IT IS THE LORD!

"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 (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea" (John 21:7).

Who would you choose if you had to leave your beloved mother in the hands of a trusted friend? Would it be one who was most loyal to you? Would it be a relative or non-relative? Jesus trusted his cousin and best friend, John, to take care of his mother, even more than his stepbrothers, James, Simon, Joseph, and Jude (John 19:20-29). What made John's life so special that Jesus could trust him among the other disciples? The text does not convey why Jesus trusted this disciple more than his brothers. However, we can infer from the Scripture that John's love and dedication to Jesus was evident. Jesus told John, while on the cross, to take care of his mother for the remaining time of her life (John 19:26-27). Jesus held John in the highest esteem among his disciples. He called him brother. "The words 'Woman, behold thy son … behold thy mother' are more than a mere commendation or suggestion from a dying friend. They convey a command from Him who was, to Mary, as well as to John, Master and Lord." [1] Jesus had separated himself from this human being he had called mother for 33 years! He was sent on earth to complete the will of his heavenly Father. So much can be said about the first sentence in John 21:7; however, I will digress as I must move on with this powerful verse.

In this passage, the disciples did not recognize Jesus in the water (21:4), but John recognized and identified him. In comparison to both instances, can you identify Jesus in your life? Or are you still trying to figure out where he is and how he is working in your life? John loved Jesus because he had invested time with him. The more you invest in knowing the Savior, the more you discern his presence. The disciples needed Jesus to meet a need beyond their scope. They couldn't catch any fish. Have you ever been so excited to see Jesus show up amid a personal situation? The book of Hebrews teaches us that the Word of God is alive. It has the ability to immediately change our lives. Contentment comes from knowing the personal Savior, who is Lord over all creation.

Interestingly, Peter was on the shore and he did not recognize Jesus. John had to tell the other disciples that it was Jesus on the shore. Community is necessary for every believer. Without it, we are subject to disregarding the obvious. There is safety in the fellowship of believers (Prov 11:14). Are you that one who people depend on for truth? Are you the one who can confidently say, "Jesus is with us!" "Everything will be okay, just trust Him."

Peter covered himself when he realized it was the Lord. Why would he cover himself, if he's already dressed? Why an outer garment? "He then plunged into the sea." Why would Peter dive into the sea after identifying with the Savior? Was he just above himself? Was he now inspired because he knew something big would take place? Did he now turn into the big kid he was in heart? Perhaps he was comforted in knowing that Jesus would make all things right. When Jesus shows up, nothing is impossible!

What about you? How is Jesus showing up in your life? Do you even recognize Him? Do you realize the power of God? Is He able to do what seems like the impossible? Everything we do must give honor and praise to God.

Give it to Jesus! Do you see Him? Do you know Him? Jesus is always near if we would trust his presence. We should worry less and continue to exclaim; it is the Lord! Keep in mind that nothing is impossible when you take pride in knowing the Lord!

God, I pray that we will recognize your presence in our lives. Keep us focused to gain all knowledge of who you are and that you alone can do what seems like the impossible in our lives!

In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

Encourage and Be Encouraged!

[1] J. H. Bernard, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Gospel according to St. John, ed. Alan Hugh McNeile, International Critical Commentary (New York: C. Scribner' Sons, 1929), 633.