What Do You Want From Me?Chikamu

Why Does Jesus Want To Spend Time With Us?

1) To Strengthen Us

If you were Jesus, how would you interact with Peter knowing that he denied and abandoned you just a few days before? More than likely, your response wouldn’t include an invitation to breakfast. Before a single word of correction is given, Jesus reestablishes relationship and gives Peter the opportunity to be strengthened through nourishment. While we may not have the opportunity to share a meal with Jesus, we do have the opportunity to spend time with Him through reading the Bible, prayer, church community, and musical worship. When we engage with Him through these avenues, He strengthens us through His Spirit!

2) To Quiet Us

As they ate, Scripture indicates that no one dared ask Him who He was. They didn’t need to ask because they had grown close to Him through three years as His disciples (John 21:12). When we spend time with God, it provides the opportunity to silence the world’s distractions and focus on Jesus.

3) To Remind Us

The Bible does not explicitly say this, but it’s possible that the disciples were reminded of Jesus’ past miracles as He distributed the bread and the fish (see John 6). As we grow closer to God through spending time with Him, the Holy Spirit will remind us of God’s previous provision in key moments of our lives, as well as His ultimate provision through His finished work on the cross!

Big Idea

Jesus wants to spend time with those who choose to follow Him. Spending time with Him strengthens us, quiets us, and reminds us of who He is!

Let's Think About This

Question #1: What is one thing that “jumped out” to you while reading John 21:9-14?

Question #2: Which of the three reasons Jesus wants to spend time with us (to strengthen us, to quiet us, and to remind us) resonates the most with you?

Question #3: Do you spend time with God on a regular basis? If so, what does that look like for you? If not, what are some steps you can take to grow in your relationship with Him?