Gospel Truth in John 21 (Dec 30)

Christ Redirects & Refocuses Us

Following betrayal of Judas and
denial of Peter, John focuses on
the trial before Pilate & his futile
efforts to release Jesus. Yielding
to expediency, Pilate sentences
Jesus to be crucified. Many of the
details John includes are unique:
soldiers casting dice for Jesus’robe
the spear trust into Jesus’ side;
the post-resurrection appearances.
Thro it all, John clearly present
Jesus Christ as the Son of God
in His life, death and resurrection.

Lord, we will be Fishers of Men:
Jesus called out: Friends, have you
caught any fish? No, they replied.
Then he said: Throw out your net
on the right-hand side of the boat
and you’ll get plenty of fish!!
So they did, and they couldn’t
draw in the net because there
were so many fish in it (Jn 21:4-6)
(Peter) said: Lord, You know every
-thing. You know that I love You.
Jesus said:Then feed my sheep(17)
Peter…saw the disciple Jesus loved
…and asked Jesus: What about him
Lord? Jesus replied: If I want him to
remain until I return, what is that to
you? As for you, follow me (v20-22)

Lord, You will Redirect us to mission
field just as You Redirect Peter.
Show me Lord the best way to go
about the work you’ve called me
to do so that I can be more fruitful.
Thank You for creative ideas that
I never would think of on my own.
Grateful U delight in revealing them
to a willing heart. May I remember
to give You the credit. Amen.

Lord, thank you for Being Patient
with me just as you did to Peter.
I confess denying You now & then
and yet You forgive me repeatedly.
Your patience with me, even as
I struggle with stronghold, has
caused me to love You more.
In gratitude, I ask You to lead me
now to a life of obedience. Amen.

Lord, we note you Refocus Peter
to Your mission for him even as
he was sidetracked to others.
I need your help to stop focussing
on how I compare with others.
And help me instead to focus
on following You in the work
to which you have called me.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.