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Uniquely Different Relationships with Jesus
Text: John 21:1-25 Word of the Week: RELATIONSHIP
Speaker: Russ Muse
Takeaways
How would you expect a Gospel writer to wrap up his account of the life of the Savior? A review of every miracle? A list of exhortations to remember? A report on a dramatic ascension?
No, John wraps up his book by showing Jesus in relationships with others, which he has done throughout.
Martha – Jesus meets her in her expectations of His power and questions about her brother’s death.
Thomas – Jesus knows that Thomas wants a tangible experience with Jesus and allows it.
Mary Magdalene – Jesus gently speaks her name in a way that would make her know His voice.
The disciples as a group: Several of the disciples, likely still fearful and confused, returned to fishing, initially without success, until they heard Jesus’ suggestion. When they came to shore, Jesus was preparing breakfast for them.
Peter: Jesus talks with Peter, asking him about Peter’s affection for Him. (What we don’t see in the English translation is that Jesus asked the question in different ways.) Peter was likely struggling, having denied Christ and being the one who declared, “I’m going fishing.”
Although Peter assures Jesus that he has affection for him, he may have been trying as much to assure himself! Jesus meets him where he is, instilling confidence and reiterating the call to feed and tend His sheep.
Jesus also gently corrects Peter when he diverts the conversation to John, reminding him that He is relating to John in His way and that Peter need not concern himself with it.
John ends the book by telling us that Jesus did many other things. There is an unlimited number of stories that can be shared.
Jesus is writing a unique story with YOU, just like He did with people mentioned throughout this gospel. He meets you where you are. He works with what you HAVE and ARE, not what you DON’T HAVE or wish you WERE. What would it be like to live out of what we DO have rather than what we DON’T, even in our relationship with Jesus?
Reflection Prompters
How does John’s approach to concluding his Gospel, by focusing on personal relationships with others, challenge or inspire your understanding of Jesus’ character and mission?
In what ways do you relate to the different people in the article—Martha, Thomas, Mary Magdalene, the disciples, and Peter? How has Jesus met you where you are in your journey?
How do you interpret Jesus’ gentle corrections and questions to Peter, particularly in the context of Peter’s past failures? What does this reveal about Jesus’ approach to restoration and growth?
The article suggests that Jesus works with what we have and are, not what we wish we were or had. How might you embrace and live out this idea in your relationship with Jesus?
John mentions that many other things Jesus did could have been shared. How does this influence your perspective on the personal nature of your relationship with Jesus, knowing He is actively involved in your life and story?
