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JOHN - The Light Shines in the Darkness
A Bible Study Course on the Gospel of Christ according to John
PART 4 - Light Overcomes Darkness
B - The Resurrection and Appearance of Christ (John 20:1 - 21:25)
5. Jesus appears by the lake (John 21:1-25)

b) Peter confirmed in the service of the flock (John 21:15-19)


JOHN 21:18-19
18 Most certainly I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself, and walked where you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you, and carry you where you don’t want to go.” 19 Now he said this, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. When he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”

Jesus understood Peter’s, his disciple’s, heart as zealous and emotional. We often find this reckless stage in the experience of young men as they first show faith in Christ. As soon as they experience the Holy Spirit, they burst out and rush to save others. But mostly, they serve with mere human enthusiasm, not in the guidance of Jesus, which is gentle, prayerful and cooperative.

However, Jesus prophesied that Peter would outgrow his self-confidence and mature in spirit, surrendering to his Lord, a captive of love, wanting only what Christ wishes.

Peter stayed in Jerusalem, and did not go to the Gentiles. He was beaten and cast into prison several times; on one occasion being released by the Angel of the Lord. He was led by the Holy Spirit to the house of Cornelius, the Roman centurion, where he discovered that the Holy Spirit could descend on Gentiles, previously regarded unclean. By this step in evangelism, he opened the door for worldwide mission.

After his release from Herod’s prison, Peter went round the newly founded Churches, specially after Paul was thrown in prison. Thus, the chief apostle visited Christians of Gentile origin, encouraging them with fatherly messages. Tradition records his death in Rome during the Neronian persecution. Deeming himself unworthy to die crucified like his Lord, he begged them to crucify him upside down, head down. Jesus had alluded to this, when he said, Peter would glorify God in his own death.

Previously, Peter had indicated to Jesus that he was ready to lay down his life for his Lord. Jesus replied, "You cannot follow me now, but you will in the end" (John 13:36). Jesus associated his disciples with his own powers and glory to be one with him and the Father as well as the Holy Spirit. He made them participants in his suffering and death which are the prelude to glory. Glory in the Gospel does not mean radiance or honor in worldly terms, but suffering and the cross for the One who loves us. Peter could not glorify God of his own accord, but Christ’s blood cleansed him, and the Spirit’s power sanctified him, so that he denied himself and lived for his Lord and died to glorify him.

Then, Christ gave Peter a military order, "Follow me!". To the extent that we follow him in life and death, we shall yield the fruits of love and sanctify the name of the merciful Father.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus Christ, we thank you for not rejecting Peter, though he denied you, but you called him to glorify the Holy Trinity in life and death. Take our lives also, and cleanse us to place our will fully under your guidance, to keep your commandments, to love our enemies, and honor you by obedient faith till the end, so that our lives may become praise to your grace.

QUESTION:

  1. How did Peter glorify God?

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