Daily Bible Reading (Thursday, May 3rd)

7

John 21 (ESV)

Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples

21 After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?”They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea.The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards[a] off.

When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

Jesus and Peter

15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

Jesus and the Beloved Apostle

20 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” 23 So the saying spread abroad among the brothers[b] that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?”

24 This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true.

25 Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

Footnotes:

  1. John 21:8 Greek two hundred cubits; a cubit was about 18 inches or 45 centimeters
  2. John 21:23 Or brothers and sisters

7 Comments

I love seeing the restoration of Peter! In Peters weakness and fear He denied the Lord 3 times, however the Lord is so merciful in His sanctifying work and by asking Him 3 times “do you love me” He restores Peter back to the place He has called Him to. He calls us to put off our sin and take up our cross and follow Him. Seeking to do this in every moment He gives me today.

It appears that the most important question is - do we love Jesus? He wants our hearts and our affections knowing that if we truly love Him we will obey Him. I will be chewing on this today.

“If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?” I think this verse points out the individuality of Christ's calling. What He has planned for my life and how I am to glorify Him isn't going to be the same as any other person's. Lord, help me to follow your plan for my life and be a faithful steward of what you have given me.

Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

Our Lord in unspeakably powerful. I can't wait to read the great volume of Christ's work through the ages, I know He works all things from 4000BC to 2018AD together for His people. Not one man, mammal or molecule has so much as shifted except under the authority of Christ. We see dimly now, but one day we will perhaps understand all of our Lord's doings.

Not exactly exegeting that verse, but it just got me thinking about the volumes of the working of our Lord and His mighty power. Power available to me today, ressurection power. He's dealt mercifully with us, and provided for us.

Great is our God!

This great Gospel ends with the truth that all that Jesus did could not be written down; the world could not contain the things he did in all it's books. Our magnificent Savior...His glories are infinite. We must never forget all that He has done for us. We will spend an eternity learning all the glories of Christ, and even that won't be long enough.

Even towards the end of his ministry on earth Jesus continues to love so well! He knew when his time would be up yet continued to love and serve (prepared a meal for his disciples) until the end. We do not know when our time is up so let’s learn from Christ’s example today and run our race well to the finish! Oh God, thank you for your word, its truth, and your love for us. I thank you for Jesus and his ultimate ministry to rescue us from death and give us life eternal for all who believe. Help me trust you today, I need you. Amen!

v5-6: What a simple and powerful lesson! Jesus knew they didn’t have any fish; He knows our condition. He gave them a command with a guarantee, they obeyed, and His promise came true. He knows my condition, has given me a guarantee and a command, and all I need to do is obey! Father, discipline me to obey! v21-22: This hits close to home for me. I look at the ministries of others and compare myself to them to determine if I’m successful, but it doesn’t matter one bit! I need to focus on my ministry and my obedience. If others have a far greater ministry or are martyred in the most God-glorifying way, what is it to me? Father, make me faithful.

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