Daily Devotions
John
John 21:1-25 "A VERY SPECIAL FRIENDSHIP"
Day 364 – John 21
A VERY SPECIAL FRIENDSHIP
Peter and John had been friends with each other for a long time. In the Gospel of John we note how the author acknowledged this friendship with Peter.
1. They fished together and were called to be Disciples on the same day (Matthew 4:18-22).
2. They trained together as Disciples.
3. James, John and Peter formed the inner circle of three and were privileged to witness the Transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17:1-8).
4. When Peter wanted to ask about who would betray Jesus, he asked John to inquire (John 13:24-25).
5. It was John who brought Peter into the courtyard of the High Priest (John 18:15-16).
6. This fast friendship would extend long after the Ascension of Jesus. Peter and John ministered together extensively in the Church at Jerusalem (Acts 3:1; 4:13).
It was natural for Peter to ask about the future ministry of John, his very good friend. John noted this in this text.
“Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple
whom Jesus loved following, who also had
leaned on His breast at the supper, and said,
‘Lord, who is the one who betrays you?’ Peter,
seeing him, said to Jesus, ‘But Lord, what about
this man?'”
John 21:20-21
We must read this text to understand Peter’s natural concern for his friend. He had already been given his tasks. But what about John? Where would he be serving? Where would he minister? Would they be together serving the Lord?
Peter was naturally concerned. He was right to express such concern for a good friend. This was Peter restored. This was Peter whom Jesus had entrusted great responsibilities.
PETER URGED TO FOCUS ON FOLLOWING JESUS
Peter still had a lot to learn about Jesus! If Jesus had shown such love and care for the women Disciples, Thomas, and now Peter, would He not have planned John’s ministry too? Peter must learn how to stay focused on the ministries entrusted to him. Above all, he must learn that all the Disciples would have their own individual areas of work cut out for them. Peter must know that Jesus was not obliged to tell him about the lives and ministries of the other Disciples. Thus He said,
“If I will that he remain till I come,
what is that to you? You follow Me.”
John 21:22
Jesus wanted Peter to learn this important truth. The future was not theirs to know or to determine. It was the Lord Himself who determined everything. Peter must learn and master the concept behind the words, “Follow Me”.
MISUNDERSTANDINGS THAT CAN ARISE
Great misunderstanding can arise if care is not taken. This incident served to highlight an important truth!
“Then this saying went out among the brethren
that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did
not say that he would not die, but, ‘If I will
that he remain till I come, what is that to you.”
John 21:23
Each Disciple would be given a different ministry. Each must seek to understand their ministry and excel in it.
The Disciples must guard against the danger of misreading and misinterpreting each other’s ministry, even if they were very good friends with each other. Words could be easily misunderstood. The things that Jesus spoke to one person may not be fully comprehended by another. Each Disciple must learn how to respect the ministry and calling of other disciples. They must learn to refrain from making hasty conclusions concerning the ministry of others.
Above everything else, they must understand and practise the principle of the Lordship of Jesus! To fail in practising the Lordship of Jesus could lead to grave misunderstanding among themselves. The Disciples must work very much harder at Oneness with each other. They must remember how Jesus prayed that they might be One!
STILL VERY HUMAN
This little incident was probably included to demonstrate the fact that despite the great responsibilities entrusted by Jesus, the Disciples were but human beings, with all their idiosyncrasies and weaknesses. Peter was certainly no exception, even though he had just been appointed the leader of the band of Disciples.
The work lay ahead. The future was most challenging. Fear was all gone now. The Presence and ministry of the Holy Spirit was felt a little more. The teachings of Jesus began to make more and more sense to them as they fellowshipped together.
Yes, it was a traumatic experience to see Jesus suffer and die! But that should not be their focus. They should be rejoicing that He had risen from the dead and that He would always be with them. Life was good! Life was very good with the Risen Saviour!