Scripture: John 21:15-25
Jesus Reinstates Peter
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
20 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) 21 When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”
22 Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” 23 Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”
24 This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.
25 Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. (NIV)
Observation:
Following a miraculous fishing catch Jesus orchestrated for the disciples turned fishermen, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he said, ‘you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my lambs.’” (John 21:15) Jesus wanted Peter to understand that he loved Jesus more than catching big catches of fish. After all, Jesus told Simon earlier that he would make him a fisher of people. Peter and his partners were back at the old business of catching fish, but it was not going so well until the resurrected Jesus shows up, then they had a miraculous catch of fish following Jesus’ instruction to cast their net on the right side of the boat. Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Jesus, giving Peter the opportunity to counterbalance Peter’s earlier denials at Jesus’ trial.
Application:
Day jobs play a vital role in providing the necessary resources to sustain our lives, yet nothing surpasses the importance of following Jesus in every opportunity we encounter. As Jesus reminded His disciples, the Father is aware of our earthly needs, but we are called to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. In doing so, these necessities will also be provided to us. (Matthew 6:33)
Application:
There is nothing more significant in life than pursuing a proper relationship with our Father in heaven. Adhering to the teachings of Jesus brings structure to our days and guides us toward discovering our true purpose and meaning in life.
Prayer:
Dear God, inspire us to follow Your ways on a daily basis, seeking a righteous relationship with You through the gift of Your Holy Spirit. Order our days so that we may honor You in all that we do and say. Amen.