June 14, 2021: Since Jesus Knows What's in Our Hearts There Is No Need to Hide Our Desires from Him.

In the 21st chapter of the Book of John, Jesus had shown Himself to many people, especially to His disciples after His resurrection. At this time, Jesus was on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, where Peter and the other disciples had decided to go fishing.

John had noticed that it was the Lord Jesus standing on shore, so Peter had jumped into the water to swim to shore while the other disciples followed by boat. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus had asked them to bring some fish over for breakfast.

John 21: 7-9 (NKJV)

Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

It was at this time that Jesus had planned to restore Peter after he had denied Him three times at the courtyard of the High Priest during His arrest. What is significant of Jesus' questions to Peter, Jesus had asked Peter three times if Peter had love Him. By the third time, Peter was hurt that Jesus had asked him the third time. Read the following:

John 21: 15-17 (NKJV)

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me? ”He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me? ”Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep".

Peter final response to Jesus was very meaningful. Peter, at this time, knew who Jesus truly was, his Lord and God. Peter knew that Jesus knew all things as Jesus knew that he, Peter, would deny Him three times. "He said, 'Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you'.”

This is a great lesson for us to learn as well. Our Lord, Jesus, knows our hearts and minds and knows everything about us...our wants, our desires, and our thoughts. There is no need for us to try and hide them from Him. He wants us to fully trust Him and "absolutely surrender" all of ourselves to Him so that we can find our true peace with Him.

PERSONNAL COMMENT:

Let us come to our Lord Jesus with a complete open heart to Him. Let us surrender all to Him so that the Holy Spirit can lead us and use us for His glory.