“As for you, follow Me.” John 21:20. (NLT)
Jesus appears to some of His disciples for a third time. They are out in their boats and are not catching any fish. Jesus calls to them from the shore and tells them to throw their nets to the right side. They do what He says and their nets are filled. Peter swims to shore to be with Jesus.
Jesus asks Peter 3 times if He loves Him. Peter replies, yes each time. The third time, Peter is a little frustrated that He keeps asking Him, because He does love Him and has said yes. Jesus reply is to tell Peter, then “feed my sheep.” He is calling Peter to go and continue His ministry to people.
Another disciple is there and Peter asks Jesus, “What about him?” And Jesus replies in verse 22, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow Me.” Jesus is letting Peter know He needs to mind his own business and do what he is called to do. What the other does or does not do is none of his concern.
What a great reminder for me today. There are things God has called me to do. His plans and purposes for my life don’t match anyone else’s. What others do is not my concern. I must follow Him and obey the call and commands He has placed in my life. My life won’t look the same as anyone else’s. I can’t compare what I have done or have not done to others accomplishments.
Thank you Lord today for the plans and purpose you have for my life. I pray for a continued desire and determination to go after those things you are calling me to. May I not fall into the temptation to compare myself to others. I pray that I would keep my eyes fixed on you and follow where you go. Amen.
What is God speaking to you today in chapter 21 of John? Share your insights in the comment section below.
John 21:15-19
“After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these? ” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep. “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.””
This section of scripture is where Jesus ask Peter three times if he loved Him. Once for every time that he denied Him. All I can think about here is the grace that Jesus had. Even though Peter denied Him, Jesus knew his heart and that he spoke out of fear. Such grace, compassion, forgiveness and love were spoken in these scriptures. Even though Peter denied Him, Jesus didn’t change His heart toward Peter. Jesus loved Peter and wanted Peter to know the depth of His love for him. I believe this was a turning point for Peter as he had returned to his roots of fishing. But Jesus, appeared on that beach to call them back to what they were originally called to be Fisher’s of men. Peter and the other disciples went on from there to minister to many many people. My prayer today is that not matter what people may do or say, that I will show grace, compassion, love and forgiveness like Jesus did to Peter.
Amen!
“He said to them, “Throw your net out on the right side of the boat, and you will catch some.” So they threw the net out and could not pull it back in, because they had caught so many fish.”
John 21:6 GNB
Several things jump out at me, but this is what kick starts it all – when we follow His instructions, our efforts are fruitful. These men fished all night, but when Jesus tells them where and when and they obey His commands, nets are overflowing. He calls us to be obedient.
The second thing that jumps out:
“When they stepped ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there with fish on it and some bread.”
Jesus, just as He promises, had prepared a place for them. 153 fish for 7 men, their cup runneth over when we heed the Word of God.
Third thing: “He is the disciple who spoke of these things, the one who also wrote them down; and we know that what he said is true.”
John 21:24 GNB
Jesus spared John the fate of death. We know John was the only disciple with the courage to be at the foot of the cross. Yes we know John is the disciple Jesus loved, but he loved all of them. So why was John spared? Because he was a favorite? I don’t think so. I believe John’s purpose was to write down the Truth to be shared with the world for ages to come, and teach us who Jesus is. Each of us has a calling, and our calling is not the same. John was commanded at the cross to take care of the mother of our Lord. He had specific tasks assigned.
So when we are obedient to God’s word, we are provided for, we have a place prepared for us, and we are spared death (a spiritual one). I pray Lord, that my heart Always recognizes Your voice, that I am obedient when I hear it, and that one day I might sit at the table You have prepared for me.
I love this, obedience = fruitfullness!
Stasia,
OMGOSH…Girl you are reading my mail! This is something that I constantly deal with! Thank you for this opportunity to read through John with you & all of the ladies that joined! It has been such an inspiration reading the scriptures & what they are saying to everyone.
The Lord is showing me that I do have a calling & if I will just follow His path & quit trying to take shortcuts things will go much smoother & quicker! there’s a reason it took the children of Israel 40 years 😉)
Rabbit trails just make the journey longer & more difficult!
Thank you again!
Love to all,
Julie Morgan
Love you girl! So glad you’ve shared! It’s been so encouraging!