Who Do You Say I AM? A Journey With Jesus.نموونە

My ROCK, The One Who I Build My Life Upon

Have you ever felt like the odd one out? Or maybe even made a point to stand out?

Then you would relate with John, the author of the Bible’s fourth gospel account. Not only was he the youngest of the initial 12 disciples, but he was also the one who lived the longest. He did not die a martyr’s death but was exiled, and he took the most completely different approach to retelling Jesus’ story.

John’s gospel is different from the other three, often referred to as the Synoptic Gospels, containing most of the same historical references and events. However, John recorded the most of Jesus’ miracles, putting Him front and center as completely God in human form. Even in chapter one, John already proclaimed Jesus as the Word of God, as the One who has always existed and will eternally be there.

In John’s gospel, Jesus also makes multiple ‘I Am’ statements (John 6:35, 8:12, 10:7, 10:11 & 14, 11:25, 14:6, 15:1, 18:5-9), like how God referred to His Name when speaking to Moses from the burning bush. This means that Jesus is the Self-existing One, the Ultimate Power, the Great Provider and Protector, Giver of Life, and Ultimate Hope for the Future. He is the One you can build your life upon!

Now today in John 21, we see once again how the youngest apostle recalls Jesus’ final appearance and ultimate assurance of provision. Like when they first met, the fishermen had been out on the water all night, only to return ashore empty-handed. Hearing a stranger from the shore suggest they cast out their net one more time, maybe trying the other side, had to sound familiar. They caught 153 fish, maybe Thomas or Nathanael counted them? And their net did not tear at all this time. Not only did Jesus show them His provision, but He also showed them they can handle what He gave them this time and going forward...

They get back to recognizing Jesus, seeing the Bread of Life making them bread for breakfast over an open fire, inviting them to add their massive catch to the meal. A meal that Jesus serves them with. Again, reassuring them of who He is, and what He’s capable of.

After breakfast, Jesus reinstates Peter, giving him as many chances to reclaim his love for Christ as he had to deny Him. And to each man, He gave the sustenance they needed that morning to know, to remember, that He had their best interest at heart. Reinstating not only His followers but also reclaiming their trust in Him.

If you can’t trust Jesus after an encounter like this, you likely never will. And if we know we can trust Jesus as the One Who provides – the One we can count on – shouldn’t we also give hope to others by sharing what we have? If we can call Jesus our Rock, we can also give confidently to others from a solid position, despite our circumstances.

Today, put your trust in Jesus, reflect upon it, and pray about what you can give to someone or someplace in need.

● Read John 21