Many people think that the end of chapter 20 in John would be the perfect to finish the book. In fact, some try and suggest that chapter 21 added later; there is no evidence for that. John’s words in verses 30 and 31, ‘Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.,’ seem to be a good conclusion for the book.
But, as with many stories, the main part of the story is resolved there, but there are a couple of loose ends yet to tie up. And one of them, which is crucial for the future of the church in John’s day, is ‘What about Peter?’ Peter is still in the shadows. Remember, he had denied Jesus three times in the courtyard of the High Priest, and yet he goes on to become a significant figure in the future of the church. And what about other people like him? Can anyone deny the Lord Jesus in public, and yet go on to minister in His name later?
What about the future? What does the future hold for us? What does Jesus know about the future?
All of these questions are here in chapter 21. And they are all questions which we need to turn our attention to, because as we saw in chapter 20, Jesus sends His followers out on the same mission which He had.
So we see here in chapter 21, three things:
- The Lord Reveals Himself by Serving (v1-14)
- The Lord Restores Sinners to Serve (v15-19)
- The Lord Redirects Speculation to Service (v20-25)
Sunday 22nd April 2018
Review Questions
- Why were the disciples in Galilee (v1, Mark 16:7)?
- Who recognised Jesus?
- How did the disciples know it was Jesus?
- What must Christians do?
- What makes us love (Luke 7:27)?
- What do pastors do?
- How can I glorify Jesus in death?
- What should I do instead of worrying about the future?
- A question I have:
- A truth to share:
- Application:
- Prayer:
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