13.1 Meeting in Galilee
A New Beginning in Grace and Humility

Read John 21:1–19. What decisive facts are revealed here, especially about God’s grace – and human humility?

The event in Galilee, as described in John 21:1–19, reveals crucial lessons about God’s grace and the necessary human humility. Particularly noteworthy is the way Jesus restores Peter in a gentle yet firm manner and entrusts him with his calling as a leader. This scene not only demonstrates the depth of Jesus’ forgiveness but also how humility becomes the foundation for renewed service.

Peter’s response to Jesus’ questions – “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you” – reflects an attitude marked by self-reflection and inner repentance. His decision not to place himself at the center but to fully rely on Jesus’ knowledge and judgment shows how much he has learned from his mistakes. This is a moving example of how God’s grace not only overcomes failure but also leads to a stronger, more humble faith.

Peter’s transition from denying Jesus three times before the crucifixion to becoming a confessing disciple and shepherd is a powerful reminder that true restoration is only possible through humility and God’s immeasurable grace. This encounter in Galilee also underscores the transformative power of forgiveness: it turns a failing person into a key leader of the early church.

Ultimately, this story teaches us that it is not perfection that qualifies us for God’s service, but the willingness to admit our weaknesses, rely on His grace, and place Him at the center.

Why is humility very important for anyone who wants to know God? What could any of us be proud of in the face of the cross?

Humility is essential for anyone who wants to know God because it is the prerequisite for recognizing our dependence on Him. Those who are proud tend to center their own abilities and merits, which hinders true understanding of God. Humility means acknowledging our limits, faults, and our need for God’s grace. It opens our hearts to the truth that we cannot achieve salvation or true knowledge on our own.

The Bible makes it clear that God is gracious to the humble but resists the proud (James 4:6). Humility allows us to recognize God’s greatness and to lay ourselves in His hands. It is the foundation for accepting Jesus as our Savior and Lord because only in humility can we admit that we need salvation and that God alone is the source of life.

What could any of us be proud of in the face of the cross?

In the face of the cross, all human pride is nullified. The cross reminds us that we are all sinners and that we can do nothing to save ourselves. It is the ultimate demonstration of God’s love and grace—not because of our merits but despite our guilt.

As Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8-9: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” The cross shows that our salvation is solely God’s work, not ours. Pride is entirely out of place in light of Christ’s sacrifice, as there is nothing we could contribute to our redemption.

The cross teaches us that our only glory lies in being in Jesus Christ, who died for us (Galatians 6:14). This realization brings us back to humility, which is at the heart of a true relationship with God.

The story of the encounter in Galilee and the lessons about grace and humility have profound implications for our daily lives and our faith. It shows how crucial these principles are for our relationship with God and our interactions with others:

1. Humility in Our Daily Lives

   • Self-awareness and Repentance: Like Peter, we often recognize our weaknesses only in moments of crisis. The ability to admit mistakes is not only the first step toward inner healing but also a prerequisite for healthy relationships.

   • Dependence on God: In daily life, humility means prioritizing God in our decisions, goals, and challenges instead of relying on our own strength or wisdom.

   • Willingness to Serve: Humility encourages us not to center our own needs but to serve others in the spirit of Jesus. It teaches us not to seek recognition but to serve God and our fellow humans.

2. The Role of Grace

   • Accepting Forgiveness: Many people struggle with guilt and failure. Peter’s story reminds us that God’s grace is greater than our mistakes. This truth frees us from self-condemnation and grants us peace.

   • Extending Forgiveness: The grace we experience should be reflected in our interactions with others. In daily life, this means forgiving others for their mistakes and giving them the opportunity to make a new start.

3. The Cross and Our Daily Faith

   • Hope in Challenges: The cross shows that God’s love accompanies us even in the darkest moments. This hope helps us remain steadfast in difficult times.

   • Prioritizing God’s Work Over Our Performance: We must remember that our worth does not depend on our successes but on God’s love. This frees us from performance pressure and allows us to live by grace.

   • Focus on Jesus: Like Peter in his conversation with Jesus, we learn to keep our eyes on Him rather than on our shortcomings or circumstances. In daily life, this means handing over our worries in prayer and trusting that God knows the best path.

4. The Transformative Power of Forgiveness

   • Peter’s Restoration: Shows that no one is too far gone to be restored by God. This truth motivates us to hold on to God’s grace even in seemingly hopeless situations.

   • True Strength: Reminds us that true strength lies in the willingness to be shaped by God and to submit to His plan.

In summary: Grace and humility are not just theological concepts but practical attitudes that help us lead a life full of trust, love, and dedication. By applying these principles in our daily lives, we experience not only personal renewal but also radiate God’s love and forgiveness to those around us. The encounter in Galilee shows that a new beginning is always possible—through God’s grace and our willingness to humble ourselves under His guidance.

True strength lies in accepting God’s grace with humility and trusting Him in all things.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-13-epilogue-knowing-jesus-and-his-word-13-1-meeting-in-galilee-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

December 22, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – 1 Corinthians Chapter 12

¹ Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

² Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.

³ Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

⁴ Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

⁵ And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

⁶ And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

⁷ But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

⁸ For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

⁹ To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

¹⁰ To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

¹¹ But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

¹² For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

¹³ For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

¹⁴ For the body is not one member, but many.

¹⁵ If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

¹⁶ And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

¹⁷ If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?

¹⁸ But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

¹⁹ And if they were all one member, where were the body?

²⁰ But now are they many members, yet but one body.

²¹ And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

²² Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:

²³ And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

²⁴ For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.

²⁵ That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

²⁶ And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

²⁷ Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

²⁸ And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

²⁹ Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

³⁰ Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

³¹ But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

1 Corinthians Chapter 12 is a central section about spiritual gifts and their role in the Body of Christ, the church. The Apostle Paul describes the unity and diversity of gifts, offices, and operations, all originating from one Spirit, one Lord, and one God. This chapter illustrates that each Christian has a unique role in serving the church and that all gifts are intended for the common good and the promotion of unity. The metaphor of the body highlights the dependence and cooperation of the individual members.

Commentary

Many Gifts – One Spirit (Verses 1–11):
Paul makes it clear that spiritual gifts come from the Holy Spirit. The variety of gifts (wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment of spirits, tongues, and their interpretation) serves the well-being of the entire church (v7). The Spirit distributes them to each as He wills (v11). This demonstrates that the gifts are not to be used for self-promotion or division but for the edification of the Body of Christ.

Many Members – One Body (Verses 12–26):
The church is described as the Body of Christ, where each member has a specific function. No member can exist without the others, and all are equal and necessary (v14–20). Paul emphasizes that even the seemingly weaker members should be especially honored to prevent divisions and to care for one another (v22–25). This unity within the body serves as a metaphor for the mutual responsibility and solidarity among believers.

The Body of Christ and the Order of Gifts (Verses 27–31):
Paul reminds the church that they are the Body of Christ and that each individual plays an important role. He mentions various offices and gifts, highlighting apostles, prophets, and teachers as particularly foundational (v28). However, not everyone possesses the same gifts, which underscores the importance of diversity. Finally, Paul urges the church to strive for the best gifts, while anticipating in the next chapter the “more excellent way” of love as the foundation of all gifts.

Summary

1 Corinthians 12 teaches that spiritual gifts and functions originate from God and are all meant to strengthen the church. Paul demonstrates that the unity of believers is not hindered by the diversity of gifts but is instead enhanced by it. Each Christian is an essential part of the Body of Christ and has a unique role. This chapter calls for mutual appreciation, cooperation, and responsibility, while laying the groundwork for the subsequent chapter on love as the highest gift.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 82—“Why Weepest Thou?”
This chapter is based on Matthew 28:1, 5-8; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18.
Read online here

 

Commentary

Introduction

Chapter 82: “Why Are You Weeping?” describes the wonderful moment of Jesus’ resurrection and the encounter of the women and disciples with the risen Lord. Based on the Gospels, it is shown how the sorrow and despair of the believers are transformed into joy and hope as they realize that Jesus is alive. This chapter emphasizes the central significance of the resurrection for the Christian faith and invites believers to embrace the hope of eternal life.

Commentary

The Women at the Empty Tomb:
The women who had accompanied Jesus up to His death came with spices to honor His body, unaware that the promise of His resurrection had already been fulfilled. Their deep sorrow was transformed into awe when they saw the angel who proclaimed the good news: “He is risen.” Their spices became unnecessary because the Savior was alive.

Mary Magdalene and Her Encounter with Jesus:
Mary Magdalene, whose grief was particularly great, experienced a personal encounter with the risen Jesus. Her inability to recognize Him immediately reflects the despair that kept her from the reality of His resurrection. However, Jesus’ loving “Mary” opened her eyes. This scene illustrates how Jesus reveals Himself uniquely to each individual.

The Disciples’ Doubts:
The disciples initially reacted with disbelief to the women’s message. Their doubts and fears prevented them from accepting the truth of the resurrection. Nevertheless, Jesus did not reject them but revealed Himself to strengthen their faith and restore their hope. Especially Peter received personal assurance of forgiveness through the mention of his name.

The Message of Hope:
Jesus’ words “Why are you weeping?” and the angels’ exhortation to spread the good news are still relevant today. The resurrection is the foundation of our hope and joy because it demonstrates that death has been overcome. The call to shift our focus from sorrow to the living Christ is an invitation to live in faith and hope.

Summary

Chapter 82 depicts the encounter of the women and disciples with the risen Jesus and highlights the transformative power of the resurrection. It shows how sorrow, doubt, and despair can be transformed into joy, hope, and faith. The central message is clear: Jesus is alive, and through His resurrection, He grants all believers the hope of eternal life. This chapter calls believers to grow in faith and joyfully share the message of Jesus’ victory over death.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/22-11-2024-1-corinthians-chapter-12-believe-his-prophets/