10/02009

John 21:15-25 (New International Version)

Jesus Reinstates Peter
15When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
16Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."

17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."

Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. 18 I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." 19Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"

20Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?") 21When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?"

22Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." 23Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?"

24This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.

25Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.


Jesus led Peter through an experience that would remove the cloud of his denial. Peter denied Jesus 3 times and Jesus asked Peter 3 times if he loved him. Jesus told Peter to Feed his sheep. The real test is our willingness to serve Jesus. Peter repented and Jesus asked him to commit his life. He finally realized who Jesus was and it changed him. He was forgiven, and he finally understood what Jesus truly was. Jesus asked Peter if he loved him 3 times. He doesn't settle for quick, superficial answers. How would you respond if Jesus tested your faith? Do you truly love him? Jesus also gave Peter a foretelling of his ending which resulted in an upside down crucifixion because Peter refused the honor of dying like Christ. Jesus told Peter to follow him despite this ending. We may be uncertain of our future, but if we follow Christ confidently, the end result will be marvelous. Peter asked Jesus how John would die. Jesus told Peter that it was none of Peter's concern. We tend to compare our lives to others. Jesus' response is "what does it matter to you? you must follow me." John systematically presented the evidence for Jesus' claims in his writings. Those who read it must make a choice -is Jesus the Son of God or isn't he? The evidence has been clearly presented and you must decide. Believe!

We are created to become like Christ. This is our destiny and the third purpose of our life. We are the only ones made in God's image which is a great privilege. We are spiritual beings, out soul will last through eternity. We are intellectual, relational, and we have a moral conscious. However our image was made incomplete and has been damaged and distorted by sin. Do realize that you will never be a God or "The" God This means that you should quit trying to control your circumstances, future, and the people around you.
God's ultimate goal for us is not for our comfort, but our character development. If you forget about character development, you circumstances will become frustrating. When life is difficult, we grow. Always remember that earth is merely a testing ground, Heaven is our home. Life is not about us. We exist for God's purpose. Why would he provide Heaven on Earth, when he has the real thing for us in eternity.
Only the Holy Spirit is powerful enough to make Godly changes in our life. We must be sanctified which is out third purpose on Earth. The Holy Spirit whispers unassumingly in our lives. You may not even be aware of it. Christ likeness is not produced by initiation, but by unhabitation. When we choose to do the right things in life then the spirit will give us the power, love, faith, and wisdom to do it. We must cooperate with the spirit to be effective. God waits for you to act first. Don't fall for your fears. Do the right thing anyway. We must change the way we think, whom we allow God to direct our thoughts. We are changed from the inside out, we become more beautiful, and are set free to soar new heights. We must develop Godly habits. Our character is basically the sum of our habits.
God uses 3 ways to mold us. 1) His Word- This provides the truths we need to grow. 2) His People- Providing the support we need to grow. 3) Circumstances- Which allows us to practice Christ likeness. If you utilize these 3 in you life, you will no doubt become more like Christ. God prefers to work through people to accomplish his plans. This makes us depend on each other. We cannot grow in Christ if we are isolated.

Becoming like Christ is a long, slow process of growth. Spiritual maturity is a progressive development that is a lifelong process, It won't even be complete until we go to Heaven. When we finally see Jesus eye to eye, we will be perfectly like him. God cares most about you living your life in a Christlike manner. You will have to take your character into Heaven. Don't let earthly forces mold you into their image. God's purpose is to make us like himself before he takes us to Heaven. This is our greatest privilege, immediate responsibility, and ultimate destiny. In what area of your life do you need to ask for the Spirit's power to be more Christlike today?

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for the Holy Spirit. Thank your for your son who sacrificed so that we could all be filled with the Spirit as he ascended to Heaven and allowed it to come to earth. So many times we wait for a scream from you on the direction that we should take, when in reality we must be still and listen while we are to step out in faith on what the Spirit is telling us what to do. I want to be as much like you as my feeble mind can fathom. I know I will never reach that goal on earth but I pray that you convict me to try to do so anyway. I pray for all friends and family that you give them what they need as you already know what it is. I pray for our nation, troops, and missionaries as they try to lead this world toward you. I ask you to forgive me of my sines. In your precious name I pray....... amen.