Ep. 250. John 20-21 | Jesus Appears
EPISODE 250
JESUS APPEARS: JOHN 20-21
The book of John ends with a somewhat peaceful scene. Seven of the disciples are out fishing, having already twice seen the resurrected Christ. It does make me wonder why they weren't looking for Jesus, but at this point in the story they do not yet have the Holy Spirit so it is likely they just didn't "get it" yet.
Jesus appears to them from the beach and directs them to a great catch of fish. They have a little breakfast together, and then Jesus and Peter take a walk. (John following close behind)
Can you imagine breakfast with the resurrected Lord and then a walk with him in the early morning? That would have been wonderful, but I imagine it was also a bit painful for Peter.
"Peter do you love me with everything you have?"
"You know that I love you like a close friend."
"Peter, do you love me with your entire being?"
"You know, Lord, that you have been a great friend."
"Peter, do you love me like a good friend?" Peter was saddened this time when Jesus said, "Good friend," and answered him.
"You know all things, Lord, you know I love you like a brother."
Many talk about this text as Peter's restoration after the three denials. Those same people try to correlate the three denials to the three confessions of love. But what they are missing is that Peter isn't capable of loving Jesus fully just yet. This isn't a happy redemptive moment for Peter but a sad one. Peter is confronted with the reality that he doesn't love the Lord with "agape" but only "phileo."
Refrain from getting confused by this. Don't compare yourself as a Christian to this version of Peter. Peter was a different man when he received the Holy Spirit and was filled with boldness that was rivaled only by Paul in the pages of Acts. But at the conclusion of the book of John, Peter still needs to be convinced. Remember that Jesus said, "Unless I go, the helper can not come." Remember also that Jesus said the Holy Spirit would guide the disciples into all truth. Peter just isn't there yet.
But he will be.
ADDITIONAL READING: NONE
