So we come to the end of our readings from John’s Gospel and go on to read right through Peter’s brief second letter for a few days.
Do you sometimes wonder if the early Apostles, Peter for example, really listened and took in what Jesus said? This letter tells us that he surely did! As you read through it, look out for echoes of Jesus’ words. Examples like 2 Peter 2:19 will take you right back to John 8:34 where Jesus said “everyone who sins is a slave of sin. “
But the main point of our readings is to help us focus on the wonderful message of Jesus’ resurrection and how the disciples went on to spread the message throughout the world. Appreciating that we have a living Saviour, and that our destiny is to be with Him for ever, draws us into worship and active service for Him.
May reading through this Gospel of John have helped you to follow Jesus more closely and love Him all the more. AMEN.
Read John 21:1-14
v 1. Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee.
It might appear that the ‘Galilee Mob’ returned home very shortly after the events of the crucifixion. It might even look as if they were running away from trouble, and then on a whim decided to go fishing. Not so, in reality! It was at the Last Supper, when Jesus warned Peter about deserting Him, that He outlined His plan for them. ‘But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.’ (Matthew 26:32) To reinforce that, the risen Jesus instructs the women who meet Him at the tomb ‘ Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.” ‘ (Matthew 28:10) This return to Galilee was no whim of frightened men; they were already following Jesus’ instructions. And it was there in Galilee that they began to worship Him. Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! (Matthew 28:16)
It was there in Galilee that Peter and other disciples began to follow Jesus, and it was there that He commissioned them for service in the wider world, as recorded by Matthew in 28:18-20. They returned to the Jerusalem area in time for Jesus’ ascension (Luke 24) and then the coming of the Holy Spirit, in Acts 2. But it was there in Galilee that we have recorded one of the most poignant incidents in Jesus’ life. More of that tomorrow!
