As we observe Jesus interacting with the multitudes and His disciples, one aspect stands out for sure: His love and compassion for each individual. No matter if they were friends or foes, He exhibited unconditional love toward them all. Studying these lessons has enriched my life, and I hope they have enhanced yours, as well.
Several valuable lessons have emerged from our studies, but one thought has really impacted me over the past few weeks. God has given us life and sustains us by providing everything we need. There is nothing we can offer back to God that He has not already given to us, for He is not in need of anything. There is only one thing we can give back to God that He wants more than anything else. However, the one thing He desires above all is ourselves—our heart, mind, and soul.
This is the essence of what Jesus has been imparting to His disciples. Recently, we witnessed Jesus reassuring His disciples that everything would be alright because He had risen from the dead and remained very much a part of their lives. This week, we will examine His final words as recorded by John. In John 21:15-25, Jesus explains to the disciples their roles after His ascension to the right hand of the Father in heaven. Although His physical presence among them was ending, His spiritual guidance would persist through the Holy Spirit. “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Holy Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” This refers to Jesus’ eventual return to judge the world according to their words and deeds.
This week’s lesson provides insight into what love looks like through Jesus’ dialogue with Peter. It also gives us understanding into what it means to be guided by Jesus’ teachings as He instructs Peter what his new walk is going to require. Each apostle will have their own unique mission to fulfill.
My prayer is that we will continue to focus on Jesus as He guides us through life’s storms. These recent sermons have aimed to instill unwavering faith that Jesus has been present in our lives before, during, and after every storm. May God’s only Son inspire us to model our lives after His. I look forward to worshiping with you this Lord’s Day in remembrance of Him.
In Christ, Steve
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