Journey With the Gospel of John Part 5: The Inheritance – Crowned with Confidence
John 18-21
John 18:25–27 (NKJV):
“Now Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. Therefore they said to him, “You are not also one of His disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not!” One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of him whose ear Peter cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the garden with Him?” Peter then denied again; and immediately a rooster crowed.”
Recommission means “to be sent out again with purpose and authority especially after a failure or time of disqualification.”
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What’s happening in this section between Jesus and Peter?
In Gospel of John 18:25–27, Peter reaches one of the lowest moments of his life. This scene is not just about denial—it is about the painful exposure of human weakness and the stage being set for divine restoration.
1. Peter Is Fulfilling Jesus’ Prediction
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Earlier, Jesus warned Peter:
“Will you lay down your life for My sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times.” (John 13:38)
Peter confidently declared he would die for Jesus, but now, under pressure, fear proves stronger than confidence. Jesus wasn’t surprised by Peter’s failure; He had already seen it coming.
Teaching Point:
God often sees our weaknesses before we do, yet He still calls us.
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2. Peter Is Fighting the Wrong Battle
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Peter had already shown courage in the garden by drawing his sword and cutting off Malchus’ ear (John 18:10). But physical courage is different from spiritual courage.
When the crowd questioned him, Peter wasn’t facing soldiers with a sword—he was facing ordinary people with questions.
Many believers can fight public battles but struggle with private tests.
Application:
The greatest battles are often fought in moments when no one is applauding.
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3. Peter Is Overwhelmed by Fear
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Each denial grows stronger.
- First denial: “I am not.”
- Second denial: Another refusal.
- Third denial: Complete denial, despite eyewitness testimony.
Fear causes Peter to distance himself from the One he loves.
Fear has a way of making us protect ourselves rather than honor Christ.
4. The Rooster Crow Confirms Both Failure and Grace
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The rooster’s crow wasn’t merely a signal of failure.
It reminded Peter that Jesus was right.
It also proved Jesus knew Peter would fail before Peter ever failed.
That means Jesus’ love for Peter already included full knowledge of Peter’s weakness.
The crow was not simply condemnation.
It was conviction.
There is a difference:
- Condemnation says, “You’re finished.”
- Conviction says, “Come back.”
5. Jesus Has Not Given Up on Peter
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Though not mentioned until later, this denial is not Peter’s ending.
Jesus never removes Peter from being a disciple.
Instead, after the resurrection, Jesus intentionally seeks Peter out (John 21).
Failure interrupted Peter’s ministry.
It did not cancel his calling.
This is where the definition of recommission fits beautifully:
Recommission means “to be sent out again with purpose and authority, especially after a failure or time of disqualification.”
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Peter would soon become the living example of recommissioning.
Better Me Mindset Mastery
Failure does not have the final word—Jesus does. Your worst moment does not erase God’s greatest purpose. God specializes in restoring people who sincerely repent and are willing to follow Him again.
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Practical Applications
- Admit your failures instead of hiding them.
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- Let conviction lead you back to Christ instead of allowing shame to push you away.
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- Remember that failure is an event—not your identity.
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- Receive God’s forgiveness before trying to resume God’s work.
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- Allow Jesus to restore both your heart and your purpose.
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VICTORY THROUGH THE VOID
John 20:19–20 (NKJV):
“Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.”
What does the “void” mean?
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In the context of Gospel of John 20:19–20 the “void” is more than an empty room or a difficult season. It is the emotional, spiritual, and mental emptiness that exists between what has been lost and what God is about to restore.
The disciples had witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion. Their hopes seemed shattered, their future uncertain, and their confidence gone. Although the resurrection had already occurred, they were still living as if defeat had the final word. They were physically together, but emotionally disconnected and spiritually shaken.
The Void Is…
1. The Space Between Promise and Fulfillment
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Jesus had promised He would rise again, but the disciples had not yet fully embraced that reality.
They were living in the gap between what God said and what they could presently understand.
The void is where faith is tested.
Application:
Sometimes God has already moved, but we have not yet recognized His work.
2. The Emptiness Left by Loss
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The disciples had lost their Teacher, Leader, and Friend.
They were grieving.
The void represents the pain left behind when something significant has been taken away.
- Loss of hope
- Loss of certainty
- Loss of confidence
- Loss of direction
Yet Jesus entered that emptiness.
Teaching Point:
Jesus doesn’t avoid empty places—He fills them.
3. The Atmosphere Created by Fear
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John tells us the doors were shut “for fear of the Jews.”
Fear had become their environment.
The locked doors reflected locked hearts.
The void is often filled with:
- Anxiety
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- Doubt
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- Worry
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- Isolation
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- Confusion
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Fear convinced them to hide.
Jesus called them to live.
4. The Silence Before God’s Next Assignment
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Notice that before Jesus sends them into the world, He first meets them in the room.
The void becomes God’s preparation room.
Before Pentecost…
Before preaching…
Before miracles…
There was a room filled with frightened disciples.
Sometimes God pauses us before He positions us.
5. The Place Where Jesus Reveals Himself Differently
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Jesus simply appears.
No one opens the door.
No one invites Him in.
He enters because resurrection power is not limited by locked doors.
Then He says,
“Peace be with you.”
He doesn’t begin with correction.
He begins with comfort.
Then He shows them His wounds.
Why?
Because victory is not proven by the absence of scars but by the presence of the Savior.
Victory Through the Void
The void is the place where everything feels empty, uncertain, delayed, or broken—but God is preparing to reveal His presence and His power.
The disciples thought they were trapped.
Jesus knew they were transitioning.
They saw an ending.
Jesus saw a beginning.
Better Me Mindset Mastery
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The void is not evidence that God has abandoned you. Often, it is the very place where God removes your dependence on what was so He can prepare you for what will be. Before God fills your hands, He often empties them. Before He sends you out, He meets you in your hidden places.
Practical Applications
- Don’t mistake silence for God’s absence.
- Don’t allow fear to lock the doors of your heart.
- Invite Jesus into the places that feel empty.
- Remember that peace comes from Christ’s presence, not from perfect circumstances.
- Let your wounds become reminders of God’s faithfulness rather than reasons to withdraw.
Remember
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“The void is not where God leaves you—it is where God meets you. Victory begins the moment Jesus steps into the empty places of your life and speaks peace over your fear.”
EMPOWERED FOR ENDEAVORS
John 20:21–23 (NKJV):
“So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
In Gospel of John 20:21–23, Jesus moves His disciples from comfort to commission. After calming their fears with “Peace be with you,” He immediately gives them a mission:
The same Spirit that empowered Jesus now lives in us.
Romans 8:11 (NKJV):
“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”
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The Holy Spirit is not given merely to make believers feel good, but to make them effective witnesses and faithful disciples.
How Do You Know the Holy Spirit Is Working in You?
1. You Are Becoming More Like Christ (Transformation)
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The clearest evidence of the Holy Spirit is a transformed character. The Spirit changes not only what you do but who you are becoming. Your desires begin to align with God’s will, and the fruit of the Spirit becomes increasingly evident in your daily life.
Supporting Scriptures:
Galatians 5:22–23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”
2 Corinthians 3:18
“We all… are being transformed into the same image… by the Spirit of the Lord.”
Romans 8:29
“For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.”
Life Application:
Ask yourself: Am I becoming more loving, patient, forgiving, and Christlike than I was a year ago?
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2. You Are Sensitive to God’s Voice and Conviction (Guidance)
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The Holy Spirit leads, teaches, and convicts believers. Rather than living by impulse or emotion, you begin seeking God’s direction and responding when He corrects you.
Supporting Scriptures:
John 16:13
“When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth.”
Romans 8:14
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”
Ephesians 4:30
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God.”
Life Application:
The Spirit’s conviction doesn’t push you away from God; it draws you back into fellowship with Him.
3. You Have Power to Live for Christ and Serve Others (Empowerment)
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The Holy Spirit empowers believers to witness, persevere, overcome temptation, and serve others with spiritual gifts. His power is seen not only in extraordinary moments but in faithful daily obedience.
Supporting Scriptures:
Acts of 1:8
“You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me…”
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Corinthians 12:4–7
“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit… the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.”
Life Application:
The Holy Spirit doesn’t simply equip you to survive life—He equips you to impact lives.
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Better Me Mindset Mastery
The evidence of the Holy Spirit is not measured by emotion alone but by transformation, obedience, and spiritual fruit. When the Holy Spirit is at work, you begin to think differently, love differently, respond differently, and live differently. His presence produces a life that increasingly reflects Jesus Christ.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways have you seen the Holy Spirit transform your character?
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- How has the Holy Spirit recently guided or corrected you?
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- Where is God calling you to rely on the Spirit’s power instead of your own strength?
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Key Thought
The Holy Spirit is not simply God’s presence with us—He is God’s power within us. When the Spirit is working in your life, He transforms your character, guides your decisions, and empowers your purpose.
RESTORATION AND RECOMMISSION
John 21:15–17 (NKJV):
“So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, ‘Feed My sheep’.”
In Gospel of John 21:15–17, Jesus asks Peter one question three times:
“Do you love Me?”
Notice what Jesus does not ask:
- “Peter, are you sorry?”
- “Peter, will you promise never to fail again?”
- “Peter, can you explain what happened?”
Instead, Jesus goes to the heart—the foundation of discipleship is love. Every time Peter affirms his love, Jesus responds with an assignment:
- “Feed My lambs.”
- “Tend My sheep.”
- “Feed My sheep.”
This teaches us that love for Jesus is proven through faithful obedience and care for what He values most—people.
Practical Ways to Show Jesus We Love Him More Than What He Can Do for Us
1. Obey His Word Even When It Is Difficult
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Love is demonstrated through obedience, not just emotion. We show Jesus that we love Him when we choose His will over our own comfort, convenience, or preferences.
Supporting Scriptures:
John 14:15
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.”
1 John 5:3
“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments.”
Practical Application:
- Forgive when it’s hard.
- Tell the truth when lying would be easier.
- Live with integrity when no one is watching.
2. Seek His Presence More Than His Presents
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Many people pursue God’s blessings more than God Himself.
A mature disciple says:
“Lord, if I have You, I have enough.”
Supporting Scriptures:
Psalms 27:4
“One thing I have desired of the Lord… that I may dwell in the house of the Lord.”
Psalms 73:25
“Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.”
Practical Application:
Spend time with God in prayer and Scripture even when you are not asking Him for anything.
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3. Love and Serve Other People
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Jesus connects loving Him with caring for His sheep.
You cannot genuinely love Christ while consistently neglecting His people.
Supporting Scriptures:
1 John 4:20
“He who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?”
Matthew 25:40
“Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.”
Practical Application:
- Encourage someone.
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- Serve in your church.
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- Visit the sick.
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- Help someone in need.
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- Disciple a younger believer.
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4. Put Jesus Above Every Relationship
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Jesus deserves first place—not second place.
Our love for family, friends, careers, and possessions should never compete with our devotion to Him.
Supporting Scriptures:
Matthew 22:37
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart…”
Jesus teaches that devotion to Him must take priority over every other relationship.
Practical Application:
Ask yourself:
- Is there anything I consistently choose over Christ?
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- Does my schedule reflect that Jesus comes first?
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5. Trust Him When He Doesn’t Answer the Way You Want
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Anyone can praise God when prayers are answered.
Love continues trusting when God’s answer is “wait,” “not yet,” or “no.”
Supporting Scriptures:
Job 13:15
“Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.”
Habakkuk 3:17–18
“Yet I will rejoice in the Lord…”
Practical Application:
Choose worship over worry when life doesn’t make sense.
6. Live for His Mission Instead of Your Own Agenda
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Peter’s restoration immediately became a recommission.
Jesus restored him so he could serve others.
When we love Jesus, we embrace His mission of making disciples and sharing the gospel.
Supporting Scriptures:
Matthew 28:19–20
“Go therefore and make disciples…”
Practical Application:
Use your gifts, career, influence, and resources to advance God’s Kingdom.
Better Me Mindset Mastery
Loving Jesus is not measured by how loudly we worship but by how faithfully we obey. It is easy to love God for His blessings; mature disciples learn to love Him for who He is. When Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love Me?” He was inviting him to move beyond guilt into a relationship marked by faithful devotion. The same invitation is extended to every believer today.
Personal Reflection Questions
- If Jesus asked you today, “Do you love Me more than these?” what would “these” represent in your life?
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- Are you pursuing God’s hand or God’s heart?
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- How can you intentionally demonstrate your love for Christ this week through obedience, service, or sacrifice?
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APPLICATION TO-DO LIST:
- Spend time with Jesus each day without making a list of requests.
- Obey one area where God has been convicting you.
- Perform an act of service for someone without expecting recognition.
- Share your faith or encourage another believer this week.
- Evaluate your priorities and remove anything that consistently takes first place over Christ.
Recap
Jesus measures our love not by the words we say but by the life we live. Real love for Christ is seen in obedient hearts, serving hands, surrendered priorities, and faithful perseverance. When we truly love Him more than “these,” our lives become a testimony to the fact that He is our greatest treasure.
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT:
Jesus doesn’t just call us to follow; He empowers us to lead. He doesn’t just redeem us; He restores us to purpose. And He doesn’t just instruct us, He walks with us through the Spirit. Let this be your confidence: You are called, clarified, committed, commanded, and commissioned. Now go and live like it!
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