UNDERSTANDING AND ZEAL

JOHN 21:7–8

Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment … and plunged into the sea

(John 21:7).

In the passage before us, we will focus on the actions of two very different men. First, we have John, the most insightful and discerning of the disciples. A combination of intelligence and faithfulness made John unique among all the disciples. He, generally speaking, was the first to understand the truth. He was also the only one who stood by Christ’s side during His suffering. Matthew Henry comments, “John had adhered more closely to his Master in His sufferings than any of them; and therefore he has a clearer eye and a more discerning judgment than any of them, in recompence for his constancy.” John, therefore, was the first to understand the significance of the empty tomb. John also was the first to realize that it was the Lord who stood on the shore and commanded them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat.

Second, we have Peter. Though not as quick-minded as John, Peter was quick to act. He proved to be, by far, the most impetuous of all the disciples. This characteristic might account for his jumping into the sea to reach his Master before the others. But his urgency stemmed from another source as well. He had betrayed his Lord. Yet, he loved Him. He wanted to go to Him, to be reconciled, to show that he was still His devoted servant. How quick and zealous are we to run to Christ after we have sinned? Are we like Peter? Or do we hide, procrastinate, hesitate, and avoid Christ in prayer and in worship? Let us learn from Peter’s zeal and go quickly to our Lord when we have sinned against Him. Let us not hide, but let us humble ourselves before Him and be reconciled to Him who is so quick to show us mercy.

The text says that Peter put on his garments before diving into the water. This might seem strange at first, but Peter wanted to show His Lord respect. He did not want to approach Jesus dressed in a loin-cloth, but he wanted to honor Him by appearing before Him decently clad. Even this minor point holds great weight for the Christian. No matter the cost to ourselves, let us show Christ the respect and honor He deserves. When we come before Christ, we are coming before the King of kings and the Lord of lords. May we always remember that as we live before the face of God.

CORAM DEO

Daniel 3–4

1 John 3

Whom do you identify with the most, John or Peter? Or maybe you identify with the other disciples who were neither as insightful as John nor as zealous as Peter. If you have much discernment, pray today that God will give you zeal for Him. If you have much zeal, pray today that God will give you understanding.

For further study: Ps. 119:125 • Prov. 19:2 • Rom. 10:2; 12:11

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