John 21:15-25
15 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.” 23 Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”
24 This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.
25 Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. [1]
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What struck me in this passage today was Jesus’ comment to Peter that he would glorify God by the manner in which he died. Jesus has previously told his disciples that they should expect treatment no different than that which He received from those who opposed Him. He calls them to take up a cross and come after Him themselves. In this passage, He adds that this laying down of their lives for their Savior would also bring glory to God.
What does that say to me living my life today? I do not expect to be called upon to take up a literal cross or to face martyrdom today. But if I am called as a disciple to glorify God by my death if called upon to so, how much more am I called as a disciple to glorify God each day by my life.
Do I pursue the tasks of the day, however humble they might appear, as opportunities to glorify God? This is my prayer today, that God would open my eyes to the opportunity to bring glory to Him by my faithfulness in living as a disciple, by my love for those around me, by my compassion for those in need, and by the simple performance of the tasks of my vocation. I may never be called upon to glorify God through martyrdom, but I am called this day to glorify Him in all ways that I can.
Lord Jesus, grant me guidance and strength this day to bring glory to God in all that I do.
What is the Word leading you to pray about today?
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[1] The New International Version. (2011). (Jn 21:15–25). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
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