Jesus appeared to his disciples several times before his ascension to heaven. At the sea of Galilee, Jesus appeared for the last time (John 21). Earlier, Peter told the disciple that they should go fishing and seven went with him (John 21:3). They caught nothing all night. They were fishing. In the morning, Jesus appeared to them. They were afraid, but Jesus instructed them to throw their net on the right side. Miraculously, they caught many fishes and dinned with the Lord at the seashore.
The intimacy of Jesus with the twelve disciples is a fascinating one because, among the twelve, there are three whom he loved more. The three are Peter, James and John (the author of John’s gospel and the book of revelation). At the seashore, Jesus directed his instructions to Peter. Peter was already assuming a position of influence at that time. At a point, part of the instruction indicated that Peter would die a martyr. In reaction, Peter inquired from Jesus what will be the end of John the beloved.
In this edition of Tuesday Light Prophetic, we are interested in the reactions of Peter to what Jesus said concerning John the beloved.
At the sea of Galilea, he was firm and stern when he spoke to Peter; he can realize his role in the birthing of the New Testament church (John 21). It is evident that Peter, who could convince seven out of eleven (remember that Judas had committed suicide), Jesus’s disciple, is a critical stakeholder in the coming days. Jesus demanded more commitment from him, and he commanded him to feed his sheep. Apart from the assignment, he was also told about his end.
John 21:18
_I tell you the truth, when you were younger, you dressed yourself and went 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”. Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter will glorify God. Then he said, follow me._
_Peter turned and saw that disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who leaned on Jesus at the supper who is going to betray you?”)_
_When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?’’_
_Jesus answered, if I want him alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.’_
Without wasting words, he informed Peter about the challenges he will face in his assignment. He told him that he would eventually die a martyr. Peter looked at John, his contemporary, whom Jesus loved and said, “*Jesus, if I will die in that manner, what will happen to John*”. In the heart of Peter, he expected John’s life and ministry to end in a similar way. Something within him is saying “why me alone and not John too?”
To his disappointment, Jesus said to him, what is your concern if I want John not to taste death at all till I return. By implication, Jesus is saying to Peter that you should have only one concern, which is following me without paying attention to what happens to John. If your baptism is unpleasant, do not think others in your company must taste the same baptism.
When you got born again, you were in the company of many children of God. Some of your experiences may be the same in the area of holy ghost baptism, discipleship and growth. Within the further dealing of God, some experiences will begin to differentiate you. Presently, certain difficult situation might have provoked you to ask: “why is my case like this?” or “Compared to Brother A or Sister B, God has not been good to me”.
Others even rate themselves thus “at least we all got born again at the same time, and I had a better prayer life than they did, and I have nothing to show for it. Anytime you see the pictures of good things that the Lord is doing in your company’s life on social media, you tempted to ask Jesus the same question Peter asked.
You are worried that you are not getting the same result in ministry and life, marriage, and business. You say to yourself, “after all, I discipled that brother or that sister”. The word of the Lord to you today is that you must stop looking at what the Lord has purposed to do to John * and *keep following the Lord*. Some people will avoid attending anything called reunion because of this mindset. Several friendships have ended in disaster also. I pray that the Lord renew our minds in this aspect.
*Action Point*
Jesus came for you alone on the day he saved you. Therefore look at him alone
Remember Peter did nothing wrong to die in that manner but it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose (Philippians 2;13)
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