April 15 – Follow Me

Sunday School Lesson

April 15

Follow Me

 

Devotional Reading: Matthew 10:5-15

 

Background Scripture: John 21:15-25

 

John 21:15-25

 

15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

 

16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

 

17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

 

18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

 

19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

 

20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?

 

21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?

 

22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

 

23 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?

 

24 This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.

 

25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

 

Key Verse

 

Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.—John 21:15

 

Lesson Aims

 

After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:

 

1. Summarize the conversation between the risen Jesus and Peter at the Sea of Galilee.

 

2. Explain the relationship between loving Jesus and imitating His gracious love and service.

 

3. Demonstrate the gracious, self-sacrificial love of Jesus in one or more situations in the week ahead.

 

Introduction

 

1. The Comeback Kid

 

Most football fans will recognize the name Joe Montana. Montana was a star quarterback for the University of Notre Dame during the late 1970s. He then played professional football, spending most of his career with the San Francisco 49ers. He won four Super Bowls with the 49ers and was named Most Valuable Player in three of those games. He became known as the Comeback Kid because of his reputation for leading his team from behind to some dramatic victories. He guided his teams to 31 come-from-behind triumphs during his professional career.

 

Simon Peter was a broken man following his denial of Jesus; he “wept bitterly” at having done so (Matthew 26:75). We can only imagine how often his thoughts tormented him in the aftermath of Jesus’ crucifixion. But the resurrected Jesus offered Peter the opportunity to make a “comeback.” Accepting that opportunity meant leaving remorse and shame behind as he entered a place of renewed service to the Master. Jesus’ words of restoration and His challenge of service to Peter have something to teach us yet today.

 

1. Lesson Background: Synonyms

 

Today’s lesson considers the final 11 verses of John’s Gospel. The immediate background is the 14 verses of John 21:1-14, which was last week’s lesson. A further item of background to consider in relation to this week’s text specifically is a caution in how we interpret the Gospel writer’s use of synonyms and near synonyms.

 

Noticing that the writer used two Greek words that are translated “love,” two translated “sheep,” two for the care given to sheep, and two for “know,” readers over the years have tried to determine what point John was making by using different words. But there is scant evidence that John intended anything significant by this variety.

 

For example, when considering the Gospel of John as a whole, we see the different Greek verbs translated “love” used interchangeably in John 3:35; 5:20; 11:5, 36. It is therefore more likely that John used different words stylistically, perhaps to avoid monotonous repetition. We do the same thing by using words like cat and feline interchangeably. We may also think of welcoming and hospitable; automobile and car; desire and want; etc.

 

1. Lesson Background: Shepherds

 

The image of a shepherd caring for sheep is central to our text. This was an image very close to the experience of biblical people, drawing as it does on a common occupation. The Old Testament uses sheep and shepherd to picture the relationship between God and His people, most notably in Psalm 23. The relationship between God’s people and their leaders, especially the king, was portrayed in similar terms. Israel could be described as sheep with no shepherd (Numbers 27:15-17; 1 Kings 22:17), and wicked leaders of the people were characterized as bad shepherds (Jeremiah 23:1-4; 50:6; Ezekiel 34:1-10).

 

The picture of sheep without a shepherd is also used of the people in Jesus’ day (Matthew 9:36). Jesus described himself as “the good shepherd” (John 10:11), contrasting himself with those “thieves and robbers” who had no concern for the welfare of the sheep (10:8-10). Jesus went beyond what an ordinary shepherd would do, even giving His own life for the sake of His sheep (10:11, 17, 18). His exchange with Peter in today’s text should be understood against this backdrop.

 

1. Repeated Exchange

 

                                                               (John 21:15-17)

 

1. First (v. 15)

 

15a. So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?

 

The they are the seven of John 21:2 plus Jesus (see last week’s lesson). The shared meal eventually gives way to a one-on-one conversation between Jesus and Peter. Jesus addresses Peter formally, using his given name Simon and the name of his father, which functions like a surname does today.

 

Jesus’ question creates its own question for the reader: What does the word these refer to? Does more than these mean, “Do you love me more than these nets and boats, than your old life of fishing?” Does it mean, “Do you love me more than you love these other people?” Or does it mean, “Do you love me more than these other people love me?” An answer is impossible to gain from what the text says. We may conclude that Jesus means these as a general point of reference: “Do you love me supremely, most of all?”

 

15b. He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.

 

Peter’s answer is strongly affirmative, but worded in an interesting way. Before Jesus’ death, Peter expressed bold confidence that he was willing to give his own life for Jesus’ sake. But Jesus countered that Peter would in fact deny Him three times before the rooster crowed (John 13:37, 38). Jesus knew better than Peter what was in Peter’s heart. Now Peter acknowledges Jesus’ awareness of his inner life. Peter’s statement of love for Jesus is also a confession that he no longer has anything to hide from his Lord.

 

15c. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

 

Jesus then challenges Peter to act on the love that he proclaims. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus has laid down His life for the sheep (John 10:15). If Peter loves Jesus, he will live in the same way, protecting and providing for God’s people as Jesus’ under-shepherd. It is most interesting that in Peter’s first epistle, he charges elders to serve as nurturing, protecting shepherds under the supreme shepherd, Jesus (1 Peter 5:1-4).

 

What Do You Think?

 

What diagnostic questions can we ask to ensure lesser loves do not displace love for Jesus?

 

Points for Your Discussion

 

Regarding finances and possessions

 

Regarding time and leisure

 

Regarding passions and priorities

 

Other

 

1. Second (v. 16)

 

16. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

 

With only slight variation, the exchange is repeated: question, answer, challenge. We imagine that Peter is puzzled to be asked a question he has already answered! Once more, however, he expresses his love for Jesus; and Jesus responds with a challenge similar to the first: Feed my sheep.

 

What Do You Think?

 

In what ways can you personally accept the challenge to feed Jesus’ sheep?

 

Points for Your Discussion

 

Identifying aspects of the challenge that applied only to apostles, if any

 

Concerning aspects of the challenge that apply only to church leaders, if any

 

Concerning aspects of the challenge that apply to all Christians

 

Called to Sacrifice

 

Ann and her family moved to a developing country to live for nine months. While ministering there, they experienced the economic devastation of the culture. Basic necessities were in short supply. She washed clothes by hand, cooked meals without proper ingredients, and endured frequent power outages. When the time to leave came, Ann left happily, ready to be back in her own home.

 

After their return, however, Ann noticed that part of her husband’s heart remained back in their host country. He sensed that God was opening the door for them to return, calling them back to feed God’s sheep there. Ann, however, did not want to return to a place of such hardship. Yet her husband’s sense of God’s calling only grew. Finally, she agreed, and they moved back, remaining for several years.

 

The apostle Peter was married (Matthew 8:14). His wife’s reaction to his calling to feed God’s sheep is not recorded in Scripture. Perhaps her decision was a bit like Ann’s. “I realized that I could insist on my way, and my husband would relent,” Ann said. “But I’d live knowing that I had kept him from doing what God wanted him to do. Now I’m glad I didn’t.” Everyone has a sacrifice to make, and each person’s sacrifice is different. What’s yours?

 

—L. M. W.

 

1. Third (v. 17)

 

17a. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jona, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me?

 

If this were a court of law, Peter’s defense attorney might object “Asked and answered! Move on!” For Peter to be grieved at this repetition is understandable. Does Jesus doubt his answer? Is Jesus questioning his loyalty? Or is Peter’s distress the result of seeing a connection between these three exchanges and his three denials of Jesus (John 18:15-18, 25-27)?

 

17b. And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee.

 

Peter expands on his previous responses by confessing not just that Jesus knows his inner thoughts but that He knows all things. Jesus’ knowledge is not just exceptional. It is the kind of knowledge that God alone has. John has previously stated that Jesus knew what was inside a person (John 2:25).

 

17c. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

 

For a third time Jesus repeats the command that flows out of Peter’s confession of supreme love. The challenge is unchanged: Peter is to put his love into action as he leads God’s people, with Jesus as his example of the good shepherd.

 

The scope of Jesus’ grace is demonstrated by this repeated exchange. Without prior warning or explanation, Jesus has given Peter the opportunity to declare openly three times what he had denied three times during Jesus’ trials. But Jesus is not finished with Peter.

 

What Do You Think?

 

How has an experience of a “second chance” from God shaped you? How should it?

 

Points for Your Discussion

 

Regarding attitude changes

 

Regarding priority adjustments

 

Regarding relationships

 

Other

 

1. Solemn Prophecy

 

                                                                  (John 21:18, 19)

 

1. Unwelcome News (v. 18)

 

18a. Verily, verily, I say unto thee.

 

The expression verily, verily is a favorite of John’s, occurring 25 times in his Gospel but never in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. It emphasizes the absolute certainty of what follows. Jesus used the same expression when he warned Peter of his coming denial (John 13:38). Now Jesus uses it to preface a different kind of warning.

 

18b. When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

 

Grown, able-bodied people, especially the young, tend to be independent—they usually are willing and able to do things for themselves, things such as dressing themselves (girdest thyself). This has characterized Peter’s life to this point.

 

But in the future, Jesus declares, when Peter is old, he will not tie his own garment but will instead be tied up and led against his will. This is an unmistakable prophetic warning that Peter will be arrested and bound, his hands stretched out as a prisoner who will be taken to wherever his captors desire, as Jesus was (John 18:12, 13).

 

Jesus has told His followers that if the world has hated Him, the world will also hate them (John 15:18-21; 16:1-4). That warning is now personalized to Peter. Peter’s life will reflect his Lord’s. But though Jesus’ words are solemn, they are not hopeless.

 

1. Warm Invitation (v. 19)

 

19a. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God.

 

John removes any doubt about the meaning of Jesus’ words: they predict Peter’s arrest and execution. But this is no mere tragedy. Peter’s death will glorify God. Jesus has previously spoken of His own death in just this way (John 12:23-28). This means that those who follow Him must be prepared to do so at the cost of their lives. It is in giving one’s life that one truly receives life from God (12:25, 26). Peter’s looming imprisonment and death are not a sentence of doom but a call to embrace the greatest purpose for which one can live life: to glorify God.

 

19b. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

 

As John’s explanation ends, Jesus’ words resume. He ends the prophetic warning with the command follow me. Peter was among the first to follow Jesus because of the testimony of John the Baptist and Peter’s brother, Andrew (John 1:35-42). Now Jesus calls him to follow with a new perspective, understanding all the implications.

 

A very ancient tradition tells us that Peter indeed goes on to die a martyr’s death as a prisoner in Rome. Some expressions of that tradition say that he was crucified, but by Peter’s request he was crucified upside down so that his death would not too closely resemble the Lord’s. It is clear that Peter will indeed do what he had earlier claimed: “I will lay down my life for thy sake” (John 13:37).

 

What Do You Think?

 

In what ways does Peter’s reinstatement serve and not serve as a model for reinstatements to Christian service today?

 

Points for Your Discussion

 

Considering how forgiveness and consequences do and do not interrelate

 

Considering uniqueness of the apostles’ roles

 

Considering the nature of the offense

 

Other

 

III. Refocused Challenge

 

                                                                  (John 21:20-22)

 

1. Wrong Focus (vv. 20, 21)

 

20. Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?

 

Perhaps overwhelmed with the hard words that Jesus has just shared with him, Peter attempts to change the subject. Following behind Peter and Jesus at this moment is the disciple whom Jesus loved, traditionally understood as John, the author of this Gospel. The verse further makes reference to the fact that when the disciples were gathered in the upper room before Jesus’ death, Peter had asked John to find out from Jesus the identity of Jesus’ betrayer (John 13:23-26).

 

21. Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?

 

Having earlier asked John to pose a question to Jesus about another disciple, Peter now asks Jesus directly about John. If Peter will be arrested and killed, will his friend John as well? If both are followers of Jesus, hated by the world that hated Him, will they both suffer the same fate?

 

Peter’s question may be motivated by fear, jealousy, uncertainty, or curiosity. The text does not reveal his state of mind. But it surely expresses faith in Jesus as the one who can supply the answer.

 

1. Right Focus (v. 22)

 

22. Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

 

Jesus’ reply refocuses Peter’s thoughts on what Jesus has just charged him to do. What might happen in the future to others is not Peter’s concern. It will not change Peter’s situation, and it will in no way change the fulfillment of the Lord’s promise to abide with His followers through the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit (John 16:33).

 

Jesus has already spoken to His disciples about departing from the earth and returning someday (John 14:1-3). The furthest point to which a person’s death might be delayed is Jesus’ return. That time is unknown to any but God the Father (Matthew 24:36). So to put the other disciple’s future out of Peter’s reach, Jesus’ rhetorical question has the effect of declaring that even if that disciple lives until Jesus comes, it is not Peter’s concern. A Christian’s focus is not to be on the future of fellow believers, but their own faithfulness.

 

Thus Jesus tells Peter a second time to follow . . . me. Peter’s primary focus is to be on his response to the Lord’s leading. To follow Jesus means not pursuing irrelevant matters (compare 1 Timothy 4:7; Titus 3:9) but rather serving as a shepherd cares for his sheep.

 

What Do You Think?

 

How do we walk the line between meeting the needs of others (feeding sheep) while not allowing their callings to distract us from ours?

 

Points for Your Discussion

 

When the feeding involves physical concerns

 

When the feeding involves spiritual concerns

 

The English Chinese Man

 

In 1853, at the age of 21, Hudson Taylor became a missionary to China. Believing that the other missionaries spent too much time with Europeans and did not relate well with the Chinese people, Taylor began to dress in Chinese clothes and grew a long ponytail in imitation of Chinese men. His fellow missionaries disdained his attempts, but he maintained a good rapport with the Chinese people he loved so much.

 

At that time, foreigners were permitted to live only in coastal cities. But Taylor believed that all the Chinese needed to know about Jesus, so he began a movement to send missionaries inland, to more remote and dangerous regions. Despite criticism, he continued to recruit people for the work of his mission organization, China Inland Mission (now known as Overseas Missionary Fellowship).

 

Taylor struggled with depression in feeling the crushing need for missionaries, eventually suffering a physical and mental breakdown. But by then he had recruited hundreds of missionaries. His influence continues, as many believers study his life and become missionaries as well. Does that mean you should too? Not necessarily. The fact that Jesus had different plans for Peter and John is worth noting.

 

—L. M. W.

 

1. Witness’s Declaration

 

                                                                   (John 21:23-25)

 

1. False Rumor (v. 23)

 

23. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?

 

Here the direct narration of the story ends, and reflection from John the author begins. There’s an old saying among preachers that “anything you say that can be misunderstood, will be misunderstood.” That seems to be the case here. Jesus’ words to Peter are remembered and passed along. But somewhere along the line, an interpretation develops that Jesus promised that that disciple (John) would remain alive until Jesus returned. John points out that this is a false inference.

 

How interesting that the rumor that spreads from Jesus’ declaration is much like Peter’s own question: it reflects a concern to know about another person’s future. By reminding readers of Jesus’ true intent, John also reminds us of that to which all disciples of Jesus must give full attention: we are to focus on Him and His task for us.

 

1. True Testimony (vv. 24, 25)

 

24. This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.

 

Now the reflection widens in scope. The disciple of whom Peter inquired is the one who tells the story we have just read. Indeed, he is the source of the entire record in this Gospel. It is his testimony of what he has witnessed, in both signs and sayings. The testimony includes many things, including the vital fact that Jesus is Word become flesh (John 1:14). Amazing as this is, the testimony about it is true. John interrupted the narrative once before to make a statement of truthfulness (19:35). Now he does so again.

 

25. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

 

After Thomas’s confession of Jesus, John reminds the reader that Jesus performed “many other signs” not recorded in his Gospel (John 20:30). Now he makes a similar statement, emphasizing the magnitude of what Jesus did. As an eyewitness to Jesus’ ministry, John realizes that he must be selective in his material; he can’t record everything. But what John does provide in his record is sufficient to bring any reader to faith in Jesus. Indeed, that is the stated purpose of this Gospel (20:31).

 

 

Conclusion

 

1. Rising to the Challenge

 

Jesus’ words to Peter are both reassuring and unsettling. They reassure us that anyone, even one who denies knowing Jesus, can be restored to fellowship with the Lord by His gracious forgiveness. But they are unsettling because they remind us of the opposition to the gospel. John experienced that opposition personally through his exile on the island of Patmos. There he wrote the Book of Revelation, describing himself as “your brother, and companion in tribulation” (Revelation 1:9).

 

Our response to Jesus’ words to Peter needs to be what Peter’s was: to rise to the challenge to follow Jesus and feed His sheep. Martyrdom may not be in our future. But giving our lives sacrificially in service to Jesus must still be the theme of our lives.

 

1. Prayer

 

Father, we belong to You only by Your grace, granted to us by Your Son’s willing death on our behalf. Empower us, Lord, to follow Him and to feed His flock. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

1. Thought to Remember

 

Feed the flock while following the shepherd.

 

 

 

Kid’s Corner

The Only Reason to Become a Christian

April 15, 2018

John 21:15-25

 

 

John 21:15-25

(John 21:15) So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus *said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He *said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He *said to him, “Tend My lambs.”

After their breakfast, Jesus addressed Simon Peter using his official name (Jesus had earlier given him the name “Peter”), which indicates the seriousness of their conversation (much as we would use our full name in a court of law or in a marriage ceremony). Jesus’ questions relate to Peter’s denial of Jesus three times after Jesus was arrested and put on trial, and Jesus’ formal questions before the gathered disciples (or at least in the presence of John) began the process of Jesus’ restoration of Peter as an apostle of Jesus Christ, for Peter answered in the affirmative three times and Jesus commissioned Peter to serve Him three times by telling Peter to care for His sheep (His people). “These” may refer to Peter’s occupation as a fisherman: did Peter love fishing with his partners and making his living as a fisherman more than he loved Jesus and serving Jesus? Peter answered that he loved Jesus more than anyone, anything, and doing anything else.

(John 21:16) He *said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He *said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He *said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.”

Three times Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him and three times Peter answered that he loved Him. Much as been made of the two different Greek words that Jesus and Peter used for the word “love.” Some commentators have argued that one Greek word for love (agape: agapaō) that Jesus used in His first two questions expressed a greater, deeper love than the other word for love (philia: phileō) which indicated a friendship type of love that Jesus used the last time He asked Peter if he loved Him. Others have argued for the exact opposite definitions or meanings for the two words. Some have said that agape love shows total commitment because the love involves the person’s heart, mind, soul, and strength; agape love is willing to sacrifice for another. God the Father and Jesus love us with a sacrificial love that Jesus expressed when He died on the cross. Others argue the reverse, that philia is the higher type of love; whereas, philia has often been defined by others as a lower type of love, a friendship type of love. Peter answered Jesus’ questions three times using the word philia for love. Some have argued there is no real difference in the use of these two words, and volumes have been written about the different Greek words for love. In any event, at that point in time Jesus accepted the type of love that Peter offered Him, and Jesus knew that Peter would someday express his sacrificial type of love for Jesus and His sheep by the way Peter would die.

(John 21:17) He *said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus *said to him, “Tend My sheep.

The third time Jesus asked Peter His question about loving Him, Jesus used the word philia for love and Peter answered with the word philia for love. God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit love us with both agape and philia love, which is love in both the highest sacrificial total sense and love in the friendship sense. Peter only used the word philia every time he answered Jesus’ questions, perhaps because he knew he did not love Jesus in the highest sense yet. There is much room for discussion of these verses.We can say with certainty that as believers in and followers of Jesus Christ, Jesus expects us to love Him and make Him our closest Friend, just as He loves us and is our Friend; and also, we are to love Him in the highest sense as He loved and loves us in the highest, sacrificial sense of love. We love God because God is worthy to be loved and because God first loved us.

Regarding Jesus’ use of different words for “lambs” and “sheep,” at the least Peter and all of Jesus’ followers are to love Jesus’ people (His lambs and sheep) irrespective of their age and other natural abilities and qualities. Regarding Jesus’ use of the different words “tend” and “feed,” at the least these words mean Peter and all of Jesus’ followers are to make an effort to meet the real needs of Jesus’ people as wisely as they can with Jesus’ guidance and the resources that the Lord Jesus supplies for these needs.

(John 21:18) “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go.”

After Jesus restored Peter to his apostleship, He told Peter how he would die. Peter would remain loyal in his commitment to care for Jesus’ people and he would die as a faithful martyr in the cause of his Lord and Savior. When Peter died by crucifixion, tradition says that he requested to be crucified upside down because he knew he was unworthy to die on the cross as Jesus had died.

(John 21:19) Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He *said to him, “Follow Me!”

Jesus glorified His Father when He obeyed His Father and died on the cross to save His people from their sins and grant them eternal life. Peter would glorify his heavenly Father and Jesus Christ when he died on the cross as an obedient friend and loyal servant of Jesus Christ. No matter what happened to Peter day-to-day or how he was to die, the important thing was faithfully following Jesus day-by-day and leaving the consequences with Jesus.

(John 21:20) Peter, turning around, *saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; the one who also had leaned back on His bosom at the supper and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?”

Peter turned and saw John following and listening to his conversation with Jesus, so John knew what the Lord Jesus had told Peter and how the Lord Jesus had restored him to apostleship after Peter had denied Him three times. The betrayal by Judas and the denial by Peter were both on John’s mind when he wrote these closing verses. Whereas Peter repented and showed he truly loved the Lord Jesus and wanted to serve Him, Judas, who also felt remorse for what he had done, chose to hang himself instead of seeking the forgiveness of God (see Matthew 27:5).

(John 21:21) So Peter seeing him *said to Jesus, “Lord, and what about this man?”

Like many of us in similar situations, Peter naturally asked Jesus about what would happen to John, a fellow disciple. If he was going to die a martyr’s death, would John die as a martyr too?

(John 21:22) Jesus *said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!”

Hearing Peter’s question, Jesus turned the focus back on Peter’s relationship with Him as his Lord and Savior. Jesus told Peter, you MUST follow me! Jesus would decide how long one of His followers would serve Him on this earth. Jesus would decide what type of life and death His followers would go through; what type would best glorify Him and influence others to follow Him as their Lord and Savior. Jesus told Peter that what He chose for John to do and how He chose for John to live and die was not a matter that should concern Peter; Jesus, not Peter, was the Lord of them both. Jesus insisted that Peter’s concern MUST be about how he followed and served Jesus and Jesus’ people daily regardless of the personal consequences to himself — that was more than enough for Peter to be concerned about. Someone else may be honored or blessed in ways that seem better than what we experience, but following and obeying Jesus should be our primary (if not only) concern — not what God is doing or planning to do through someone else.

(John 21:23) Therefore this saying went out among the brethren that that disciple would not die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but only, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?”

Jesus did not say that John would be alive when He returned as He promised. Jesus said that if He wanted John to remain alive until He returned that should be of no concern to Peter. John was exiled to Patmos, where he wrote the Book of Revelation, and tradition says that John was the only one of the twelve apostles who did not die a martyr’s death. John glorified Jesus in a different way from the other apostles; for example, John wrote a great deal of the New Testament as well as the closing book.

(John 21:24) This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is true.

If my counting is correct, according to the New International Version and the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, Matthew and Mark never used the word “true.” Among the Gospel writers, John used the word true the most often. Not counting the Book of Acts, Luke used the word true 3 times in the NIV and 1 time in the NRSV. In his Gospel, John used the word true 15 times in the NIV and 19 times in the NRSV. In the New International Version, Matthew used the word truth 1 time, Mark used the word truth 2 times, Luke used the word truth 1 time, and John used the word truth 28 times. In the New Revised Standard Version, Matthew used the word truth 1 time, Mark used the word truth 2 times, Luke used the word truth 3 times, and John used the word truth 26 times. John “testified” to the “truth” as in a court of law under oath with consequences for lying (perjury); John is the one who wrote his Gospel. The truth and what is true was of vital and saving importance to John. Those who knew John also testified that John’s testimony was true. The most important reason to become a Christian and a faithful obedient follower of Jesus Christ is because the Bible and Christianity are true. What the Bible tells us about God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and everyone’s possible relationship with them is true. As Dr. Francis Schaeffer said well: “The Bible is true in all it affirms.”

(John 21:25) And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they *were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself *would not contain the books that *would be written.

John accurately recorded what the Holy Spirit and he decided was of most importance about the ministry of Jesus Christ for our coming to believe the truth about Jesus and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. In John 1:3, we learn that “all things came into being through Jesus;” therefore, the many truthful books that fill our world regarding creation and history, whether they mention Jesus or not, in some sense reveal His glory as the Creator and Sustainer of all that exists. An infinite number of books could be written about how Jesus Christ, throughout the millennia from the beginning of creation and time has blessed, cared for, healed, rescued, and saved His people from a countess variety of trials and tribulations as well as bless them beyond all expectations. He is our Creator and the One who came into our world to die and rise again to save us from our sins and grant us the undeserved gift of eternal life (not to mention the blessed honor to be asked to serve Him as long as we live). So yes, the whole world would not have room for all the books that could be written about Jesus.

 

 

The Only Reason to Become a Christian

April 15, 2018

John 21:15-25

 

 “This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true” (John 21:24).

 

Why should someone become a Christian? Christians can think of many lasting personal benefits for becoming a Christian; benefits beyond what we can even begin to imagine now that will only increase throughout eternity. As we read the New Testament, we learn how Jesus Christ made these benefits possible for His followers by His death, burial, and resurrection. Unfortunately, some people believe in God only for the benefits, and they remain selfish and self-centered, thinking only of themselves and of what God will give them in the future. Satan accused Job of trusting in and honoring God only for the benefits, but Job showed Satan that he served God because God was worthy to be glorified. In John’s gospel, we learn the best reason to become a Christian. The best reason to follow Jesus is because Christianity is true, and because Christianity is true the followers of Jesus turn from selfishness and self- centeredness to God-centeredness, to loving God supremely, to obeying God, and to loving others as Jesus Christ has loved them. From the way John’s gospel concludes with these words by one who knew John, “his testimony is true,” we know the greatest, most important, and the only real reason for becoming a Christian — because Christianity is true. Thinking further, John used the words true and truth far more than any of the other gospel writers. Depending on the translation, in John, John’s Letters, and Revelation, John used the word “true” or “truth” 82 times. Dr. Francis Schaeffer concluded: “There is only one reason, and not two, for becoming a Christian, and that is because Christianity is true.”

 

 

 

Thinking Further

The Only Reason to Become a Christian

April 15, 2018

John 21:15-25

Name _____________________________

 

1. What do these verses tell us about Christians who sin being given another opportunity to serve Jesus?

 

 

2. What did Jesus ask of Peter before He restored him as an apostle?

 

 

3. What type of love has Jesus shown for His people (His sheep)?

 

 

4. When Peter asked about the future of John, how did Jesus answer him?

 

 

5. What do you think was the most important declaration that John made about his gospel?

 

Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further

 

1. What do these verses tell us about Christians who sin being given another opportunity to serve Jesus? Christians who sin can be given another opportunity to serve Jesus on Jesus’ terms, but perhaps in a different way than previously.

 

2. What did Jesus ask of Peter before He restored him as an apostle? He asked Peter to love Him. One type of love required Peter to love Jesus as his Friend. The other type of love is a higher type of love, a loving of Jesus with all one’s heart, mind, soul and strength, a love that is willing to sacrifice oneself in obedience to Jesus Christ in order to care for and meet the real needs of Jesus’ people (His sheep) as Jesus leads and provides.

 

3. What type of love has Jesus shown for His people (His sheep)? Jesus has shown a sacrificial love for His sheep by teaching them the truth in the most difficult of circumstances, by suffering, dying, being buried and rising again to save sinners from their sins and grant them eternal life if they believe in Him as their Lord and Savior.

 

4. When Peter asked about the future of John, how did Jesus answer him? Jesus told him that it was no concern of his and he was to concentrate on following Him wherever He led him.

 

5. What do you think was the most important declaration that John made about his gospel? That his gospel told the truth and could be trusted.

 

 

Word Search

The Only Reason to Become a Christian

April 15, 2018

John 21:15-25

Name ___________________________

 

S U B D M R G S K P Q J Y N M

I F I T A C D T G A S N H Q P

M L H Z Y L X U Z T O O E D E

O X R G O K I L R M J L P Y T

N P H V X J Q E I B R A M F E

S W E P T G T T Q Y L P G P R

X D M K E C S N Z O W Y X F J

K H N B H E E U R T D H O B V

Y W Q A T O H P J I G L T S D

M F Y R H S Z S S X L Z Q R K

S G I V S R B C K O D A O H D

K Q U R I U I M W C F L Y R Q

J W H B O P S V A N E X D H P

X L I X L L J E W L E S L E Z

A D T E U K G H J U D K H F J

 

Testimony

Simon

Peter

Disciple

John

Love

Lord

True

Sheep

Feed

Lambs

Stretch

Hands

Glorify

Follow

 

 

True and False Test

The Only Reason to Become a Christian

April 15, 2018

John 21:15-25

Name _____________________________

 

Circle the true or false answers. Correct the false statements by restating them.

 

1. Before they ate, Jesus wanted to make certain that Peter loved Him. True or False

 

2. Peter loved Jesus more than he loved fish. True or False

 

3. Peter loved Jesus more than he loved his fishing buddies. True or False

 

4. Simon Peter was a son of John. True or False

 

5. Three times Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him, True or False

 

6. Three times Peter had denied Jesus. True or False

 

7. Jesus told Peter to feed and take care of His lambs and sheep. True or False

 

8. Jesus told Peter how his life would end. True or False

 

9. Jesus told the other disciple with Him when he would die. True or False

 

10. The Book of John is true and includes testimony that is true. True or False

 

 

True and False Test Answers

John 21:15-25

 

1. False
2. True
3. True
4. True
5. True
6. True
7. True
8. True
9. False

10.True

 

 

Prayer

 

Father, we belong to You only by Your grace, granted to us by Your Son’s willing death on our behalf. Empower us, Lord, to follow Him and to feed His flock. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.