John Chapter 21
John finally makes it clear that he is referring to himself, throughout the writing of this gospel book as “the one whom Jesus loved.” John was not trying to say that Jesus loved him more than the other disciples, but just that he recognized himself as one who is loved by Jesus. This is something we all should practice saying. For example, when meeting someone we could say this instead of giving our birth name, “hello, I am loved by Jesus.” Wouldn’t that be a spectacular witness for Him? John made it clear to his readers that he was certain that he was loved by Jesus and that Jesus loved him and that He loves each of us.
The disciples found themselves in a place where they did not know what they were to do next. Peter announced that he was going fishing, and the others went with him. And it may be that they were hungry and going fishing seemed very logical. But the fishing didn’t go so well for them. Then Jesus showed up.
Let's Reflect
1. Jesus showed up on the shore and they weren’t even sure it was Him until He said to do what?
2. Which disciple was it that first recognized that it was Jesus (appearing to them again after His resurrection)?
3. How many fish did they catch with Jesus’ help? This experience would have reminded them of the other time Jesus caused a miracle in their fishing efforts. See Luke 5:1-11.
4. What loving thing did Jesus do for the disciples?
5. The disciples were still having a difficult time recognizing Jesus. Maybe the many scars from His crucifixion and beatings made Him difficult to recognize or just a change in His newly resurrected body. What question did the disciples not ask of Jesus?
6. After breakfast Jesus asked Peter three times about his love for Him. Peter had earlier made a prideful claim about his love for Jesus. Matthew 26:32-33(Jesus said) “But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” And then in the next verse Jesus told Peter that he would deny knowing him 3 times. Now, Jesus was giving Peter an opportunity to declare his love for Him, a love that He wanted Peter to express by what means?
7. The third time Peter was asked the question, he responded saying that he knew that Jesus obviously knew him better than he knew himself. Some Bible scholars make a distinction between the Greek words used to describe love. What we do know for sure is that Jesus wanted Peter to see that Jesus had a mission for Peter. Peter was hurt to be asked if he loved Jesus a third time, but Jesus needed to make a point with Peter. The point being that this love you are declaring for me holds power in it. How was Peter to spread the powerful love of Jesus?
8. Peter’s devotion to Jesus would cost him his life. Jesus told Peter that his death would glorify the Father. Despite revealing to Peter that he would be martyred, what charge did Jesus give to Peter?
9. Then Peter asked about John, he wanted to know if John would also be killed. Jesus’ answer seemed peculiar in that He stated He might have a completely different plan for the life of John. Jesus did not want Peter to be concerned about the other disciples but to put his focus on Jesus. What did Jesus say was to be Peter’s focus?
10. What did John record about the many acts of Jesus while on this earth?
Devotionals
