Lenten Readings: John 21

Lenten Readings: The two-year Bible reading plan puts the Gospel accounts of Luke and John right between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Whether you're doing the reading plan or not, you can follow along on the blog and read daily meditations based on the accounts of Jesus, whose life and death we remember and cherish during this season of Lent. Check back every day starting on February 14 and until Easter Saturday.

Saturday, March 31, 2018
READ John 21
MEDITATE on John 21:24, "This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true." What is encouraging about knowing that John is giving his own personal testimony about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

REFLECT
The day between Good Friday and Easter must have been excruciating. Hope had died and been buried and they were supposed to be worshiping (it was the Sabbath) but they were very confused about everything that was happening. They knew Jesus personally. They heard him speak about things that were happening and going to happen, but they did not know how to sort it all out.

God did not leave them in the darkness. Jesus came back and spent weeks ministering to the disciples to restore their faith, strengthening and teaching them, so that they would be able to understand and share this Gospel with others. We have their testimonies. So when Jesus ascended to heaven, the apostles were able to carry on the ministry that Jesus commissioned them to do.

Still, Peter needed some special counseling. He had risen high and fallen far, denying Jesus three times around that campfire during Jesus' trial, just as Jesus had told him it would happen. As much as Peter felt that he had betrayed Jesus, Jesus still loved him. And He restored Peter and renewed Peter's call.

There may be times when we are confused or times when we fail, but God is gracious and is still calling us to follow Him. He's given us Christ, His Word, and His Spirit to guide us and help us. Let this weekend be a time for renewal, refreshing, and revival in your relationship with Jesus. Happy Easter!

PRAY

Pray for refreshment in the message of Easter and the love of Jesus Christ for us! Pray for a renewed commitment to follow and for revival in your affections for Christ above all other things! He is risen! He is with us in His Spirit! And He is calling us to follow Him!