John 21:20-25 NRSVue
20Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; he was the one who had reclined next to Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” 21When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” 22Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!” 23So the rumor spread among the brothers and sisters that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?”
24This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. 25But there are also many other things that Jesus did; if every one of them were written down, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.
“Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.”
Reflection on John 21:20-25
Inspiration from 2025-06-07 Daily Prayer
‘The disciple whom Jesus loved’. What a description of anyone! Have I ever thought of myself as ‘the one Jesus loved’ or had an experience I can recall when I considered myself especially loved by Jesus?
Each bible has a blank page at the end. This is for each of us to write our own gospel! We can note the incidents, relationships, bad times, and good times in our lives where Jesus was close and active, saving us, calling us, and challenging us into discipleship. Can you note where and when your life with Jesus began? Like John, we don’t know where it will end. Where is Jesus now writing his gospel in your life so that others will know his love, his call, and his identity? Some good pointers for prayer!
Further reflection
Each bible has a blank page at the end. This is for each of us to write our own gospel! We can note the incidents, relationships, bad times and good in our lives where Jesus was close, active, saving us, calling us and challenging us into discipleship. Can you note where and when your life with Jesus begin? Like John, we don’t know where it will end. Where is Jesus now writing his gospel in your life so that others will know is love, his call and his identity? Some good pointers for prayer!
Even as John concludes his gospel, he is aware that the words of Jesus may be misunderstood. I pray that I may be preserved from any misinterpretation of Jesus' words as I take this time in prayer, asking God to speak directly to my heart.
John had a sense that the works of Jesus were many, and that numerous books might be written. Before God, I consider the works of Jesus in my life, giving thanks for the hidden and evident ways in which I have come to life. I think of myself as a ‘gospel', a testament to God's loving presence and action.