PC3 Devotions

Yesterday we continued looking at Jesus interaction with Peter found in John 21. After dealing with Peter’s regret, Jesus charged him with the task of feeding His sheep. We learned that faith doesn’t end in belief. Instead, we must put feet to our faith. Having been loved by a great and merciful God, our natural response should be to spring into action. Yet, many of us jump without considering the cost first. Read the section of John 21 where Jesus tells Peter what “following Him” is going to cost:

John 21:17-23

17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

20 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who had been reclining at table close to him and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” 23 So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?”

Did you catch the bombshell Jesus just dropped in the lap of Peter? Do you understand the magnitude of what Peter is finding out? Jesus is telling Peter how he is going to die. Right after confessing his love for Christ, Peter gets the startling news that there is a cross awaiting him in the future. In essence, Jesus is saying, “Peter, if you truly love me, I want you to be aware of something. It’s going to cost you greatly. Life isn’t going to be easy. In fact, you are going to give up your life to obey me.

Peter’s reaction to this news is priceless. I don’t know about you, but it helps me to see the human side of Peter. Probably in a daze, Peter looks around and sees John following after them. You can almost feel his mind working. After hearing those hard words, Peter plays the comparison game.

So, he speaks up and asks, “Alright Jesus, I get it…I’m going to be crucified. But, what about him? You know…the one you love. Does he get the same deal? Or did I get the short end of the stick? If I am going to get crucified, it’s only fair that he joins me.”

And just like a parent, Jesus responds, “Don’t concern yourself with John. I’ll deal with him. It’s none of your business anyway. If I want him to live forever, WHAT IS THAT TO YOU? Right now, I am asking if you will follow me.”

You can’t blame the way Peter reacts. It’s not the greatest news to hear that your faith can at times be painful. Wouldn’t you halt in your tracks if you got the same news? Wait a minute Jesus; no one told me sacrifice was part of this Christian deal. Isn’t the purpose of my faith just about making my life easier, to give me better self-esteem and so all of my plans go exactly the way I want? Be honest for a moment: How do you respond when you hear Jesus say in Luke 9:23 that “if anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me?”

The reality is we often place parameters on what we are willing to give up for Christ. We desire faith on our terms. But, what is just as devastating to our faith is the comparison game. We constantly look to see how we stack up against everyone else. And while we are busy comparing, God is trying to get our attention and remind us that he has given each one of us a task to do. He’s given you a job tailored specifically for you. The question you must ask yourself is are you willing to trust Him and do the job He has given to you, regardless of the cost?

God, enable me to see that the cost of living for you pales in comparison to the grace and love you’ve poured out for me. Allow me to be strong when you ask me to step out in faith. Give me the courage to be bold in response to the personal call you have given me. Amen.

Yesterday we reflected on Peter’s restoration found in John 21. Jesus arrived on the scene to tend to some unfinished business with Peter. He came to confront the regret that resided in Peter’s heart. It was the kindness of Christ that led Peter to repentance.

Now that this issue had been resolved one would think that’s where the story ends. They would be wrong. There was some unfinished business not only on Peter’s end, but placed on our shoulders as well. Take a moment and reread Jesus’ interaction with Peter and notice the tasks Jesus gives him.

John 21:15-19

15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “FEED MY LAMBS.”

16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “TEND MY SHEEP.”

17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “FEED MY SHEEP. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “FOLLOW ME.”

Over the past four weeks or so, we’ve delved into John’s gospel in hopes of gaining better insight into the life and character of Jesus Christ. Remember, John’s purpose for writing this book is so the reader may believe that Jesus is God.  We too desire that you have faith in the Lord.

But, we also want you to understand that believing in Jesus is not where it ends. There is more to a life of faith than just belief. In light of our belief, what are we to do? Yes, we must tend to our hearts and our heads, but we must be willing to use our hands to make a difference.

We’ve got to rid ourselves of the mindset that love is a feeling. Love requires action on our part. Love must be seen. We can’t say we love Jesus while at the same time sit idly by as others are searching for significance and meaning in their lives. Our words are meaningless to a hurting and lost world if our actions don’t back up our claims. Being transformed into Christ’s likeness requires our actions to be transformed.

Feed my lambs. Tend my sheep. Feed my sheep. Follow me. What Jesus is commanding Peter to do is follow His lead. The Good Shepherd (John 10:1-18) is about to part from this world. However, there is a flock still requiring attention and care. Jesus is entrusting Peter, the disciples and us with this responsibility.

Our faith should never be about selfish gain as if the end all be all of our faith is our own salvation. It’s not about “woo…my sins are forgiven…. now I can relax.” We don’t strive to have faith in Christ solely to make our life run smoothly. It’s not about kicking your feet up inside your safe Christian bubble.

No, Christ is calling us to make an impact in this world. We are given the command to let our light shine in the darkness. We are charged with leveraging our lives for impact. Parts of Scripture refer to us as ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). In that verse found in 2 Corinthians, Paul says that God is making his appeal through us. When people see us, they must see Christ. This is our unfinished business. The time has come to take care of it.

God, help me to see that my faith in you has a greater impact than just what I gain. May your love drive me to love others even when it is difficult or uncomfortable. I desire to be used by you. I want my faith to transform my actions. Amen.

Yesterday we talked about our tendency towards maintaining and managing our regrets. We examined this topic through the lens of Peter’s story found in John 21. Peter had returned to his old life and the only thing he ever knew: fishing. Peter was hoping the blowing winds of the sea would silence the guilt, regret and worthlessness he felt inside. He reasoned his days of being a fisher of men were a thing of the past after denying Jesus three times. Then, Jesus appeared on the scene in a familiar way, to deal with some unfinished business.

John 21:4-19

4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. 7 That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. 8 The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.

9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

As Peter reached the shore, there was probably a mixture of anticipation and awkwardness. None of the disciples, including Peter, knew how to start the conversation or break the ice. After all, it’s not every day that your teacher and friend conquers death. This probably left them overwhelmed, especially Peter who couldn’t erase the memory of those denials and the sting of hearing that rooster crow. Peter probably reasoned “how could I, a coward, ever be a leader?” This was the unfinished business Jesus came to address.

Jesus wants to confront the regret, restore his friend and assure Peter that he is loved.  This is not only good news for Peter, but it is good news to us. Why? Each one of us has at one time or another turned away. We’ve looked to lesser things to fill our heart. We’ve given our affection to someone else. We’ve sinned. We’ve failed to step out in faith. We’ve been ashamed of our beliefs. We’ve put our light under a bowl. We’ve loved the darkness. We’ve turned our backs. We’ve doubted we matter to God. We’ve given up on the life God has for us.

Jesus doesn’t brush aside Peter’s sin. Instead, he makes Peter confront it. But, Jesus does so in order to bring true repentance. Jesus challenges Peter in a loving way. Romans 2:4 says that it’s God’s kindness that leads to repentance. Only when someone is broken over his or her sin can God begin the process of restoration.

This is a pivotal moment in Peter’s life. Confronting his regret through the lens of Christ’s love transformed Peter. Doing the same can have a profound impact on your life as well. Just like the song How He Loves Me says we don’t have the time to maintain our regrets when we think about the way He loves us. So, I’ll leave you with the same question that I did yesterday: What would it look like for God’s love to erase those regrets?

God, thank you for loving me in spite of myself. Thank you for loving me during those times I run, deny, doubt and sin. Remind me of this love when I find myself maintaining my regrets. Allow me to confront my regrets through the lens of your love and may that transform my character and heart. Amen.

Today we return to a story that served as the foundation of our Easter message. Unfortunately, it deals with a topic many of us know all to well – regret. There is hope for our regrets, but before we get to good news, we must confront the ways we deal with regret. In the first three verses of John 21 we get an insight into Peter’s reaction to his regrets.

John 21:1-3

1 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

On the open sea, Peter was attempting to put his past behind him. Or at least that’s what he thought. The thing with regrets is no matter how far you run from them; they always catch up to you. While pulling up empty net after empty net, I wonder if it just reinforced Peter’s belief that he was a failure. When things turned chaotic, he didn’t show courage. Instead Peter turned his back and ran. Now, his friend and teacher returned, which was too much for Peter to bear.

So, Peter goes back to the only thing he knows. He returns to the thing that he’s left. Fishing was Peter’s way of maintaining his regrets. Inside that fishing boat, Peter could control what he would do and where he would go. He gets to call the shots. Fishing might be boring, but at least it’s predictable. After all, from Peter’s perspective, he was no longer cut out for the life God had for him.

Sadly, we often react to our regrets just like Peter. Many of us spend so much of our lives managing and responding to our regrets. Regret is the grief for the loss of your future. We regret the things we did or didn’t do because of the implications that they have on our future.

We think that our future would have been different if it weren’t for our regrets. The things you should cherish can very quickly become the things that took your opportunity (if I was married to someone else, took a different job, majored in this, etc.).  They lead to blame and resentment. We mourn the loss of the future.

We don’t realize how dangerous maintaining regrets are to our heart. Your regrets become your excuses. Your regrets keep things from getting any worse. Your regrets keep people at a distance. They become justification for future regret. Nothing robs your future more than regret. When we lose our way due to doubt, disobedience, or denial, we must learn how to turn back towards God.  Our tendency is to turn away in shame and maintain our regret. Regrets serve as a way of punishment, control and escape.

As you know, the fishing boat isn’t how Peter’s story ends. His restoration happens around a campfire. That part of the story we will save for tomorrow. Today, we challenge you to look inwards. What past regrets are you continuing to maintain? How are those regrets robbing your future? What would it look like for God’s love to erase those regrets?

God, I’m tired of maintaining these regrets. I don’t want my past to rob my future. Help me to confront my regrets through the lens of your love and forgiveness. Amen.

Romans 8:38-39 

38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 John 4:7-10

7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

John 3:16-17

 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Our culture doesn’t quite know what to do with love. We often react in two vastly different ways when someone else loves us. We either receive the love because in our mind we feel we deserve it or we reject it because we don’t think we are worthy. Regardless of your reaction to being loved, you are instantly put on a treadmill of having to earn your keep. When you live like this, you will always be disappointed. Freedom will never come.

If you are not loved, you will resort to manipulation. People become pawns. You will use others to get the love you desperately want to feel. When you aren’t loved, attention becomes a cheap substitute. What we often don’t realize is that there is something deeper going on below the surface with regard to our grasping for love and attention. Every longing you feel to be loved is a longing for God. This is the connection we are ultimately looking for.

Our concept of love is vastly different than what is seen through the life of Christ. The Gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ- His life, His death & His resurrection- to save sinners and establish His Kingdom. What would motivate such a thing? John 3:16 makes it clear that the motive behind the Gospel is God’s love.

Romans 5:8 says that, while we were still sinners and enemies of God,  Christ died for us. Karl Barth, a noted theologian after writing thousands of pages on doctrine and theological insight, simply concluded that God is the “One who loves.”

Love pierces and exposes because it believes. Love holds and consoles because it endures. Love ultimately draws and calls because it never fails. It is love that allows us to be vulnerable and confirms that we are valuable. How? By meeting us where we are and bringing us hope for the life we were made to live.

You have been loved with the love of the Father.  God wants to make sure that because you were created Him that you are worthy of His love. This brings you face to face with His call on your life. Everyone has a call on his or her life.

God made you. God has called you.  The call of God is His invitation into the life of God. It is the resurrection that seals the availability of this life forever. The call of God is His invitation to His life.

You can live a life without regret. Your sin has been forgiven and your call has been secured. But, it is all in how you respond. What will your response be to the Good News?

God, I’m overwhelmed by your love. It boggles my mind that all you ask is that I respond to your invitation. May I not hesitate. May I instead run to you with open arms. Amen.

It is important to frame Jesus in history because it makes Him real. The good news is Jesus is the Messiah. His death and resurrection is not mythology nor is it speculation.  The faith we place in Jesus as the Christ is a response to a man who actually lived and an event that actually happened.  We are not merely adhering to a philosophy of life, but following a life-giving, death-conquering God.

Take a moment and read John 20. The events that follow His resurrection found in this chapter give us insight into how Jesus helped His disciples to believe the unbelievable.  His disciples had seen miraculous things, but they had also just witness their friend and mentor die at the hands of the Romans.

The disciples had to grieve the loss of their friend and run for their lives at the same time.  Today we find them huddled in a secluded room when they receive the news that Jesus is not in the tomb.  Jesus appears to the disciples and they rejoice. Yet, one of the disciples, a man named Thomas, was not with the group so when he hears the news he has quite a different reaction. Thomas doubts. I don’t know about you, but his reaction makes me feel better about myself.

John 20:24-25

24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”  26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

 28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

A resurrection is too much to believe.  Unless there is proof, belief is hard to come by. So, Jesus appears to Thomas.  He simply invites Thomas to touch Him. To see for himself that He is real.  Thomas responds to the reality he is witnessing by saying “my Lord and my God.”

When we look at the resurrection, our response can be like Thomas – unless there is proof, I will not believe.  This is why we must look into the claims of Christ and the events surrounding His resurrection.

If Jesus lived and merely died, then we should give Him little concern.  He would be just a footnote in history.  But if He lived, died and rose again, then we must look closer at His life and the implications it should have on our lives.

Thomas was convinced.  His response to Jesus was, “My Lord and my God!” When we recognize the resurrection, this response is natural, even logical:

“You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God.  But let us not come up with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher.  He has not left that open to us.  He did not intend to.”- CS Lewis, Mere Christianity

Lord, I, with Thomas, have doubts.  But You do not shy away, instead, You call me near.  Lord, help me with my unbelief.  I confess You are real and my response is to fall at Your feet an declare with Thomas, “my Lord and my God.”  Help me to live accordingly today.  Amen.

In John 19, we encounter the crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus.  It’s what we will be remembering tomorrow, Good Friday.  Take a few minutes to read and re-read the chapter.  Pay attention to the details.  Ponder the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.  Put yourself in the shoes of the faithful ones who remained with Jesus until the end and wonder what it would have been like to be there as well.

John 19:25-30

25 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

 28 Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. 30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

John was clear as to what his intentions were when he wrote his book.  He wanted to present Jesus as the one, true Messiah—the one on whom we can believe and from whom, in believing, we receive life.  It’s a theme that runs throughout his gospel—that Jesus was God, Messiah, Son of Man, Son of God, the Light, and the Word.

John does something else so well, though.  He paints pictures of intimate interactions of Jesus with people.  Jesus was always connecting with people on a personal level.   He noticed people that others would just walk by (John 9).  He kept a party going to keep a family from a major social faux pas (John 2).  He protected and forgave (John 8); he healed (John 5); he resurrected (John 11).

I love the way that John puts these couple of verses together.  In verses 25-27, he describes Jesus providing for his mother, Mary.  It is probable that Joseph, her husband, was long since dead and that Jesus had been supporting her.  With her only source of provision and support about to die before her eyes, Jesus provides a way for His mother to be cared for in his absence.  He hands her over to his beloved disciple, the author of this book, John.

The next section of verses begins (verse 28) with the phrase, “After this…” and ends with Jesus giving up His spirit…dying.  His final act, Jesus’ last earthly interaction with a human before He died, was to care for his mother.  He’s on the cross, suffering an unexplainably painful death, bearing the weight of his body and our sins on the cross, and He’s thinking about others, showing utter compassion and care for his creation.

Does this speak to you?  What does this say about Jesus?  What does this say about the Father, God?  What does this say about you?

In his first letter to the church, Peter implores us to “cast all [our] anxieties on him, because he cares for [us].” (1 Peter 5:7).  Jesus cares for us.  God cares for us.  We cast our cares on him because he is “most careful with [us]” (1 Peter 5:7 in The Message).

Do you believe this is true?  Does God care for you?  And if it is true, what implications does it (or should it) have on your life?

Lord God, you are my provision—may I never forget that.  Thank you for caring for me in ways that I realize and recognize as well as in the infinite number of ways that my human eyes cannot grasp.  You care for me, and I am going to rest in that fact today no matter what my circumstances say.  Amen.

The chaos begins and things seem to unravel in John 18. Everything we have read up to this point in John’s gospel has been building to this moment. No one is sure how to handle Jesus so they attempt to take matters into their own hands. The Jews are worried that if Jesus’ popularity continues to grow that their religious structure will be destroyed. The Romans are concerned that this Jewish teacher will lead an uprising and overthrow their kingdom. Peter sees the man who he has followed for three years in perceived danger so first he picks up a sword to fight then later retreats and denies Him.

Everyone is flying off the handle – everyone that is except for Jesus. In the midst of the chaos going on around Him, Jesus remains relaxed and calm. Even though He knows what awaits Him in a few short days, Jesus is at peace. Nothing catches Jesus by surprise. He knows everything that is going to unfold. Jesus realizes His purpose for coming to Earth is the cross. This is why He willingly laid down His own life (John 10:17-18).

John is very deliberate about the picture he paints of Jesus. John wants his readers not to see a victim, push over or a coward. He doesn’t want you to feel sorry for Jesus as if Jesus had been defeated or that His hopes and dreams had been thwarted. John makes it very clear: Jesus is in complete control. Take for instance verse 4:

John 18:4

 4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?

Jesus’ response to the guards approaching Him seems to mimic other things we see throughout John’s gospel. Time and time again, Jesus gives hints to the foreknowledge He possessed (John 7:6, John 8:28, John 17:1). Jesus knew Judas would betray Him (John 6:70-71) and that Peter would deny Him (John 13:38)

In the midst of the chaos, God had a plan and this should bring us great comfort. Remember, the picture we hold of Jesus influences our actions and words more than we realize. No other picture has greater implications on the way we respond to this world than the way we view Jesus. If we hold a proper understanding of who God is, we are capable of responding with hope and confidence to any difficult circumstance we face.

But, it comes down to belief. Do you truly believe God not only knows your future plans and has control over them, but that He has your best interest at heart? Do you believe that even though you might be surprised with the situation you are facing right now that God is not? Do you believe that God has the power to use that situation, including all the pain, mistakes, confusion, hurt and sin, to transform your character and give Himself glory?

There is hope in whatever situation or circumstance you currently find yourself in. You might think it is hopeless, but God wants you to know it isn’t. He’s in control and all He wants you to do is lay down your will for His.

God, help me to believe that you are in control even in the midst of the chaos. May this belief enable me to trust you with its’ outcome. Give me the confidence to lay down my will for your own. Amen.

We love a great story.  We also love great storytellers.  Maybe it’s your dad or your favorite uncle.  Perhaps you had a teacher in school that told stories in a way that made you want to soak up every word being said, leaning in while on the edge of your seat to ensure you didn’t miss a single word.

That’s the posture I think we need to have while reading John 17.  This chapter, referred to as Jesus’ “High Priestly Prayer,” is HUGE.  We have this amazing privilege, handed down to us in God’s word, preserved through the centuries, to read a very honest and fervent prayer from Jesus before He goes to the cross.  Jesus, the Son of God, firstborn of creation, our Savior and King prays a prayer…for us.

Read the chapter with this in mind.  Have you already read the chapter?  Well, go back and read it again.  Lean in and soak up every word.  This is Jesus praying for and about YOU!

John 17:20-21

20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

You have a purpose here on earth.  We all have a purpose—the same purpose.  It’s right there in verses 20-21.  Did you miss it?  Read the verses again.  It’s the same purpose that John states for writing his book (John 20:30-31).

The “these” Jesus is referring to in the first part of verse 20 is the disciples. He prayed that they would be one (unity).  He had given them the words that God had given Him to say.  He asked his Father to keep them in the world.  His desire was that they treat each other with an unexplainable and undeniably super-human love.  Why?  It’s right there in the second half of verse 20.

The disciples remained in the world after Jesus died, rose again, and ascended to heaven SO THAT we (and all those who have put their faith in Christ throughout the last 20 centuries) would believe in Jesus (and, in doing so, have life!)…So that they could hand it off to the people they know.  And they could hand it off to the people they know.  And they could hand it off to the people THEY know.  Jesus was praying about us, too!  Who are the people He’s praying about at the end of verse 20?  The “those who will believe in me through their word”?  It’s us!

We know about Jesus and His work on the cross not only because it’s been recorded in scripture, which has been divinely preserved for us, but also because the disciples took Jesus seriously and did what He commissioned them to do!

And at the end of verse 21, we find our ultimate purpose here on earth: “so that the world may believe…”

Your purpose has little to do with vocation and everything to do with the transformation of yourself and those around you through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross and His resurrection.  This is what Jesus asked His Father for.  He prayed that the disciples would believe in him (they did) and do what He asked them to do (they did).

And he has both called and empowered us to do the same for the sake of those with us now and who will come after us—that they might know Jesus as God, believe, and have life (and purpose).

Thank you, Lord, for this incredibly clear and powerful purpose.  Father, give me the strength, courage, wisdom, vision, and insight to fulfill this purpose in the creative way that you have specifically wired me to do so.   I pray that the world will come to know you as I do what you have called me to do.  Amen.

A few days ago, you read John 14 and saw Jesus preparing His disciples for the road that lied ahead. Jesus shared the difficult news that He was going away to be with the Father. This undoubtedly created a great deal of worry and confusion, especially when Jesus said that his absence was part of the plan.

Jesus desired for them to keeping living the life that He taught them to live even when he was not around. But, the disciples need not worry. Jesus was going to send them a helper and advocate:

John 14:15-17

15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

John 14:25-27

25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

The Holy Spirit’s help is not just a supplement to our effort, but a continuation of the life Jesus came to bring.  He resides in us.  Jesus leaving this world is redeemed by the fact that the Holy Spirit will always be with us.  This means that everywhere, every moment, we have the Helper, the Spirit of Truth with us; the availability of life in the Spirit exists for us.

As we continue our journey through John’s gospel, we read the 16^th chapter today and once again see Jesus preparing His disciples:

John 16:7-11

7 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 about sin, because people do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

In this passage, Jesus explains to His disciples a critical role and purpose for the coming of the Holy Spirit.  First, it is important to note that when Jesus leaves the Earth, we reap the advantage.

Jesus’ instructions are not going to be given through His words and His actions anymore, but now we will sense His presence deep within us.  This is the fulfillment of the New Covenant when we are told the law will be written on our hearts (Jeremiah 31:33).

His Presence convicts. However, conviction is not about judgment, but exposure.  He is going to expose our unbelief and tendencies and desires.  We are going to see ourselves in light of the image we were made to reflect and the difference is going to be staggering.

It is to our advantage that Jesus goes away because now we will realize the full depth of our fall.  The Holy Spirit, the Comforter, is going to expose the depths to which we have fallen.  He will reveal the deep stain that sin has left on us.  I know what you are thinking: that doesn’t sound too comforting.

The Holy Spirit will convict the world (or me) of sin – the sin of failing to believe Him. He is going to expose my unbelief.  How can exposing one’s sin bring comfort? The Holy Spirit will expose my sin, but He will also form me into the Image for which I was made to reflect. Without being aware of my sin I don’t realize my need.

His exposure of my sin is merciful, gracious and comforting because He is forming me into His image. How would we know how desperately we need to believe Him without the help of the Holy Spirit?

This is why we open wide the door of our hearts and ask Him to search us and reveal the depths of our doubt and fears. Why? So, we will be awakened to deeper faith and fuller belief.  This is the work of the Holy Spirit.

 Lord, change my perspective on the word conviction. Open up my eyes to see the Holy Spirit’s conviction as gracious and loving. Give me the courage to open myself up to you. Lord, show me the depths of my sin and the areas where I do not believe.  Not because I want to feel guilty, but because I want to be made right. Amen.