The Gospel of John reveals some of Peter’s greatest missteps and moments of weakness, from a failed water-walking attempt to cutting off a man’s ear. His darkest moment came when he denied being Jesus’s disciple. But for all of his fumbles and failures, Jesus never rejected Peter, even after Peter’s vehement rebuttal. It’s clear in John 21 that the relationship between Master and disciple is restored.
It’s an early morning of breakfast and conversation, seaside. Three times Jesus questions Peter’s love for Him, echoing Peter’s trilogy of denials in the previous chapter. Jesus’s responses involve calling Peter to care for His sheep, for His Church. It’s a redemptive moment for us, as we see that Peter has been forgiven and included in Jesus’s plans for His kingdom.
Jesus also reveals a hard truth: Peter’s future martyrdom. We shouldn’t see this as a punishment for earlier mistakes, since Jesus doesn’t give any indication of this. Neither does He elaborate on the details or even the time frame regarding the end of Peter’s life. Instead, He issues both an invitation and a command.
“Follow me.” —John 21:19
Jesus places how Peter will die in the context of how he should live. “Follow me.” This two-word sentence is the driving theme of Jesus’s directives to Peter. When we reflect on the conversation in whole, we are reminded of what it means to say yes to Him. The call to follow Jesus is a commitment to discipleship, a commitment to live out the gospel in a world that is opposed to the message of hope.
“Follow me.” Jesus’s instruction to Peter isn’t just a one-time action. In the original Greek reading, the phrase carries the meaning of repeated action. Each day that we live is an opportunity to embrace the invitation to follow Jesus, to love Him deeply, and to serve Him wholeheartedly.
Perhaps when reading John 21, the revelation of Peter’s death alarms us, maybe even disturbs us. Jesus refuses to shield us from the truth. As His disciples, we will encounter hard seasons and challenging times, often. But whatever interval of life we go through, we submit to His will. Jesus knows from experience what opposition, what pain, what grief feels like. And “as our merciful and faithful high priest” (Hebrews 2:17), He is with us, infusing us with the strength to endure all that we face.
Other Scriptures, including Peter’s writings, reveal to us that Peter remained faithful to Jesus’s call to “shepherd my sheep” (John 21:16). Echoing Jesus’s words, Peter encouraged other leaders to “shepherd God’s flock” (1Peter 5:2), overseeing God’s people with care and compassion.
We may not all hold a formal leadership title. But as members of God’s flock, He has commissioned each of us to follow Him, to carry out whatever He has entrusted to us. And Peter promises that when our chief Shepherd returns for us, He will reward our faithfulness (1Peter 5:4).
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47 thoughts on "Jesus’s Final Invitation"
When Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me,” each one gives Peter the chance to symbolically erase one of his earlier denials. And each time Peter affirms his love, Jesus invites Peter to be with Him, follow Him, serve Him. The gentleness of this “rebuke” and redirection is such an indicator of how Jesus sees our mistakes, big and small. No child, not that way—do you love Me? Then come, follow Me.
Beautiful, heart wrenching study. Lord, thank you always for your insights, (new and old), daily as we follow you. Bless all.
Love this read
I love that the passage from 1 Peter is included in todays reading. I have read these passages separately but I never made the connection before that Peter is passing on the instructions given to him by Jesus at the fire. Something about that strikes me as so sweet and significant this morning. Thanks for curating a great study book, SRT!
I love that the passage fro Peter
Just watched the video! You are right, it’s wonderful and goes along with what we are reading! Thanks for sharing!
Verse 19: (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) I have never thought about how my death might glorify God. I have always been amazed at the great opportunity that a Christian funeral has to share the gospel with those who would otherwise never set foot in a church. But other than that I haven’t contemplated this idea. We shy away from death. Abhor it. And yet it is the gateway to everything we have ever wanted. Sorry if this is too dark but it is what stood out today. It’s been a great study.
How often grief has come up over the past couple of days. Showing us that God is the light at the end of the tunnel after a lot of us have lost and grieved over these passed two years!
I love the emphasis on the repeated action in “follow me.” It is a daily decision to follow Jesus in our hearts, with our words, and by our actions. Thank you for this reminder!
“Having been tested through suffering, he is able to help those who are tested.”
This verse comforts me so much because we often ask why we go through sufferings. Well, in the bible it answers because it allows us to grow our faith and persevere through it… but to also help others. It’s not about us all the time. We need to help others to see that god is with them all the time in their suffering.
Also, I love how Jesus defended Peter! Wow! Jesus loves us so much.. so much more than what we deserve. He is amazing!
The Commission by Cain is also one of my favorite songs! So beautiful but the video along with it is so touching. Go youtube it now! lol
I have been so, so blessed by this study! It seems I get closer and closer to my Saviour through them all!! SRT, the She’s, and the podcasts are life-changing and I know you all cherish them as well. I feel like I have a new kinship with John as well. What a special, God-chosen disciple. (the one whom Jesus loved, and fastest (haha))
There could be no greater eulogy given about me than “Jesus called her name and she followed.” This is the only accomplishment that is worth mentioning. One sentence. Remember me as all in for Jesus.
My sister Shes…so many sweet moments in Tameshia’s devotional & your comments. My journal is peppered in notes. Most lovely for me is how quite simply & humanly Jesus had prepared breakfast for the disciples, in advance, even before their feet & nets hit the shore. Nourishing their bodies. Feeding their souls. To strengthen & keep them for the “heavy lifting”ahead. Making me remember warm & tender moments when someone who loved me offered a steamy mug of coffee or yet a hot from the oven chocolate chip cookie!!, when I needed care & comfort during vulnerable, bruised, lonely times. Sitting with me & encouraging me & reminding me that our God is ever present & always at work. Jesus entrusted the disciples with His mission. Empowered them to carry forth the Good Works. Believing in His supply & truth through the Holy Spirit. Renewed & Focused. For the certain difficulties & dangers. Looking not left or right (Peter’s purpose; John’s importance). Following the plans the Lord has for each of us. Thanks be to God.
I’ve been reading through these studies faithfully for 10 months. Before that if I read 2 days a week I thought I was killing it. My whole world fell apart 10 months ago and everything I held dear seemed to fade. I turned and ran hard and fast to Jesus. HE is the reason I am breathing…even smiling typing this. The storms are still all around me and overwhelming me at times…but my savior is in the storm with me. I’ve loved the podcasts and devos but even more I love Gods word!
Taylor, praying for your procedure today and for God’s provision. Maria Baer, praying for your family. GramsieSue, praying for you and Steve. Brooke P, praying for you and baby ❤️❤️. I’m so glad for this study, I read John last summer but got many different things out of it this time. Thank you for your comments and prayers. If I can request prayers for continued healthy pregnancy (we are 33+1 today by God’s grace!!) and delivery, as well as God’s wisdom and direction on career choices and potentially moving back East to be closer to family. Thank you all so much.
AUSTIN OLIVIA— oh my goodness. Will definitely keep her in my prayers— for healing and comfort. As well as your family.
At the scene of Peter’s denial of Jesus:
“Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.” John 18:18
Peter stands by a charcoal fire… warming himself… taking care of his own physical needs. And he denies Jesus. Peter was the one who had said back in chapter 13 that he would lay down his life for Jesus.
At the Sea of Tiberias:
“When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, ‘Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.’” John 21:9-10
Note that even though Jesus has just arranged a miraculous catch of fish, when the disciples reach the shore there is a charcoal fire (John wants us to remember the other charcoal fire), but Jesus already has fish on it before they even bring their fish! Here Peter allows Jesus to take care of his physical needs and he is restored by Jesus. Where does Jesus want me to depend on Him for strength to follow Him instead of pridefully mustering up my own strength?
Between the Scripture in Hebrews and Tameshia’s devotional I know that whatever my pain or hurting or sorrow or worry or care is Jesus has felt it. But MORE IMPORTANT than that He and God and the Holy Spirit will carry me through whatever burdens I have. I believe that the hard times, the grief, the bad times have allowed me to be able to help others and made me a stronger person and most important of all MADE MY FAITH SO MUCH STRONGER.
BUT GOD!!! BUT JESUS!!! BUT THE HOLY SPIRIT!!
Sisters, be blessed and don’t let your hardships or your burdens get you down turn them over to the Lord. Have a great weekend.
Go listen to the song “The Commission” by the group Cain. So beautiful!
This study has been such a blessing for me. May God bless you all ❤️
I love that Jesus took the time to cook and have breakfast with them. That just really stands out to me.
Once again I am moved to tears! I have enjoyed this study SO much!
There’s truth in: God is always on time! He is never late! This study came at the right time. The last part of Tameshia’s was exactly what I needed to hear. I might not ever hold a leadership title but I am HIS! I am commissioned to follow HIM and carry out whatever he has commissioned me to do. I’m going to be OK.
Once again I am moved to tears! I have enjoyed this study SO much!
I love so much about this passage, but the most convicting part might be at the end, when Peter asks of John “Lord, what about him?” and Jesus responds “…what is that to you? As for you, follow me.” I know He’s talking specifically about the manner in which John will die, but I hear a larger message, too: STAY IN YOUR LANE. I have work for you, I have work for him. Worry about yourself. In this age of looking right and left in the comparison game, this was a great reminder to focus on the work and the life the Lord has laid out for ME.
TINA – praying for your own heart as you encourage this family and this hurting boy. May God’s peace and comfort be tangible to all
MARIA – So sorry there is this added layer of hurt and history and drama on top of an already tender time. Praying for you all (and for humility and repentance for your stepdaughter).
TAYLOR – praying that your procedure goes smoothly and that the pain will be ever so much less than you anticipate.
ANGIE – I forgot to thank you for your words yesterday. “Always go to Jesus” – I loved that.
The rest of you – you are dear. I am praying for other requests, spoken and not. It’s been a joy and delight to go through this study with you all!
Sisters, I would like to ask for pray for a dear friend of mine and her husband, Susan and Paul. I talked with Susan yesterday and found out she has COVID, she had the shots but she got it. She had been at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix with her husband, Paul, who has cancer in many different areas. They are both home now — a new home which they just bought and haven’t even had a chance to unpack. This is a second marriage for Susan and she has no children of her own. Paul has children but they have told Susan that their father is her responsibility and they won’t help her. Susan has other health issues also. Thank you my dear, dear prayer warrior sisters.
I feel a certain sadness as we have come to the end of this study (my first with SRT) because I loved it so much and felt like I got to know Jesus and his disciples in a deeper way. I love Him so much. ❤️
My prayers will rise for all the requests and life concerns I have read about in your comments. Thanking God that the ice storm here in Louisville was not as bad as predicted. Have a wonderful weekend “Shes”.
Something that stood out today 22 Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” 23 Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?” – John 21:22-23. How often am I concerned with others when I need to be concerned with myself? I want to dig deeper into this today. I am Peter- Thank you God that I am redeemed just like Peter! Happy Friday Sisters!
Tina, Taylor, and Maria… Praying for you. thank you for sharing your stories with us. praying for peace.
My mother-in-law is in the ER. Her kidney might be failing. This is scary because she generosity donated her other kidney to her sister, so she needs this one to work. We are 14 hours away in an ice storm so we don’t fully know what’s going on. Prayers for her, please.
MARIA BEIR – praying for the soul of your step-daughter, and the protection and peace for you and your family as you gather together. May Jesus’s love cover every moment of the time and leave its cleansing mark on her heart.
BY HIS GRACE – simply, thank you.
TAYLOR – Praying peace in your procedure and provision for the payment of it.
TINA – Praising God for continued opportunities to love on that young man and show him Jesus. May his heart be prepared and open. Thanking the Lord for Jesus followers, like you, in his life. May he find hope in Jesus.
SHAENA ELIZABETH – Praying for you, mama, as you show Jesus to your son. May your life be an example that draws him away from evil and toward good; to Jesus.
GRAMMIE SUE – Continued prayers for you and Steve. I did not realize it was brain cancer. May the helmet of salvation protect and cover Steve. May the shield of faith surround you both. This battle belongs to the Lord.
Abby D – I believe it was yesterday you talked with the student’s parent. I pray that God was with you. I pray protection and guidance for future choices in regards to his care and your classroom.
To God be the glory. Great things He has done.
Tina, Taylor, Maria… praying for your protection and comfort today. May you be wrapped in the Lord’s gracious love and be assured of how much He cares for you. I’m so struck by Jesus calling the disciples friends. We are Jesus’s friends. He wants to care for us, just as we long to follow Him. Thank you for all your prayers. I am very much looking forward to the Do Not Fear study and I am so grateful that God brought you all into my life. Have a blessed day, and let us continue to follow Jesus in all that we do!
The disciples are in an “in-between” time. They know that Jesus has risen, but unlike when He lived on earth, they don’t get to hang-out with Him all the time. They’ve only seen him twice. They are trying to figure out the “what now” question. So, they do what they know, they go fishing. Except all night long, they catch nothing.
Then someone on shore calls out to them to cast out again, and they catch a boatload of fish – 153 to be exact. And. They. Know. It is Jesus! Peter puts on his outer garment and jumps in the water, swimming to shore. (It seems like it would have been easier to swim without the extra clothings. Did he put it on out of respect or as a covering because he still wore the shame of his mistake? Either, both?) The others follow in the boat, with the fish. When they get there, the Bible says Jesus had a charcoal fire going…already hot coals, ready to cook those fish. A ready fire, abundance of fish and friends. Fellowship, forgiveness, restoration.
I know this story. I know these circumstances, personally. Even with the Holy Spirit, I have in-between times when I’m miss the intimate hanging out with Jesus, and am not sure what the next step is. I try to do the next right thing; usually what I know. When that results in fatigue and emptiness, Jesus steps in. While I seemingly do the same things, this time there is success. Sometimes I jump in like Peter, other times I bring the boatload of glory to Him. He lovingly commands and restores me. Follow me He guides and commands. Tend my sheep, He directs.
Obedience and love, all I have to give, and all that He commands.
Words, chapters, books, volumes and volumes, could never be enough to document Who our Savior is and all He has done. But one day, face to face, we will no longer be in this in-between. One day all He is and has done will be understood, not just for one day…but for eternity.
MARIA BAER—I will earnestly pray for you and your family this weekend… especially regarding the granddaughter that distanced herself from the family. May her ears be open and her heart soft to the words from the HS she will hear and may the love of family help her be willing to engage with those she has been distant from. Also praying for comfort as you all grieve with great hope that your FIL is safely Home with Jesus.❤️
Thank you Maria for asking for prayers for the funeral today for your father-in-law. My prayer is that your step daughter will take comfort as she says goodbye to her grandfather, and that the words that are spoken today will resonate in her heart.
MARIA BAER—I will earnestly pray for you and your family this weekend… especially regarding the granddaughter that distanced herself from the family. May her hears be open and her heart soft to the words from the HS she will hear and may the love of family help her be a
Praying for you all… TINA, TAYLOR, MARIA and all my SRT sisters in whatever they need. He knows it all and cares about the details. Nothing is unknown (153 fish!) Blesses Friday, sisters! ❤️
This is the first study I’ve completed on schedule while it is being released. It has been a joy to read your comments and be in community with you all. Thank you!
What an amazing last devotional in our study of John! I wrote down so many of Tameshia’s words! Thank you all for praying for my procedure today! I feel a little nervous but also a peace that surpasses understanding. Praise God! I pray I would follow Him well and oversee His people (my patients) with care and compassion, and to love as He did. Have a blessed weekend everyone and looking forward to our next study! <3
As I read about Jesus forgiveness to Peter, I am finding this Scripture speaks to me today. Tonight is my father-in-law’s wake and his oldest granddaughter, my stepdaughter, is coming to the wake and funeral. She left the family three years ago, but the few years leading to her departure she was pretty toxic and she did so many awful things to our family to destroy us, so she could go live a party life with her mom in Florida. So it will be a tense situation for many of us. We are focusing on protecting our mother-in-law through all this, but I am also praying hard (this has been quite a process for me in my journey of faith to forgive her) that this weekend there is no drama. So if you find the time, please pray a prayer of protection for my family. And also comfort as we say goodbye to my FIL.
So grateful for this study!
The grace and forgiveness of God is unmatched in a simple command, Follow Me. The rest is done.
“The call to follow Jesus is a commitment to discipleship, a commitment to live out the gospel in a world that is opposed to the message of hope.”
This world SO needs the hope that is Jesus. May I be one who offers hope and not join the chorus that sings of doom and despair.
TINA – I pray you will be able to be one of many voices of hope to this young man.
TAYLOR – praying all goes well today.
Great wrap up for this study – praying to always be mindful of and ever so thankful for His love and forgiveness, time and again as I stumble, fail and look to Him for direction as I get up to start again.
Continuing to pray for those grieving losses, raising children who’ve strayed, caregiving for loved ones, navigating illness and other challenges.
TINA – will especially be praying for this young man. The teenage years – so difficult to go through, when, in their minds, small obstacles look like mountains and the all encompassing love, grace and healing power of God are diminished (again, only in their minds!).
TAYLOR – praying all goes well with your procedure this morning.
Love to all the SRT sisters, looking forward to the next study.
Tina, how very sad! To be so young and feel the need to end one’s life. I pray this boy will cling to hope and love. Hopefully some counseling to get to the root of his pain. Hopefully he will return to his Fridays with you. I feel sure your love and compassion will be a balm to his pain.
Amen
Oh Tina I am praying for you and your friend, oh the pain he must be experiencing . We never know what one is feeling, at all times we must show compassion and love be it to the stranger walking by or the friend we think we know so well. How blessed he is to have you in his life.
Yesterday was hard!
I was commenting on the devotion, when I got word that my friends 16 year old had tried to end his life the day before.. and in his own words he didn’t want to be here anymore!
Sixteen. He is just sixteen!
My heart is so very sore.. so very sore.. this act has come out of nowhere, it really has. We have been hanging out on Fridays when he come to help me cook for the disadvantaged in our community, its always been a fun time with good conversations and I have always encouraged him..
BUT GOD..
Thank you Tameshia Williams for this
‘Echoing Jesus’s words, Peter encouraged other leaders to “shepherd God’s flock” (1Peter 5:2), OVERSEEING GOD’S PEOPLE WITH CARE AND COMPASSION.’
As a follower of Jesus, and a hearer of the words “Follow me”, I am called to oversee God’s people with care and compassion.. I am called to love as He did.
I am called to bring good news to the poor(in heart), to announce release to captives( whatever is going on in head, if anything), through His Word.
To proclaim the time has come, when the Lord will save His people, His children, and defeat their enemies.
I am called to comfort, as He has conmforted me..
I am called to remind that they will be like trees God himself has planted, that He loves, loves loves..
Follow Him…gladly, I will, for I know my Saviour lives..
A song of praise, will forever be on my lips, for though my heart is sore, it will heal, and I pray so will this young man, by His mercy and grace..
AMEN.
Happy Friday ya’ll…wrapped in so much love, I’m ready to burst!!!❤