The Resistance - Day 25
Day 25: Friday, March 03
Read John 21
Highlight
The restoration of Peter is an extraordinary story filled with symbolism. Peter has returned to fishing, though scholars disagree if this indicates that Peter intends to cease his discipleship of Jesus and return to his old ways. Either way, it sets up an encounter with Jesus that reflects the entire life of Peter up until that moment. We see another miraculous catch, another instance of Peter jumping from the boat to get to Jesus. But the symbolism actually goes further than that. The word used here for fire is specifically a charcoal fire, and the same word is only used one other time in the New Testament… To describe the fire that Peter was warming himself by when he denied Jesus. Even in this small detail, Peter is brought back to his moment of shame. Indeed, Jesus asking Peter to confirm his love three times mirrors his three denials.
All of these connections have a purpose: Jesus did not make a mistake when he originally called Peter to his service, and Peter’s mistakes do not disqualify him from serving. If we allow ourselves to return to our place of shame and confess to Jesus, he can and will forgive us and restore us.
Jesus had great plans for Peter. In many ways, the forgiveness of Peter actually empowered greater ministry. As Jesus said in Luke 7:47, “Therefore I tell you, because her many sins have been forgiven, she has loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” Followers of Jesus must remember that the things we are ashamed of can actually empower greater love if we bring those things to Jesus and receive his grace and forgiveness. To see that illustrated in the life of Peter, take some more time and read Acts 2:1-41.
Reflection
Every passage in the Bible, including the one you just read, is “...inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” Let the passage challenge you as you reflect on it, but always cling to the full context of Scripture, which tells us that “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Praise God!
Prayer
Let the passage we just read guide your prayers. Use the acronym ACTS.
Adoration - Praise God for the truth this passage communicated about him.
Confession - Confess to God the thing that this passage showed you is wrong in your life.
Thanksgiving - Thank God for what this passage taught you was true about you and for the ways He is already helping you to do what is right.
Supplication - Ask God for help to do what this passage teaches to do and accomplish the good works he has for you.
Read John 21
Highlight
The restoration of Peter is an extraordinary story filled with symbolism. Peter has returned to fishing, though scholars disagree if this indicates that Peter intends to cease his discipleship of Jesus and return to his old ways. Either way, it sets up an encounter with Jesus that reflects the entire life of Peter up until that moment. We see another miraculous catch, another instance of Peter jumping from the boat to get to Jesus. But the symbolism actually goes further than that. The word used here for fire is specifically a charcoal fire, and the same word is only used one other time in the New Testament… To describe the fire that Peter was warming himself by when he denied Jesus. Even in this small detail, Peter is brought back to his moment of shame. Indeed, Jesus asking Peter to confirm his love three times mirrors his three denials.
All of these connections have a purpose: Jesus did not make a mistake when he originally called Peter to his service, and Peter’s mistakes do not disqualify him from serving. If we allow ourselves to return to our place of shame and confess to Jesus, he can and will forgive us and restore us.
Jesus had great plans for Peter. In many ways, the forgiveness of Peter actually empowered greater ministry. As Jesus said in Luke 7:47, “Therefore I tell you, because her many sins have been forgiven, she has loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” Followers of Jesus must remember that the things we are ashamed of can actually empower greater love if we bring those things to Jesus and receive his grace and forgiveness. To see that illustrated in the life of Peter, take some more time and read Acts 2:1-41.
Reflection
Every passage in the Bible, including the one you just read, is “...inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” Let the passage challenge you as you reflect on it, but always cling to the full context of Scripture, which tells us that “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Praise God!
- What truth does this passage communicate about God? About us? About our world?
- Has God used this passage to highlight something that is wrong in your life?
- What does this passage teach us to do? What is one practical thing you can do to apply this to your life?
Prayer
Let the passage we just read guide your prayers. Use the acronym ACTS.
Adoration - Praise God for the truth this passage communicated about him.
Confession - Confess to God the thing that this passage showed you is wrong in your life.
Thanksgiving - Thank God for what this passage taught you was true about you and for the ways He is already helping you to do what is right.
Supplication - Ask God for help to do what this passage teaches to do and accomplish the good works he has for you.
Posted in The Resistance