Bible Chapter: John 21

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Some of the disciples went back to what they had known in the past, they went fishing.  That was their profession when Jesus called them to follow Him.  In the days after the crucifixion and the resurrection, they were trying to get a handle of what had happened and what was coming.  After a whole night of catching nothing (how many people who go fishing can identify with that?), Jesus came by early in the morning.  He asked if they had any fish.  They said they had none.  He gave them some unusual advice, fish from the other side of the boat.  Suddenly their net was full, one hundred fifty three fish.
    John recognized that it was Jesus.  He told Peter.  Peter jumped in the lake and swam to shore.  They were about one hundred yards from shore and they all came in.  Jesus had a fire going and they had something to eat.  All of this is the setting for something amazing Jesus did for Peter.  After his agonizing failure during the time of Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion, Peter is given the opportunity to declare his love for the Savior.  Jesus restored him in his position of ministry.  Peter went on to be used in great ways, eventually giving his life for the Lord.
    What is so exciting here?  There is hope and restoration for those who fail. While failure or sin is never the goal and is always discouraging, there is restoration in the amazing grace of God.  Jesus forgives sin.  That is amazing.  That gives real hope.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    The last verse of the book is a fitting wrap up of this account of Jesus and His life on earth.
John 21:25 NKJV
25 And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.
    Jesus did so many things that it would be difficult to write them all.  Now, two thousand years later, that statement is even more true.  To try to document everything He has done would be impossible. John wrote what he did so that we would have an uplifting testimony of the life of Jesus.  I can live in His power and still see the supernatural accomplished.
    What can I apply in my life?  Seek Jesus and His supernatural power in and through my life.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Let me borrow from another Bible author.
Hebrews 13:8 NKJV
8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
    As people see that Jesus is the same, that He never changes, they will see that He is here for them today in the same way that He was when He walked the face of the earth.  Jesus is here for all.  Jesus gives hope to all who trust Him.