Daily Devotions
John
John 21:1- 25 "JESUS THE COUNSELOR"
Day 360 – John 21
JESUS THE COUNSELOR
A passage from Isaiah comes to mind as we read about how Jesus ministered to Peter, seeking to restore him completely. The prophetic word concerning the Messiah included this description.
“For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His Name will be called Wonderful,
Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace …”
Isaiah 9:6
How gentle and skillful Jesus was as He talked to Peter! He knew just the right words to say, and He didn’t even have to say very much!
THE MANY TASKS OF THE COUNSELOR
The immediate task of the Counselor was to note that there was a problem that lay unresolved! Peter, like the rest of the disciples badly needed assurance that Jesus had truly risen from the dead! Jesus graciously attended to this problem! He appeared to them, spoke to them and the question of doubt concerning the resurrection was resolved.
One problem was now dealt with. But there were other problems. Jesus being the skilled Counselor that He was knew that there were other problems – hidden ones! The next task was of course to help Peter deal with the hidden, deeper problem!
It would have helped if Peter had spoken up. But, as with many people, these problems were never voiced out! And so the problems continued and remained unresolved!
Peter couldn’t share what he felt with his friends. They were not in a position to offer much help, in the first place! It would require none other than the Messianic Counselor to attend to the problem!
THE APPROACH TAKEN
Jesus’ approach was truly remarkable! He had allowed Peter and all the rest to experience again the majesty of His power! He could summon fish to be caught, if He so wished it! Having had a similar experience, the significance of this repeat miracle would not have been lost to Peter! Then came the breakfast part. The conversation between Jesus and His Disciples if any was stilted. There was an obvious sense of awkwardness between Teacher and Disciples! Jesus was of course unfazed, and so He was able to initiate the conversation at the breakfast table.
Jesus allowed the hungry fishermen to complete their meals first. He allowed time to lapse while the Disciples once again relived the days when Jesus would have meals with them everyday! How wonderful those days were! Would they be gone forever? How the Disciples must have missed those precious moments!
DRAWING PETER OUT
Jesus had always been very direct with His Disciples, including Peter! John noted how Jesus sought to draw Peter out! It might be noticed that Peter had been very quiet all this while! The women folk chatted happily about how they had seen Jesus! Cleopas and his companion had returned from Emmaus to share the news that Jesus had appeared to them. Even Thomas, with all his doubts, spoke to Jesus. But Peter had not said a word thus far. This was so unlike Peter! He was always the one who reacted! Suddenly, he withdrew and kept silent.
John noted how Jesus raised questions rather than made statements as He spoke to Peter.
“Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more
than these?”
John 21:15a
Peter could not keep quiet! He had been asked a question! How should he answer this question! He did not have to take long to formulate an answer! He had to answer in the only way he knew how! He did not pretend that he understood just why Jesus asked him this question, out of the blue! His reply was typically Petrine.
“Yes, Lord; You know that I love you.”
John 21:15b
Jesus was succeeding in drawing Peter out! He was responding! No matter the state of confusion in his mind, there was no question as to how he felt about Jesus! Peter had grown a deep love for Jesus over the last few years he spent with Him! How could anyone not love Him? To know Him was to love Him. To know Jesus as His Disciple was to see that love deepen most significantly!
BUT WHAT WAS THE POINT OF JESUS’ QUESTION?
Jesus wasn’t just asking a question about whether Peter loved Him. His actual question must be read very carefully. He asked,
“Simon, son of Jonah, Do you love Me more
than these?”
John 21:15a
Peter’s mind must have gone back to what he had said earlier in foolish arrogance.
“Even if all are made to stumble because of You,
I will never be made to stumble.”
Matthew 26:33
Jesus had to deal with more than just the question of Peter’s love for Him. He had to deal with his pride too. He had compared himself with his fellow Disciples. He felt that he was stronger in his love and commitment. How wrong he was! In this answer, Peter avoided making any reference to the other Disciples!