John 21:1-25 – Feed My Lambs

Read John 21:1-25

John adds an “epilogue” to his gospel as one last story, closing the narrative of Jesus’ life while setting up the future for his disciples. Jesus appears again “later” to these seven disciples who appear to have been trying to get back to their “normal” lives as fishermen. Jesus shares yet another lesson with them while at the same time blessing them with an abundant catch of fish.

Peter’s eagerness to see Jesus is unmistakable. This is a man who has seen Jesus on a couple of occasions since he was put to death, but each time may be the last. Peter is also quite aware that just days ago, he had denied he even knew Jesus to some people in the High Priest’s courtyard. Peter’s emotions would have been heightened. I can just picture Peter fording his way through the water as he made his way to shore. Continue reading “John 21:1-25 – Feed My Lambs”

John 20:19-31 – What Was it Like?

Read John 20:19-31

What was it like to see Jesus after he came back to life? Maybe the better question is, what would you have done if Jesus had just shown up in your room, knowing the doors were locked? The disciples were already being careful as they met together, so their anxiety level would have been high. Would they have felt shock, fear, amazement, relief, or confusion? Perhaps all of the above!

Jesus’ words couldn’t have been timelier. “Peace be with you.” Jesus didn’t say it just once, either. It had only been a short few days, but it must have seemed like a lifetime. The disciples’ grief and fear would have devoured them. Not to mention what Jesus must have endured between his death and this moment. Continue reading “John 20:19-31 – What Was it Like?”

John 20:1-18 – Jesus is Alive!

Read John 20:1-18

Since Jesus’ body had been laid to rest, his followers would have all been experiencing their own grief and loss. It had been three days, and we see how Peter, John, and Mary responded. Mary arrived at the tomb while it was still dark. I imagine she couldn’t sleep and was missing her Lord. If only she could get closer, maybe she would feel less lonely. She must have been horrified to find Jesus’ body missing.

Peter and John were the disciples Mary found to help her process what was happening. The story had to have sounded incredulous because the disciples’ immediate response was to run and see for themselves. In typical “ambitious” Peter style, he burst into the tomb immediately upon arrival, while John was cautiously looking inside. I think I would have been more like John, curious but not quite as bold. Continue reading “John 20:1-18 – Jesus is Alive!”

John 19:17-42 – Dead and Buried

Read John 19:17-42

There are so many key individuals involved in Jesus’ death and burial. In addition to Pilate and the leading priests who squabbled over the charges, there were the soldiers, Jesus’ faithful women followers, the disciple Jesus loved, Joseph of Arimathea, and Nicodemus. Each one was used by God to play a role in how Jesus’ mission on earth ended.

It’s also amazing to see how Jesus, in his agony after being beaten and carrying his own heavy cross, was still fulfilling prophecy to the bitter end. He also connected his mother with his dear disciple, establishing a means of care for her. In his final moments, Jesus was still caring for his loved ones. Continue reading “John 19:17-42 – Dead and Buried”

John 18:28-19:16 – What a Horrible Day!

Read John 18:28-19:16

Jesus had a horrible day. We’ve already read how he was taken from his prayer time by an army. He was questioned, beaten, and heard the chants to “crucify him!” Jesus may have known what was coming. Scripture even foretold some of the details, but to have it happen had to be dreadful.

As a follower of Jesus, it’s hard to read, much less try to visualize, these final hours of Jesus’ life. All of this was happening to the Son of God! I can barely wrap my head around that. The divine plan was playing out as if it had been scripted. Continue reading “John 18:28-19:16 – What a Horrible Day!”

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