen:
What has Jesus redeemed in your life? Do you have it written down somewhere as an
altar? When is the last time you reflected on what Jesus has redeemed in your life?

Today, reflect. Let it drive you toward mission, love of others, and love of God.

Written by: Nick Parsons