Thoughts on John 21

This morning I am reading from John 21 and saw a few things of interest, besides the usual good stuff.

(NIV)John 21:15-22
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” [16] Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” [17] The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. [18] Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” [19] Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

[20] Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) [21] When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” [22] Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”

Verse 20 caught my eye, because I hadn't realized that Jesus was having the reinstatement conversation with Peter, while walking with him. I just thought about how personal the Lord was, in dealing individually with Peter's denial, calling him to the place of relationship once again, knowing that Peter was longing to have this conversation, but unable to either gather the courage, or do so in front of the others. Jesus graciously takes him aside and God for a walk on the beach with him and basically erases the denials with recommitment. His last satetment to Peter is 'follow me'.

I also thought it as interesting how when Peter asked about John, he didn't say his name, but rather 'him'. One wonders if there was some personal stuff between them, since peter denied the Lod, and John persisted in staying with him? It is certainly possible. But more importantly, the Lord makes it clear to Peter that this is not his concern. Peter's concern is to follow Jesus, period.

This makes me think of the many times I have been more concerned about so and so, rather than my own following after Jesus. Lord forgive me for my own inability to follow you, and being concerned about other things.

Finally, just seeing the call of Jesus to Peter, to feed 'HIS' sheep. Let us never forget that the church, and every member in it is Jesus'. Not our's, not some organization,s bt the Lord's.