Believe

Read: John 21.1-25

The last chapter of John’s Gospel begins not in Jerusalem, but back on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, near the original homes of many of Jesus’ disciples (and where many of them first encountered Him). Although the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus have taken place, it almost seems as though time has moved backward: The disciples went fishing, and Jesus performed a miracle!

It must have been difficult for Peter to hear Jesus ask him three times, “Do you love me?” After all, Peter had denied Jesus (as Jesus had predicted) three times prior to the crucifixion and resurrection. However, Jesus used the experience to re-commission Peter to ministry in, for, and through Him. While Peter’s failure cannot be overstated, it must be noted that it was not final: He went on to be the leader of the disciples and to play a crucial role in the spreading of the Gospel to the ends of the earth (see the Book of Acts).

Dr. Joseph Dongell sums up the Gospel of John in an effective way:

“The last verse again reminds the reader that the events recorded in this Gospel are representative, a mere fraction of the unfathomable store of memories buried in the minds of the Twelve. Were the story of Jesus to be written in its entirety, the “whole world would not have room for the books that would be written” (verse 21.25). At first glance, the remarkable feature of the story of Jesus would seem to be its volume, such that not enough space exists merely to record His exploits. Upon reflection, the reader will conclude that volume stands as a symbol of value. So rich and wonderful were the words and deeds of Jesus, so revealing were they of the character and purposes of God that their wealth is both inestimable and unsurpassable. But despite the impossibility of “telling it all,” the potency of the Fourth Gospel itself should not be underestimated. Though laboring under the various limits of human language, this Gospel presents to the world a majestic portrait of the Son of God, and invites readers to eternal life through faith in Him.”

As John himself writes in verses 20.30-31:

“Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus in the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” Amen.