How does a “Son of Thunder” become a disciple Jesus loved? What changes John? We are not yet perfect, but we press on in eager expectation of perfection (1 Jn 3:1-3). We are characterized by God’s love in us, our love for God, and love for others (Jn 17:1-3, 20-26).
Be Transformed
What is the purpose of being a Christian? What is God’s design for those who follow Jesus. Different answers are given, but the New Testaments authors were consistent in their answer. God’s ultimate goal for Christians is to make them like His Son. So, if we are not allowing the Spirit to transform us into the character of Jesus, we should struggle to say we are actually following Jesus.
Change
Change is inevitable. change is not always bad, neither is it always good. Change is a challenge, resulting in transformation in the likeness of Jesus (eg 40 days between Christ’s resurrection and His accession). Peter and others went back to what they were accustomed to until Jesus appeared. Peter was changed. Transformation is the change in the inner man, not in outward behavior. It is progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him – to be continually transformed into His likeness (Phil 3:10).