What do you do when you fail miserably? This was certainly a question Peter considered. He had spoken boldly of his commitment to Christ, then denied him three times in the hour of greatest need. In the final passage of John's gospel, we read of Jesus graciously restoring Peter. Not only is he restored, but he is equipped to serve the Lord and his people. This is the grace of the gospel-- Jesus restores failures, equips them, then sends them out to accomplish his purposes.

After what seems like the end of John’s Gospel (20:30), the apostle adds an epilogue telling readers of Jesus’ third resurrection appearance. In 21:1-14 we see the disciples again coming to Jesus. He finds them as he finds all of us; empty-handed and in need of fullness only he can give. Will you come to him?

The Apostle Paul said that if Jesus is not raised from the dead then all of our preaching and our faith is in vain. The good news - Jesus not only died on the cross, but he also rose victorious over sin and death that we may believe and have life. John 20 tells us of Jesus’ resurrection and transformative encounters with his followers. May we likewise encounter the resurrection Lord and experience His life-changing grace.

John 19 recounts the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The death of Jesus is simultaneously the most heinous act and the greatest demonstration of love and justice in all of history. Christ, the only innocent one was murdered in the most inhumane way. Yet through his death, God worked to bring about the redemption of the world. Jesus cries out, "It is finished": He has accomplished the work of salvation that we may believe and live.

In this passage, Jesus is betrayed, arrested, denied, and given a false trial. Yet none of this is outside of God’s will. No one takes the life of Christ, he lays it down. As D.A. Carson notes, “Jesus offers us his life in obedience to his Father, not as a pathetic martyr buffeted by the ill winds of cruel fate.” As John recounts these events, he weaves in important theological aspects of the gospel - Christ’s substitutionary, wrath-bearing death as the innocent one. The only proper response is humble worship

Robert Murray M'Cheyne once said, "If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me." In this passage, we read the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus. The appointed "hour" has come- Jesus will soon die. But first, he labors in prayer for his beloved people, and he does so with joy. The joyous prayer recorded here provides a window for us into the love of Christ and his work as our mediator. Understanding these words stirs our affection for Christ and empowers us to walk boldly in the face of fear.

As we approach the end of the Farewell Discourse (Chapters 14-16), Jesus tells his disciples not to be surprised by the world's opposition to the gospel. Those who follow a hated and crucified Savior will likewise be opposed by the world. Yet we need not fear such opposition. Though tribulation is our lot, we can take heart because He has overcome the world.

Do you ever feel like living the Christian life is difficult and burdensome? Trying to live for Jesus in our own strength is a sure way to burn out and grow discouraged. In this passage, Jesus teaches us that he is the source of power for a life of obedient joy. Abide in Christ and you will bear much fruit and experience full joy. We encourage you to read ahead, pray, and prepare your heart to hear the word of the Lord