The Gospel Of John, Chapter 21
The final chapter in this Gospel feels almost quiet in comparison to the events that have taken place in the previous few chapters. Jesus reveals himself to the disciples in a way that would have special meaning for Peter. The miraculous catch of fish he gave them was almost a reproduction of the miracle he displayed when he and Peter had first met. (Luke 5:1-11) Although, this time the strength of the net proved miraculous as well!
Peter, passionate as ever, jumped out into the water to reach Jesus first. A few moments later, we read a heart-wrenching conversation between Jesus and Peter. As a counterpart to Peter's three denials of Christ, Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves him. The first two times, Jesus uses the word "Agape" for love. This kind of love is the type that is willing to sacrifice and think of others before itself. The third time Jesus uses the word "Phileo" for love, referring to a close friendship built upon affection and common interests. Each time Peter answers, Jesus tells him how to carry that love out. Jesus makes it clear to Peter here that loving God is not simply about passionate speeches or deep feelings. Loving God is carried out through our actions and the way we prioritize our lives.
His call is for Peter to take care of Christians, teaching them and loving them. In the same way, if we really do love Jesus, we should want to help others understand more about who Jesus is. We should do what we can to make sure that the Christians around us are cared for, loved and are genuinely learning and growing in their desire to know and follow God with their lives.
Like Peter, we can look at the task of following Jesus and say, "Well what about that guy? Does that Christian have it as tough as I do? Are you asking as much of him?" Peter had this attitude when he asked Jesus about John, and how he would die. But Jesus deflected this attitude and brought Peter back into focus. "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You follow me."
When following Christ, it can be very tempting to compare our spiritual walk with others and be content to journey only as far (or just a bit farther in our own estimation) as those we know. But we're not being called to be "as good as the next guy". Our eyes are to be locked only on Jesus and what he's asking us to do through the Bible.
If we're using the Bible, and not some constantly shifting social standard, as the guide for our lives, we'll be on a journey that never ends and that constantly brings us closer to the perfected final product God wants us to be. Being "content" where we are spiritually breeds impotent stagnancy, but a journey that's always questioning, always learning and always growing will bring about a life of true meaning and fulfillment!
That's the journey we're committed to and we hope you'll stay onboard as we keep things going in the book of Acts!
We'll see how these insecure, inept disciples became powerful and heroic followers of God. How did "the church" get started and what can we learn from it that will make our churches today less stuck in a "religious" box and more focused on what's important? Who is this "Apostle Paul" guy and why did he write so much of the "New Testament"? What kind of misconceptions about Jesus and his message did these disciples-turned-apostles have to face?
The book is called "Acts" for a reason, since the action never seems to stop! Come search for truth with us as we start this new part of our journey next week!
Coffee House Question: How would you describe someone that really seems to love God?
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