JUNE 30, 2024
READ: John 21 (Focus vs. 15-22)
MEMORY VERSE
“What is that to you? You must follow me.” John 21:22
BACKGROUND
“Why do I get a strawberry lollipop when she has grape?” my six-year-old niece asked. My nieces and nephew taught me early on that children often compare what they’re given with what others receive. This means that as the doting aunt, I’d better exercise good judgment!
I too sometimes compare the things God gives me with those He’s given others. “Why do I have this, and she has that?” I ask God. My question reminds me of what Simon Peter asked Jesus by the Sea of Galilee.
Jesus had just given restoration and forgiveness to Peter for his previous denial of Him and was now telling him that he’d glorify God by dying a martyr’s death (John 21:15-19).
Instead of answering yes to Jesus’ invitation to follow Him, however, Peter asked, “Lord, what about [John]?” (v. 21). Jesus answered, “What is that to you?” and added, “You must follow me” (v. 22). I believe Jesus would say the same to us.
When He’s already given us direction in an area in our life, He desires our trust. We’re not to compare our path with that of others, but we’re to simply follow Him.
For more than thirty years, the apostle Peter followed God as a courageous leader of the early church. Historical records also show that he fearlessly embraced death under the evil Emperor Nero. May we too be steadfast and unquestioning in following God, trusting His love and direction.
By: Karen Huang
INSIGHT
Jesus’ first post-resurrection appearance to His disciples (except for Thomas) was on Easter Sunday evening (John 20:19-25). A week later, Christ appeared the second time, and this time Thomas was included (vv. 26-28).
John 21 tells of His third appearance to His disciples by the Sea of Galilee (v. 14). These disciples, who were fishermen by trade, came back to Galilee because Jesus had instructed them to do so (Matthew 28:10).
After a miraculous catch of fish (John 21:4-6), reminiscent of an earlier episode where Peter had his first call to “fish for people” (Luke 5:10), Christ restored and commissioned Peter to shepherd His sheep (John 21:15-17).
By: K. T. Sim
APPLICATION
When have you compared your situation with that of others? In what practical ways can you follow God?
PR’s RE-EMPHASIS (From Post)
“When He’s already given us direction in an area in our life, He desires our trust. We’re not to compare our path with that of others, but we’re to simply follow Him.”
PR’s (PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
“Comparison is a thug/thief that robs your joy” Ann Voskamp
M.Y.O.B. (Minding Your Own Business) helps grow your business pr
PRAYER
“Dear Jesus, please help me to trust and follow You.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS”
O soul are you weary and troubled
No light in the darkness you see
There’s light for a look at the Savior
And life more abundant and free
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace
His word shall not fail you he promised
Believe Him and all will be well
Then go to a world that is dying
His perfect salvation to tell
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace
O soul are you weary and troubled
No light in the darkness you see
There’s light for a look at the Savior
And life more abundant and free
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace
READING THROUGH THE BIBLE THIS YEAR (DAILY)
PROVERBS 5
