CONVERTED TO SERVE

CONVERTED TO SERVE (John 21)

The average reader would expect that John concluded his book with the dramatic testimony of Thomas (John 20:28-31) and wonder why John added another chapter. The main reason is the apostle Peter, who was a close associate of John in ministry (Acts 3:1). John did not desire to close his Gospel without telling his readers that Peter was restored to his apostleship. In addition to the information in this chapter, we ask why Peter was so prominent in the first twelve chapters of Acts.

John had another purpose: to correct the false rumor among believers that he would live until the Lord's return (John 21:23). John stressed that the words of our Lord had been misunderstood.

I think John had something else in mind; he wanted to teach us how to relate to the risen Christ. During the forty days between His resurrection and ascension, our Lord appeared and disappeared at will, visiting with the disciples and preparing them for the coming of the Spirit and their future ministries (Acts 1:1–9). They never knew when He would come, so they had to stay alert! (The fact that He could come for His people today should keep us on our toes!) The time was important for the disciples; they would take His place in the world and start to carry the message to others.
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In this chapter (John 21) I see three pictures of the believer, and with each picture there is a responsibility.