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John 18-21
Life in His Name
Psalm 121:1-8 Trusting Your Creator
1.Song of The Steps* “I will lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from?2.My help comes from Yahweh, who made heaven and earth.3.He will not allow your foot to be moved. He who keeps you will not slumber.4.Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.5.Yahweh is your keeper/guardian. Yahweh is your shade on your right hand.6.The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.7.Yahweh will keep you from all evil. He will keep your soul.8.Yahweh will keep your going out and your coming in, from this time forth, and forevermore."Observation
121:1-8. Trust in the Creator for help is a wise decision, for He can make anything we need. God watches over those who trust Him; He doesn't sleep nor go on vacation, so nothing escapes His notice or permission. He protects morning and night, and all the time in-between. The hills might refer to the geography of Jerusalem and the Temple, where God was praised for answering prayer. God keeps or guards Israel as well as individuals who trust Him. Hezekiah's trust in God is one of the first things mentioned about him.2Kings 18:3 And he did what was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father David had done. 5 He trusted in Yahweh, the God of Israel, so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor who were before him.
Application
Trusting the Creator is a safer bet than trusting in any created thing.
Prayer
God, remind me to look first, foremost, and only to You for help when faced with evil circumstances. Amen.
Proverbs 30:1-5 Ignorance is Inexcusable
1.“The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the oracle: the man says to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal:2."Surely I am the most ignorant man, and don't have a man's understanding.3.I have not learned wisdom, neither do I have the knowledge of the Holy One.4.Who has ascended up into heaven, and descended? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has bound the waters in his garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son's name, if you know?5."Every word of God is flawless. He is a shield to those who take refuge in him.Observation
30:2.Our ignorant fellow seems to be lacking the prerequisite to wisdom and knowledge. He should have paid attention to the beginning of Proverbs. There's no excuse for ignorance when God has offered wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Unless, of course, you don't care about what God has said. Oh wait...I wonder if that is related to fear of the Lord?
Pr 1:7 The fear of the Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction
Pr 9:10 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
Application
We gain wisdom by caring a lot about what God has said (His word).
Prayer
Father, thanks that Your word is flawless, and that You protect me according to it. Amen.
John 18-21 Life in His Name
In these final chapters of his gospel, John describes the betrayal, death, resurrection, and appearances to the disciples. Peter denies Jesus, and then confesses his love for Him in the last chapter. Jesus provides a miraculous catch of fish, and promises His return. He bestows the Holy Spirit on the disciples and commissions them to testify to the truth as He had. Those who believe would find life, those who continue to believe and follow, would have the abundant life.
John 18 Denial and Defense
1.When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples over the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, into which he and his disciples entered.2.Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples.3.Judas then, having taken a detachment of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.4.Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were happening to him, went forth, and said to them, "Who are you looking for?"5.They answered him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am he." Judas also, who betrayed him, was standing with them.6.When therefore he said to them, "I am he," they went backward, and fell to the ground.7.Again therefore he asked them, "Who are you looking for?" They said, "Jesus of Nazareth."8.Jesus answered, "I told you that I am he. If therefore you seek me, let these go their way,"9.that the word might be fulfilled which he spoke, "Of those whom you have given me, I have lost none."10.Simon Peter therefore, having a sword, drew it, and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.11.Jesus therefore said to Peter, "Put the sword into its sheath. The cup which the Father has given me, shall I not surely drink it?"12.So the detachment, the commanding officer, and the officers of the Jews, seized Jesus and bound him,13.and led him to Annas first, for he was father-in-law to Caiaphas, who was high priest that year.14.Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should perish for the people.15.Simon Peter followed Jesus, as did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and entered in with Jesus into the court of the high priest;16.but Peter was standing at the door outside. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought in Peter.17.Then the maid who kept the door said to Peter, "Are you also one of this man’s disciples?" He said, "I am not."18.Now the servants and the officers were standing there, having made a fire of coals, for it was cold. They were warming themselves. Peter was with them, standing and warming himself.19.The high priest therefore asked Jesus about his disciples, and about his teaching.20.Jesus answered him, "I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues, and in the temple, where the Jews always meet. I said nothing in secret.21.Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them. Behold, these know the things which I said."22.When he had said this, one of the officers standing by slapped Jesus with his hand, saying, "Do you answer the high priest like that?"23.Jesus answered him, "If I have spoken evil, testify of the evil; but if well, why do you beat me?"24.Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas, the high priest.25.Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They said therefore to him, "You aren’t also one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it, and said, "I am not."26.One of the servants of the high priest, being a relative of him whose ear Peter had cut off, said, "Didn’t I see you in the garden with him?"27.Peter therefore denied it again, and immediately the rooster crowed.28.They led Jesus therefore from Caiaphas into the Praetorium. It was early, and they themselves didn’t enter into the Praetorium, that they might not be defiled, but might eat the Passover.29.Pilate therefore went out to them, and said, "What accusation do you bring against this man?"30.They answered him, "If this man weren’t an evildoer, we wouldn’t have delivered him up to you."31.Pilate therefore said to them, "Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law." Therefore the Jews said to him, "It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,"32.that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spoke, signifying by what kind of death he should die.33.Pilate therefore entered again into the Praetorium, called Jesus, and said to him, "Are you the King of the Jews?"34.Jesus answered him, "Do you say this by yourself, or did others tell you about me?"35.Pilate answered, "I’m not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered you to me. What have you done?"36.Jesus answered, "My Kingdom is not of this world. If my Kingdom were of this world, then my servants would fight, that I wouldn’t be delivered to the Jews. But now my Kingdom is not from here."37.Pilate therefore said to him, "Are you a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this reason I have been born, and for this reason I have come into the world, that I should testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice."38.Pilate said to him, "What is truth?" When he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, "I find no basis for a charge against him.39.But you have a custom, that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Therefore do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?"40.Then they all shouted again, saying, "Not this man, but Barabbas!" Now Barabbas was a robber.Observations
18:1-12.John does not record Jesus praying in the garden, but does uniquely mention the irony of the Roman and Jewish officials coming with lights and lanterns to look for the Light of the world. There is also irony in the repetition of “I am he,” whom they are seeking. Jesus “sacrifices” Himself so the disciples can be free. Peter almost messes it up by cutting off an ear of the high priest's servant (he wasn't using it anyway). There is no mention of Jesus healing it as in Luke 22:51 (see comments there). Jesus accepts the cup the Father has given Him and is taken away.
18:13-27.
At the inquisition of Jesus the high priests searches for a secret insurrection. Jesus replies that all His teaching has been done openly in front of the Jews. He is unjustly struck by Caiaphas' henchman. Jesus asks them to tell Him what evil He has spoken. Meanwhile Pete has been busy denying Jesus the predicted three times, and the rooster crows on cue. Peter's comments were lies, and the rest of the chapter revolves around the subject of truth
18:28-40.
Jesus is brought before Pilate so He could be crucified rather than stoned (Jn 3:14). The hypocrites were not concerned about murdering an innocent man, but wanted to be sure they didn't ritually defile themselves. Jesus says that His kingdom is not “of” (sourced in) this world (Jn 8:23), as explicitly stated at the end of verse 36. His kingdom is the one from the heavens/God that the OT promised would be based in Jerusalem (see introduction to Matthew). Jesus came into the world to testify/witness to the truth (Jn 14:6), the way to God. Pilate expresses his disdain for truth with his question. Everyone that is “of the truth” listens to His voice. In John 8:44-47 (see comment there) Jesus said something similar regarding the Jews. Those who were of the devil, who had gone over to the dark side, didn't accept the truth. Pilate declares Jesus innocent, but the Jews don't want Jesus freed, choosing Barabbas the evildoer instead.
Application
Those who walk on the dark side listen to and follow lies; those who walk in the light listen to and follow truth.
Prayer
Father of light, help me value truth more than anything this world has to offer, including life. Amen.
John 19 The King is Killed
1.So Pilate then took Jesus, and flogged him.2.The soldiers twisted thorns into a crown, and put it on his head, and dressed him in a purple garment.3.They kept saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" and they kept slapping him.4.Then Pilate went out again, and said to them, "Behold, I bring him out to you, that you may know that I find no basis for a charge against him."5.Jesus therefore came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple garment. Pilate said to them, "Behold, the man!"6.When therefore the chief priests and the officers saw him, they shouted, saying, "Crucify! Crucify!" Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves, and crucify him, for I find no basis for a charge against him."7.The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God."8.When therefore Pilate heard this saying, he was more afraid.9.He entered into the Praetorium again, and said to Jesus, "Where are you from?" But Jesus gave him no answer.10.Pilate therefore said to him, "Aren’t you speaking to me? Don’t you know that I have power to release you, and have power to crucify you?"11.Jesus answered, "You would have no power at all against me, unless it were given to you from above. Therefore he who delivered me to you has greater sin."12.At this, Pilate was seeking to release him, but the Jews cried out, saying, "If you release this man, you aren’t Caesar’s friend! Everyone who makes himself a king speaks against Caesar!"13.When Pilate therefore heard these words, he brought Jesus out, and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called "The Pavement," but in Hebrew, "Gabbatha."14.Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, at about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, "Behold, your King!"15.They cried out, "Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your King?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar!"16.So then he delivered him to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus and led him away17.He went out, bearing his cross, to the place called "The Place of a Skull," which is called in Hebrew, "Golgotha,"18.where they crucified him, and with him two others, on either side one, and Jesus in the middle.19.Pilate wrote a title also, and put it on the cross. There was written, "JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS."20.Therefore many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek.21.The chief priests of the Jews therefore said to Pilate, "Don’t write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘he said, I am King of the Jews.’"22.Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."23.Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also the coat. Now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.24.Then they said to one another, "Let’s not tear it, but cast lots for it to decide whose it will be," that the Scripture might be fulfilled, which says, "They parted my garments among them. For my cloak they cast lots." Therefore the soldiers did these things.25.But there were standing by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.26.Therefore when Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing there, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold your son!"27.Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" From that hour, the disciple took her to his own home.28.After this, Jesus, seeing that all things were now finished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I am thirsty."29.Now a vessel full of vinegar was set there; so they put a sponge full of the vinegar on hyssop, and held it at his mouth.30.When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished." He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.31.Therefore the Jews, because it was the Preparation Day, so that the bodies wouldn’t remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a special one), asked of Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.32.Therefore the soldiers came, and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who was crucified with him;33.but when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was already dead, they didn’t break his legs.34.However one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.35.He who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, that you may believe.36.For these things happened, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, "A bone of him will not be broken."37.Again another Scripture says, "They will look on him whom they pierced."38.After these things, Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked of Pilate that he might take away Jesus’ body. Pilate gave him permission. He came therefore and took away his body.39.Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred Roman pounds.40.So they took Jesus’ body, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury.41.Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden. In the garden was a new tomb in which no man had ever yet been laid.42.Then because of the Jews’ Preparation Day (for the tomb was near at hand) they laid Jesus there.Observations
19:1-22.John's account of the passion and crucifixion is similar to Matthew's (see Mt 27), but John alone records Pilate's second interview where Jesus states that all earthly power is from above (just like God raised up Assyria and Babylon, and the Medes etc to accomplish His purposes). John also uniquely records the Jews intimidation of Pilate, and the nation's rejection of God's rule in their lives, and the only mention of Jesus carrying His cross (an admission that the Roman government was right; but note that the Roman government's official declarations in John have been that Jesus is innocent and is the King of the Jews).
19:23-37.
John also uniquely records Jesus' entrusting of His mother into the care of John, and the words “It is finished,” and the spear in the side, instead of the breaking of the legs. These last two items fulfill two prophesies, Exodus 12:46 which said the bones of the Paschal lamb should not be broken (cf Ps 34:20), and Zechariah 12:10.
19:38-42.
Two of the Jewish leaders who were disciples (Joe and Nic) procure, prepare, and place the body in a new tomb.
Application
God uses injustice and human wickedness to accomplish His glorious purposes, producing ultimate good out of evil.
Prayer
God, I thank You for the assurance that You are in control even when wicked men act unjustly, and can bring triumph out of tragedy. Amen.
John 20 Son Rise
1.Now on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene went early, while it was still dark, to the tomb, and saw the stone taken away from the tomb.2.Therefore she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have laid him!"3.Therefore Peter and the other disciple went out, and they went toward the tomb.4.They both ran together. The other disciple outran Peter, and came to the tomb first.5.Stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths lying, yet he didn’t enter in.6.Then Simon Peter came, following him, and entered into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying,7.and the cloth that had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths, but rolled up in a place by itself.8.So then the other disciple who came first to the tomb also entered in, and he saw and believed.9.For as yet they didn’t know the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead.10.So the disciples went away again to their own homes.11.But Mary was standing outside at the tomb weeping. So, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb,12.and she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.13.They told her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I don’t know where they have laid him."14.When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, and didn’t know that it was Jesus.15.Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?" She, supposing him to be the gardener, said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away."16.Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to him, "Rabboni!" which is to say, "Teacher!"17.Jesus said to her, "Don’t hold me, for I haven’t yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brothers, and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’"18.Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had said these things to her.19.When therefore it was evening, on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were locked where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, "Peace be to you."20.When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore were glad when they saw the Lord.21.Jesus therefore said to them again, "Peace be to you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you."22.When he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit!23.If you forgive the sins of any, they have been forgiven them. If you retain the sins of any, they have been retained."24.But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, wasn’t with them when Jesus came.25.The other disciples therefore said to him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."26.After eight days again his disciples were inside, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, the doors being locked, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace be to you."27.Then he said to Thomas, "Reach here your finger, and see my hands. Reach here your hand, and put it into my side. Don’t be unbelieving, but believing."28.Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!"29.Jesus said to him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen, and have believed."30.Therefore Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book;31.but these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.Observations
20:1-10.Mary Magdalene arrives at the tomb before the sun was up, but the Son had already risen. As in the case of the healing of the nobleman's son (Jn 4:50-51) the process of the miracle isn't recorded, only the pronouncement of it. Mary saw the tomb was empty and ran to tell the disciples. John and Peter race to the tomb and see the body gone, but the grave cloths left behind (robbers would have taken them). John sees and believes. Peter sees and goes away wondering (Lk 24:12), perhaps his denials had clouded His sensitivity to truth.
20:11-18.
Mary is lamenting the loss of her Lord, and dialogues with the two angels in the tomb. Jesus appears to her, and she recognizes Him as He calls one of His sheep by her name (Jn 10). The historicity of this account is strengthened by the first witness being a woman, whose word wouldn't be accepted in a court of Jewish law. Jesus might be establishing a new relational dynamic with “don't hold me” comment, moving from His physical presence to spiritual presence. Or He could be saying “Hug time over; I've got to go to our Father and God; go tell my brothers.” Note the disciples are now children of God.
20:19-23.
Jesus appears to the disciples, pronounces a blessing of peace on them (see Luke 2), commissions them to testify to the truth as He had, and gives them a temporary bestowal of the Holy Spirit (whom He might have just gotten from the Father). He states they have the task to declare that sins have or have not been forgiven (based upon response to the truth). In verse 23 the perfect tense is used for “forgiven” and “retained”, as in Matthew 16, see comments there. The “any” is in the plural, perhaps indicating people groups rather than individuals. What the disciples declare has already been decided in heaven.
20:24-29.
Thomas was missing, and wouldn't believe the words of his fellow disciples. He had to touch and see for himself. Jesus accommodates his unbelief, but says that those who don't see but believe are blessed. That would be you and me.
20:30-31.
John ends the chapter with his purpose in writing and recording the signs that Jesus did. He wrote so that people would believe (aorist tense) that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (who came from God and returned to God), and that by continuing to believe (present tense) would have life in His name/power. This is in harmony with John 10:10 – life and abundant life. Get them both.
Application
Jesus came, and John wrote so that people would believe in Jesus (and all He said) and have life; but wait, there's more, by continuing to believe, they would experience the abundant life Jesus offers to those who follow Him.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thanks for humbling Yourself, suffering and dying for my sin, so I could be forgiven and have life; thanks too for modeling the fruitful and abundant life that will make my joy full as I follow You. Amen.
John 21 Fishing and Shepherding
1.After these things, Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself this way.2.Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together.3.Simon Peter said to them, "I’m going fishing." They told him, "We are also coming with you." They immediately went out, and entered into the boat. That night, they caught nothing.4.But when day had already come, Jesus stood on the beach, yet the disciples didn’t know that it was Jesus.5.Jesus therefore said to them, "Children, have you anything to eat?" They answered him, "No."6.He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." They cast it therefore, and now they weren’t able to draw it in for the multitude of fish.7.That disciple therefore whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It’s the Lord!" So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he wrapped his coat around him (for he was naked), and threw himself into the sea.8.But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from the land, but about two hundred cubits away), dragging the net full of fish.9.So when they got out on the land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread.10.Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish which you have just caught."11.Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land, full of great fish, one hundred fifty-three; and even though there were so many, the net wasn’t torn.12.Jesus said to them, "Come and eat breakfast." None of the disciples dared inquire of him, "Who are you?" knowing that it was the Lord.13.Then Jesus came and took the bread, gave it to them, and the fish likewise.14.This is now the third time that Jesus was revealed to his disciples, after he had risen from the dead.15.So when they had eaten their breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs."16.He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep."17.He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you have affection for me?" Peter was grieved because he asked him the third time, "Do you have affection for me?" He said to him, "Lord, you know everything. You know that I have affection for you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep."18.Most certainly I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself, and walked where you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you, and carry you where you don’t want to go."19.Now he said this, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. When he had said this, he said to him, "Follow me."20.Then Peter, turning around, saw a disciple following. This was the disciple whom Jesus sincerely loved, the one who had also leaned on Jesus’ breast at the supper and asked, "Lord, who is going to betray you?"21.Peter seeing him, said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?"22.Jesus said to him, "If I desire that he stay until I come, what is that to you? You follow me."23.This saying therefore went out among the brothers, that this disciple wouldn’t die. Yet Jesus didn’t say to him that he wouldn’t die, but, "If I desire that he stay until I come, what is that to you?"24.This is the disciple who testifies about these things, and wrote these things. We know that his witness is true.25.There are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they would all be written, I suppose that even the world itself wouldn’t have room for the books that would be written.Observations
21:1-14.Compared to the first miracle Jesus did, there are a number of similarities: Jesus gives instructions and they are followed; a lack is turned into abundance (with numerical notations in each case); there, the law was perhaps being superseded by the abundance Christ came to give; here; the normal means of provision was superseded by the abundance Christ provided.
The central actor of this chapter is Peter: it is he who goes fishing, who jumps into the sea, who has the difficult dialogue with Jesus, and is commanded again at the end, to follow Christ. You might recall that in the earlier miraculous catch, when they had toiled all night and caught nothing, Peter asked the Lord to depart from him. Peter was supposed to have been fishing for men after Jesus had shown him that he shouldn't give his life for something that both perishes and God could so easily provide (see comments on Luke 5). On the grill, Jesus had a loaf of bread, and a fish, both here are singular, meaning one little fish and a loaf; in other places the plural is used, implying that this is also a repeat of the multiplication as in John 6. Jesus has a charcoal fire going (reminiscent of the only other place this word for charcoal was used, in John 18:18 where Peter denied Christ thrice).
21:15-17.
Peter had boasted that even if all the other disciples denied Jesus, he never would. So now Jesus asks him if he loves (agapao) Him more than the other disciples (although some think He means more than the fish, but agapao wouldn't be used for fish). Peter responds with the verb “phileo” which the WEB above correctly translates as affection. In modern parlance it would be “Jesus, you know you're my best bud.” He prefaces it with “surely” (only used by John in 11:27, of Martha's affirmation of Christ as the Messiah with the power to resurrect). Peter isn't isn't able to respond with the John 14:15 “apapao” (self-sacrificial loyalty parallel to the OT hesed), because he had not laid down his life in loyalty to Jesus, but had denied Him. And now, Pete is fishing for fish instead of men (like God's going to bless those efforts). So Jesus graciously accepts Peter's feeble move toward Him by re-commissioning him to “feed my lambs.” The feeding metaphor, used by the synoptics of feeding swine, is rooted in John 6, that of teaching the young believers (lambs) Jesus' words.
Jesus again asks if Peter agapao Him, and gets the same response. But this time, Jesus responds with “tend my sheep,” upgrading the task from feeding/teaching to shepherding (the verb, whose noun means shepherd, is only once translated pastor, Eph 4:11), and the objects of his shepherding have been upgraded from lambs to the more mature sheep (possibly referring to the more mature disciples). 1Peter 5:1-4 Peter viewed himself as a fellow-elder, who was entrusted with this task as had other elders. See on Acts 20:28, where Paul entrusts the tasks of oversight (bishop-ing) and shepherding (pastor-ing) to the elders from Ephesus.
Finally in the third round of questioning, Jesus switches to ask Peter if he is His friend (phileo) and Peter, grieved by the question a third time, responds that Jesus knows (using a different word for “know” than the two previous responses, which sometimes emphasizes understanding) all things (including Pete's denial of Him), and knows that Peter has phileo for Him. By broadening his acknowledgment of Jesus' knowledge from “me” to “all things,” Peter is perhaps indicating an confession of his three denials of Jesus. Friends are people who have objectives and purposes in common. Although his loyalty (agapao/hesed) had wavered, the overall direction and purpose of Peter's life was to follow Jesus, having the same objectives for his life that Jesus had for His.
21:18-19.
Jesus prophesies that Peter will be martyred to glorify God. According to church tradition, he was crucified in Rome (upside down, at his request, because he considered himself unworthy to die as Christ had). Jesus re-iterates the call to follow Him.
2 Peter 1:14 knowing that the putting off of my tent comes swiftly, even as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.
21:20-23.
Peter sees John (author of this gospel, “the disciple whom Jesus loved-agapao)” following (as all good disciples do) and asked about John's fate. Jesus tells Peter that what happens to others isn't his concern; his concern is to follow Jesus. In Jesus' answer He indicates that He will indeed return.
21:24-25.
The postscript testifies to the veracity of his writing as a historical record.
Application
Jesus isn't about disqualifying people from following Him, but about using those who do follow Him to help others do the same thing. Who are you feeding and tending?
Prayer
Lord God, thanks that you provide for the needs of those who follow You, so they can serve the truth and shepherding needs of others; may I be faithful to feed Your sheep with the truth You've revealed and guide them as we follow You, until You return. Amen.
Digging Deeper
God in a nutshell: God allows unjust things to happen to good people to work out His plan to benefit others, and bless those who serve Him. He brings good out of evil, in such a way that He is glorified.
Build-a-Jesus: Jesus came that we might have life, and have it abundantly. The abundant life is only found in His name/power, by those who follow Him.
Us in a nutshell: Those who believe are blessed, getting peace, life, and the abundant life, which they should share with others, as Jesus did.