Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: John 21 and Psalm 37

Once a movie plot has been completed, there will often be a scene that wraps up any loose ends. John 21 definitely has that feel to it. The plot was completed in John 20. Jesus was raised from the dead. He appeared to His disciples, commissioned them and empowered them. And to all intents and purposes the story was complete. The author even gave us a “closing argument” in v.30-31

³⁰ Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. ³¹ But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

If it was a movie, we would expect the credits to roll. But then, surprisingly, another scene begins in John 21. Why?

Well, back in John 18, in the scenes from Gethsemane and the high priest’s courtyard, we noticed how Jesus’ threefold confession, “I AM”, was mirrored by Peter’s threefold denial, “I am not!” And John considered this a loose end in his telling of the Gospel. We need to know that Jesus forgave and restored Peter. We simply cannot be left hanging. So John dedicates the final chapter to sharing the beautiful account of the risen Jesus setting up a breakfast on the beach for His disciples, blessing them with a miraculous catch of fish, and then taking Peter aside to minister to him by giving him three opportunities to confess,

“I love You” (v.15, 16 & 17)

And, as if to assure Peter of his complete forgiveness, Jesus also entrusts him with the vital pastoral ministry of being His “under-shepherd” to care for and feed Jesus’ “flock”. It’s a beautiful moment, and I for one am very glad that the Holy Spirit inspired John to record the events.

Life Application: Is there someone who has let you down in the past, and has told you they feel guilty about it. They need to know that you forgive them. Why not reach out to them to have a conversation and, when appropriate, extend your forgiveness to them in grace and kindness?