Key Thought

Jesus' greatness is too big for the world to contain. Why? Because Jesus did many great deeds when he was here. He also is continuing to do those great deeds through his people and for the people of the world. But even though the world cannot contain the book that recorded all the good things that Jesus did, Jesus did walk on our planet, look up at our stars, and face our mortal frailties so we could see God. Why? Three reasons are especially important to John: 1. Jesus loves us, as does his Father. 2. We need Jesus' love, mercy, grace, example, message, and truth. 3. The Father wanted Jesus to come and reveal himself to us. So as we near the end of the year and as we come to the end of this Gospel, let's never forget that we are loved, that we need Jesus, and that Jesus did what he did to honor the Father. Those are pretty good things with which to end the year. They may be even better things with which to begin the new one! God bless you as you seek to know and to follow the Lord Jesus in the New Year ahead.

Today's Prayer

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Father, as I finish this year, I know there are ways I have failed you. However, dear Father, I also know that you have moved me closer to you through a deeper knowledge and walk with your Son. I look forward to the Spirit's transforming work in me in the year ahead, and trust that you will continue that work in me until you call me home. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Today's Verses in Context

When they finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these {other men love me}?" Peter answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Then Jesus said to Peter, "Take care of my lambs. " Again Jesus said to Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Then Jesus said to Peter, "Take care of my sheep. " A third time Jesus said, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was sad because Jesus asked him three times, "Do you love me?" Peter said, "Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you!" Jesus said to Peter, "Take care of my sheep. I tell you the truth. When you were young, you tied your own belt and went where you wanted. But when you are old, you will put out your hands and another person will tie you. That person will lead you where you don't want to go." (Jesus said this to show how Peter would die to give glory to God.) Then Jesus said to Peter, "Follow me!" Peter turned and saw the follower that Jesus loved walking behind them. (This was the follower that had leaned against Jesus at the supper and said, "Lord, who will turn against you?") When Peter saw this follower behind them he asked Jesus, "Lord, what about him?" Jesus answered, "Maybe I want him to live until I come. That should not be important to you. You follow me!" So a story spread among the brothers (followers). They were saying that this follower {that Jesus loved} would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die. He only said, "Maybe I want him to live until I come. That should not be important to you." That follower is the one that is telling these things. He is the one that has now written these things. We know that what he says is true. There are many other things that Jesus did. If every one of these things were written down, I think the whole world would not be big enough for all the books that would be written.

— John 21:15-25 (ERV)

Easy-to-Read Version copyright © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center. All rights reserved.