It's interesting to me that the Apostle John concludes his gospel by revealing an error of the other disciples in how they interpreted the last thing he records that Jesus taught them.

Jn 21:20-23 records Peter's question to Jesus concerning John. In the previous verses, Peter had confirmed his love for Jesus and in return Jesus prophesied the manner in which Peter's love would be manifested through his martyrdom. Peter's response was one of great faith and maturity (sarcasm), "Well, what about him (pointing at John following closely behind)?" Isn't it interesting how we so often compare God's plan for our life to what we see Him doing in the lives of others? Furthermore, isn't it sad that we too often judge God's goodness based on our evaluation of this distribution?

Peter has just received a very sobering word. A word so powerful that he would now live his life like a man who wasn't created for, connected to, or in any way desirous of this world. A word so powerful that he would live his life, from this moment forward, like a man destined for death; leaving nothing undone, holding nothing back, not concerned with people's opinions, not building up his 401K so he could kick back and take it easy in his 60's. No! This word from Jesus rearranged his life in a way that he would now live for one purpose alone --- feeding Jesus' sheep. This word was so powerful that it would eventually equip Peter with such boldness and authority that he would even change the method by which his executioners had determined to end his life. Church history, attested to by Tertullian at the end of the second century, and by Origen in Eusebius, Church History III.1. Origen records: "Peter was crucified at Rome with his head downwards, as he himself had desired to suffer." Did you get that? The prophecy Peter received from Jesus created in him the manner in which he DESIRED to be martyred.

Most of the church today hasn't gotten enough of a revelation of Jesus to even desire to endure tribulation! Forget about us living in a way that we actually walk around with a desire for how we would like to be martyred. We're still trying to love Jesus enough to not leave the church over someone failing to compliment our casserole dish that we brought to the church fellowship. Oh how different our world would be if we once again lived our lives like this world was not our home. Is it possible that we’d be better off if we truly took to heart Jesus’ prophecy of hardship and martyrdom to us, as believers, when he commissioned us in Jn 20:20-21? His charge to every believer was spoken as He revealed His nail pierced hands and sword pierced side and said, “As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.”

What if we lived like one of these “sent ones”? Peter did! But before he took hold of this powerful commission, John concludes his gospel by revealing the error of Peter and the remaining 9 disciples.

John 21:21-23, “Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? (22) Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. (23) Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?” – The very last thing that John records of Jesus’ teaching is that those closest to Him misinterpreted Him because of their own perceptions. They allowed their perception of John and Jesus’ relationship to make blurry their ability to properly listen. Instead of just taking Him at His Word they took His Word and conformed it to their way of thinking. Let’s not let such a thing befall us to whom has been given the full revelation of Jesus Christ.

Rather than list examples of common misconceptions of the Word (a.k.a. Jesus) I’ll allow the ministry of the Holy Spirit, who leads us into all truth (Jn 16:13), to do His perfect work in you through your willingness to answer these final questions.

Are you taking God at His Word?

Does your belief in the gifts of the Spirit line up with the Word?

Is your theology of healing based on the unchanging Word of God or by your experience/lack there of in healings?

Is God serious about His 10 commandments?

Did Jesus, who never changes (Heb. 13:8), always mean what He said?

Are you exempt from a life of sacrifice that every biblical disciple of Christ experienced?

Is the Word God?

Let’s not end our lives in error. Pray with me today --- Holy Ghost, I acknowledge and accept your leadership and desire to be led into all truth, Amen.