Scripture#

John Chapters 18 - 21

Observation:#

Verses that stuck out#

"Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it

and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut

off his right ear."

John 18:10

"…Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice."

John 18:37

"Jesus said to him, ‘Thomas, because you have

seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those

who have not seen and yet have believed.’"

John 20:29

Jesus Restores Peter

John 21:15-19

Breaking down John 21:15-19#

  • Jesus predicts Peter’s future matyrdom “Stretch out your hands” was a known expression for crucifixion.
  • According to early church tradition, Peter was crucified in Rome, upside down - feeling unworthy to die the same way as Jesus.
  • This passage represents Peter’s restoration, recommissioning, and prophecy.
  • Three denials -> Three affirmations of love -> Three commands to shepherd.
  • It shows Jesus’ grace and trust: He restores a fallen disciple to leadership.
  • It teaches that true love for Christ expresses itself in faithful service to others - feeding, tending, and leading His people.
  • Finally, Jesus’ call “Follow Me” reminds every believer that discipleship often involves suffering, but ultimately glorifies God.

Breakding down John 20:29#

This verse takes place after Jesus’ resurrection, when He appears to His disciples. Thomas, one of the twelve, had previously said:

“Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails… I will not believe.”

A week later, Jesus appears again and invites Thomas to touch his wounds. Overwhelmed, Thomas responds:

“My Lord and my God!”

Then comes verse 29 - Jesus’ gentle correction and powerful blessing.

  • Jesus acknowledges Thomas’ faith, but notes that it came only after physical proof.
  • Thomas represents many of us - those who wrestle with doubt until we see evidence or experience God tangibly.
  • Jesus extends a blessing across time - to all future believers who would trust Him without physically seeing Him.
  • This includes everyone today.
  • The word “blessed” (Greek: makarios) means more than happy - it means spiritually satisfied, favored, and at peace with God.
  • Jesus elevates faith - belief rooted in trust, not sight - as the foundation of the Christian life.

Takeaway#

Application#

  1. Faith transcends sign.
    • True faith doesn’t demand proof - it rests on trust in who Jesus is.
    • We live in a culture that says “seeing is believing.” Jesus reverses that: “Believing is seeing”.
  2. Jesus meets us in our doubts.
    • Thomas doubted, but Jesus didn’t reject him. He met Thomas where he was.
    • Likewise, God meets us in our uncertainty - not to condemn, but to draw us closer.
  3. Faith grows through relationship, not evidence.
    • The more you know Jesus personally through His Word and presence, the more your faith becomes grounded in relationship rather than proof.
  4. We are the “blessed ones.”
    • Jesus specifically honors those who trust Him without physical sight.
    • Every believer today stands within that blessing - walking by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Prayer#

Dear heavenly Father,

Thank you for your patience and mercy, even when my faith wavers. Like Thomas, I sometimes want proof before I trust - but You remind me that blessed are those who believe without seeing. Strengthen my heart to walk by faith and not by sight. Help me to trust Your promises even when I can’t see the outcome. Reveal Yourself to me daily through Your Word and Spirit so that my confidence rests not on what I feel or perceive, but on who You are.

In Jesus’ Name

Amen.

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