Read: John 21
This
chapter starts with a story about a catch of fish. Why were they fishing? Do you think this may
have something to do with Peter’s painful past of betrayal of His Lord? They were off on their own, doing the fishing
thing and it’s not a surprise that they were unsuccessful (v. 3). However, when Jesus directs them they netted
a remarkable large haul of fish (v. 6) - funny how that works. It was enough to prompt a recognition and
response (v. 7). They then prepared
breakfast and ate with Him (v. 8-14). Then
Jesus has a conversation with Peter.
Corresponding to Peter’s threefold denial (see John 18:15-18; 25-27),
Jesus questions Peter three times about his love for Him (v. 15-17). This hurt Peter, although each time he
replied in the affirmative and was installed as a shepherd of Jesus’
flock. The third invitation to Peter to
care for Jesus’ flock was immediately followed by a reference to Peter’s future
(v. 18). John writes that this referred
to Peter’s future martyrdom (v. 19).
Obedience for Peter would mean both pastoring and martyrdom, possibly by
crucifixion. There are many ways of
following Jesus and each of us need to be careful to follow His path for us and
not worry about anyone else’s path.
Jesus taught this using the example of how John would die (v. 22). We can’t compare our path to anyone else’s
path.
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1. Jesus meets people where they are at. When Jesus originally called Peter into
ministry, He was fishing and John 21 tells of another miraculous catch of
fish. Jesus is pursuing Peter; He did
not give up on Peter! Ask the Lord to
show you a time in your life where Jesus met you where you were at. Ask Him to show you how He has drawn you to
Him, how He has not given up on you.
Thank and praise Him for this!
2. As Christians, often we compare ourselves to each
other, yet following God looks different for different people. Yes, everyone who is a Christian is commanded
to flee sin and to obey God’s Word but the individual details of our lives may
look very different. This is often based
on God’s calling, purpose and plans for our lives. We are not to compare with each other in the
areas of ministry skill, leadership, spiritual gifting, areas of service or
even compare in terms of houses we live in, cars we drive or even physical
appearance. We are only to compare
ourselves to the holiness of Christ and we are to seek His will and plan for
our lives. Ask the Lord to show you
areas where you struggle with comparing yourself to others. Ask His to show you why you tend to do this,
what are you valuing more than Him?
Repent of these attitudes and pray that you will grow in accepting who
He has made you to be and in accepting others too.
