4-24-14- What About the Other Guy?

20Peter 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?”) 21When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”

22Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”23Because 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?” (John 21)

Thoughts: We are sometimes too curious.  The lesson here is not what will happen to the apostle John.  Jesus does care for John.  He was the only apostle to not die in martyrdom, though he was in exile.  The real lesson is we should focus more on our responsibility to our Lord.  We are not called to judge one another, or worry about another's end.  Jesus reminded Peter- his responsibility is to follow Him- no matter what.  

Prayer: Lord, forgive me when I take my eyes off you by looking to others.  Help me instead to follow you with full focus.  

4/17/15- The Resurrection, Prayer and Forgiveness

15When 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.”

16Again 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.”

17The 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.” (John 21)

Thoughts: The Resurrection also means that Christ calls out to us to answer Him.  He is alive and listens to us- but he also asks us, as He asked Simon, "Do you love me... do you love me more?"   Simon's answer should also be ours- "Lord you know that I love you."  Simon was asked three times responding to his three denials of Christ before His crucifixion.  The resurrection, see, also means that when Christ says you are forgiven then you really are.  Our sins died with Him and forgiveness lives with Him.  

Prayer: Lord, may my love for your grow and be alive as you are alive to me.

4/27/14- John Finishes His Book

24This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.

25Jesus 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. (John 21:24,25)

Thoughts: The end of this book tells us much about the book and about our Lord.  John identifies himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved... this disciple." (vs. 20 and 24).  John witnesses to what he saw as an eyewitness and writes them down for future generations to know.
    We also find that Jesus' actions were not limited to this or the other three cannonized Gospels.  He was very busy in his three years of ministry.  Perhaps we get a clue that John knew it was time for him to end this writing.  

Prayer: Thank you Lord, for this Gospel that wrote down what you did.  

4/25/14- Peter's Martyrdom Predicted

 18Very 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.” 19Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” (John 21:18,19)

Thoughts: This passage tells us that Jesus predicted Peter's death by martyrdom and also that the author was writing after the fact- confirming the prediction was true.  St. Peter's Basilica and Vatican City is a monument to the death of Peter by the Emperor Nero around 65 AD.  St. Peter's is built on Nero's Circus Maximus- and the ground of his palace.  Strong tradition has it that when the Romans told Peter he would die on the cross he asked them to crucify him upside down.  
Peter changed from the one who denied him to the one who thought it unworthy to die right-side up.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for Peter's example of bravery.  Help me to not deny my faith.  Keep me from shying away from doing what is right- and speaking up for you.

4/24/14- Peter Reinstated

15When 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.”

16Again 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.”

17The 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.  (John 21:15-17)

Thoughts:  Peter had denies Jesus three times and was despondent and depressed.  Apparently he was leading the men to go back to fishing as he had failed at being a disciple..  He was bolder than most, but then he cowered. Jesus had to do something dramatic to encourage him.
So he asked him three times "do you love me?"   Three times Peter replied yes. Love erases denial.  We are all called to love Jesus.  Jesus then gave him a purpose and a calling again- to feed His sheep.  Those of us who have messed up need not only the assurance that we can be forgiven, but also direction and purpose.
The sheep, of course, is the Church- the flock of Jesus.  Peter was called to feed the followers of Christ with His teaching and His love.  Jesus most often does not feed His church directly, but feeds the Church- His sheep through us.

Prayer: Lord, help me to know my calling and my purpose in serving you.

Water front view of Sea of Galilee where Church of the Seven Springs (traditional site of Peter's restoration occured).