What Will You Do With Jesus?
Pondering John Chapter 21
The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name. —John 20:19-31
This disciple is the one who testifies to these events and has recorded them here. And we know that his account of these things is accurate. Jesus also did many other things. —John 21:24
John was clear about his purpose in writing this account of the life of Jesus. He gave us seven undeniable signs that Jesus is the Son of God. He shared Jesus’ teachings, his leading of the disciples, his conflict with the religious elite, and ultimately his death, burial, and resurrection. John carefully selected these moments to help us believe. He had more than enough material to choose from!
In his final chapters, John speaks directly to the reader—especially to those who may be encountering Jesus for the first time. His message is simple but profound: this is not just a philosophy of life. It is the only path that offers eternal life, grounded in the reality of the resurrection.
There are four Gospel accounts of this world-changing event (five if we hear Paul’s appeal in 1 Corinthians 15). Each appeals to eyewitnesses and fulfilled prophecy, giving weight and credibility to the claims. John doesn’t pretend to tell us everything Jesus did. In fact, he said that would be an impossibility. John chose these things to help us know the truth about Jesus.
As this devotional journey through John’s Gospel comes to a close, I invite you to consider a few questions.
Would you consider your belief about Jesus Christ? What have you learned about Him through this devotional companion? What stood out to you this time that you hadn’t noticed before? If this was your first time reading John’s Gospel, what about Jesus touched your heart?
Would you consider giving your life to Jesus? The Gospel’s appeal is to believe—not just to agree intellectually, but to trust deeply and respond with your life. What kind of actions would a faith like that inspire?
Would you consider establishing your faith in a vivid, visible way? For Jesus, baptism was an early step of obedience. Remember John the baptizer’s message in John 1? “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! He is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’ I did not recognize him as the Messiah, but I have been baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel.” I have often thought that if Jesus was willing to be baptized, and I want to follow him, then I will walk into the water also. In chapter three, Jesus told his secret disciple, Nicodemus, “Jesus replied, ‘I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit’” (John 3:5).
Would you consider living a life of faith each day? Following Jesus means turning away from what separates us from God. That turning—repentance—is a lifelong journey. Thankfully, God’s grace sustains us.
Would you consider praying and asking God to help you grow stronger as you spend time with Jesus, working through John’s Gospel? I’ve called this a devotional companion because I hope your Bible was open beside you as you read. Time in Scripture and prayer is never wasted. God works through His Word to bring renewal, hope, and strength.
The ending of the Gospel leaves the door open for further study, devotion, and faith. “Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written.” Everyone who spends time with Jesus walks away with a sense of wonder, awe, and discovery.
I pray that for you today.
Loved this series on the Gospel of John. Thank you❤️