In John 21, we can see that Jesus meets us where we are. This is especially true of Peter. Jesus had tried to warn Peter that he would deny Him, but Peter didn’t believe Him. Luke 22: 33 Peter said, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you.” …
As Jesus was preparing His disciples before He gave His life on the cross, He told them, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other.[1] John 13:34 Then Jesus continued to explain the profound impact of this commandment. John 13:34Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your …
The thief’s purpose is to get, but Jesus’ purpose is to give. John 10: 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.[1] Here life is the Greek word zoe. This means the absolute fullness of life, life real and genuine, a life …
Jesus goes ahead of us. That is a comforting thought and reveals how much He loves us. Jesus illustrates the sheep-and-shepherd relationship of going ahead, and, in a spiritual sense, this is what Jesus does in our lives. John 10:4 After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him …
Jesus wanted His disciples to persist despite rejection, so He gave them a heads-up about what was to come. John 16: 2 For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God.[1] There was already a precedent for …
Jesus tells us we are chosen and appointed for a purpose. John 15: 16 You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other. [1] Some claim they “found …
Followers of Jewish rabbis were considered to be slaves to their teacher. But with Jesus, we see a friendship forged by sacrifice. The night before Jesus was crucified, He celebrated a Passover meal with His disciples. There, Jesus had washed their feet, warned one of them would betray Him, and that Peter would deny Him. …
Jesus began His teaching by urging His disciples to abide in Him like a branch does to a vine. Then He tells of the joy of obedience. He asks the disciples to remain in His love. They can do this by being obedient to His commands. A result of this obedience will be overflowing joy. …
Forgiving in the face of suffering is one of Jesus’ most extraordinary acts of compassion and mercy as He suffers on the cross. Luke 23:34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.[1] As we reflect on this verse, we see …
Trusting God leads to obedience, which is seen in Peter’s life as the Lord begins to do something new. Hebrews 11:1Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.[1] As the early church spread out from Jerusalem, it was now God’s plan to evangelize the Gentiles, but …