Done
Done
The Epilogue of John
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
When we began our study of the gospel of John, I wrote the following:
For the next couple of months, we have the joy of soaking in Jesus and all that He is as revealed by the elder statesmen of the apostles, John. What it all comes down to is Jesus is the beginning and the end. To read of Him, think of Him, understand Him and follow Him is life transforming. We will be changed. We will be amazed. We will be enriched. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”Read more
Do You Love Me?
I never post selfies, so this is a rare one. Don't judge :)
Do You Love Me?
John 21
Therefore, that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord.’ So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put his outer garment on and threw himself into the sea. But the other disciples came in the little boat, for they were not far from the land...dragging the net full of fish.
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.’ 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.’ 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.
Today, we close out the book of John. Peter was trying to escape his guilt of denying Jesus and hopeful that doing what he was good at, fishing, would bring him some relief. So much for the therapeutic relief. So much for doing something he is good at. The disciples followed Peter to the boat to go fishing and all night they caught NOTHING. So much for feeling like he’s in control. Peter couldn't escape the sense of failure even in the simple things of life that he was good at.
When God is chasing after me to teach me something, He can be relentless. For me, He is known to pile it on sometimes. It is actually very loving of Him. But it doesn’t feel like it at the time. Read more
Lather, Rinse, Repeat
Lather, Rinse, Repeat
John 21
After these things Jesus manifested Himself again to the disciples at the Seat of Tiberias, and He manifested Himself in this way...Simon Peter said to them (his fellow disciples), ‘I am going fishing.’ They said to him, ‘we will also come with you.’ They went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing.
But when the day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. So Jesus said them, ‘children, you do not have any fish, do you. Cast the net on the other side of the boat and you will find a catch.’ So they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish.’
Therefore, that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord.’ So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put his outer garment on and threw himself into the sea. But the other disciples came in the little boat, for they were not far from the land...dragging the net full of fish.
John 21 is a chapter about Peter. As I read it, I was reminded of my life journey of failures and blessing. Similar to me in my young adulthood, Peter struggled with arrogance and made many bold claims that didn’t materialize. This chapter deals primarily with Peter and Jesus' preparation of Peter to take a significant role of leadership after His ascension.
Thus far, Jesus had appeared to the disciples twice after His resurrection. As we move in to the final chapter of John, we find the disciples at the Sea of Galilee. We’re not sure if Jesus told them to leave Jerusalem and go there or if they did it on their own accord. Either way, they have seen the risen Christ and they are encouraged. But they are still uncertain of their future and still plagued with doubts.
It might had been several days or maybe more that they hadn't seen Jesus. Peter was grappling with "what now"? How did Peter feel about the fact that less than 20 days ago, he denied knowing Jesus three times after multiple claims that he would follow Jesus anywhere? Even die with Him. His confidence was shaken, his boldness subdued and his doubt grew stronger. He had failed. What good was he now?
He hadn't seen or heard from Jesus for several days. So, he said ‘I am going fishing’. Peter had planned to be Jesus' right-hand man in the Kingdom. He had failed and now he was going fishing. Maybe he felt like the 3-year journey with Jesus was over and he has to now make a living. Go fishing. Maybe He wanted to do something he was familiar with; something he was good at; something that made him feel he was in control. Catching some fish would be therapeutic for him.
Lord, how many times have I done the same thing. Many times, I have struggled with my failures and felt disillusioned. I just want to escape!
I can relate to Peter’s experience. By the time I graduated from college in 1981, I, very confidently, had a clear vision for my life. I was very confident, even arrogant regarding my vision and plan for my life. I was very confident but in reality, I wasn’t prepared for life as an adult, filled with unexpected twists and turns. Life is filled with both unexpected disappointments and failures blended with unexpected blessings. Sometimes, mind-blowing failures and sometimes, mind-blowing blessings. The story of my life is that I’ve had a lot of both. A lot of both!
Another theme in the story of my life is that from the pinnacle of my arrogance at college graduation to where I am now, God has applied a steady and constant pattern of humbling me. A humbling process that spans a life from 22 years old until 60 years old is a long time. I have often told the Lord through the years, enough is enough.
- At age 22, I graduated from a Christian College with a BA in Pastoral Ministries. Just like in our present time, there were mega-churches and mega-Pastors back in 1981. I said to myself and to others, ‘If I’m not pastoring a mega-church and preaching weekly to thousands of people by the time I’m 30 years old, then I’ll consider myself a failure.’ (It pains me now to write such a horrible, arrogant statement such as this). Then I said, 'but for now I'll just do Youth Ministry.'
- At age 26, I was asked to Pastor a church of about 700 people. For a variety of reasons, I had to say no. I never did become a Pastor of any church and certainly not of a mega-church.
- At age 28, I was working at a wholesale florist, six days a week, 60 hours a week. It was the only job I could find at the time to provide for my wife and two daughters. I vividly remember a day I was taking out the garbage, tossing up the garbage into the dumpster with slime dripping down my arm. I froze and said to myself, ‘what happened to me?’ I had one of those ‘slime dripping down your arm’ moments. Oh, how the arrogant one had fallen. Ok Lord. I get it. I understand what you’re doing, but enough humbling of me for now. Please!!!
- A few months later, a youth ministry opportunity came my way, quite unexpectedly, that turned into a wonderful and joy-filled period in my life.
- I could go on and on with a repeating pattern of failures and disappointments followed by me saying to the Lord, ‘Ok already, I got it.’ Then, later I’d experience unexpected and often amazing blessings that are way beyond what I deserve.
- Lather, rinse, repeat.
Lord, every humbling experience I’ve had has proven to me your great love. These experiences have caused me to take my eyes off myself, and place them squarely on you. That’s where you want me and that’s where I want myself to be, as well. Your ways are good, Your path is straight and Your guiding hand is always with me. Praise be to You always and in all things. Amen!
Shalom
Shalom
John 20
So when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, ‘Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.’ And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’
After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, ‘Peace be with you.”
Yesterday we covered the words Jesus spoke to Mary Magdalene. He spoke her name and her eyes were opened to see Him. We don’t believe in universal salvation; that everyone who is relatively good, universally goes to heaven. We believe that God’s saving grace, His special grace, His focused and personal grace, is directed toward individuals. In Mary’s case, she was seeking Jesus and Jesus called her name!!!
I’ve heard testimonies of people who were minding their business, living in ignorance and not necessarily seeking Jesus, when Jesus seized their heart, called their name and opened their eyes. Additionally, there are multiple Bible passages that indicate that God is the initiator of an individual’s salvation. Read more
His Words
His Words
John 20
Jesus said to her, woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking? Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, ‘Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.’ Jesus said to her ‘Mary’! She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, ‘Rabboini’, (which means Teacher).
So Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.’ And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’
Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalen, a passionate follower of Jesus. He then appeared to the disciples on two occasions in John 20. It seems to me that a worthy study of John 20 would be to consider the words of Jesus, spoken to His followers after His resurrection. The words spoken were few, but very important.
He appeared first to Mary Magdalen at the tomb on the wonderous Sunday morning. At first, she didn't recognize Him but when He called her by name and said ‘Mary’ her eyes were opened. It’s usually not a monumental occurrence for someone to say your name. This case, I believe, is different. Read more
Women
This picture hangs in my home office.
Thank you for praying for me on Tuesday as I shared the Word with Men at the Star of Hope Gospel Mission. God was very kind to me and blessed my time of teaching. The men were encouraging and appreciative.
Women
John 20
Christianity is sometimes accused of oppressing woman and suppressing their importance. I can't speak to the way all supposed Christian men act, but the Bible, especially the life of Jesus, tells of many women who were immensely important in God’s plan and deeply loved and honored by Jesus. The first person that Jesus appeared to after his resurrection was Mary Magdalene, not the bone-headed disciples.
John emphasizes the critical role of Mary Magdalene in the death and resurrection of Jesus. There’s no mention, except John, of the disciples being present at the crucifixion. However, John writes, But standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. The Bible tells stories of noble women; sometimes outcasts in their time, wonderfully saved by the grace of God. There are many stories of women characterized by courage, passion and dedication. Here's just a few:Read more
The Greatest Day
The Greatest Day
John 20
It’s Easter morning! To us, knowing what we now know, it’s a glorious day of celebration, as it should be. He is risen.
But what about the disciples and the followers of Jesus on that day? It’s not a celebration...yet.
A lot has happened in a few days. Read more
This I Know
Octopus stew. One of Nate's favorites. Really! A taste he developed in Japan and is now happy to find in Bulgaria.
I ask that you pray for me today as I have the opportunity to teach at the noon devotions at the Men's unit of the Houston Star of Hope Gospel Mission. Will be about 350 men in attendance.
This I Know
John 19
John's writing is different from the other three gospel accounts. His account of the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus is very succinct. His brief account of it is to prove a premise rather than give a detailed description of the event.
They took Jesus, therefore, and He went out, bearing His own cross, to the place called the Place of a skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha. There they crucified Him..., 19:17, 18.
I would prefer more specific details to create context, color and emotion. John doesn't do that. He provides a view into a few events with the purpose of emphasizing the Deity of Jesus. As part of his purpose, John emphasizes fulfilled prophecy rather than creating deeper emotion within his readers by describing the details of Jesus’ brutal and inhumane suffering. Before their eyes, Jesus was fulfilling prophecies written of Him hundreds of years before. Fulfilled prophecy is a validation of Jesus’ claims! Read more
To Fulfill
This is Zoe, the daughter of our precious friends, Pete and Lori Marshall, Seattle, WA
To Fulfill
John 19
After a few mock trials before the High Priest, Jesus was sent to Pilate with the succinct request from the Jews; crucify him. He was ushered in before Pilate. Pilate was the Roman Governor and Military Commander with jurisdiction over Jerusalem. Pilate wanted nothing to do with Jesus. He declared Jesus innocent. But the Jews, knowing that Pilate was not seen favorably by Caesar, taunted Pilate and threatened to cause an uprising if Pilate didn’t do what they wanted.
Pilate hated the Jews and, in his heart, wanted to always do the opposite of what the Jews wanted. But Pilate didn’t want any trouble and risk another bad report being sent to Caesar. As a compromise, Pilate had Jesus beaten severely, hoping that would satisfy the Jews thirst for blood. Read more