Reflecting on John 21:1-14“This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.” (John 21:14)
John wants his readers to know that they really saw Jesus.
There was no doubt in their mind, they knew it was the Lord.
This was not a figment of their imagination, they ate breakfast with Him.
Not just once, but three times (three witnesses to make something certain).
Their whole ministry depended on this reality: Jesus is alive!
This was the third time Jesus appeared, but it was not the last time.
Jesus appeared again just before He ascended.
He appeared to over 500 witnesses as well (1 Corinthians 15:6).
He appeared to Paul in a vision, which led to his radical conversion.
He has appeared to multitudes through the ages, and also to me.
Our hope in Jesus is a living hope, a hope that brings life.
It frees us from the fear of death and dying; free to live, love and serve.
Because of this living hope, Jesus’s disciples gave themselves in love to others.
And this message of love keeps spreading, and will continue until…
The next and final time that Jesus will appear to His disciples – when He returns!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, keep on appearing to people in their ordinary lives - fishing, eating breakfast, etc. - so that they too can live, love and serve with hope... until You come again!
A question I ask myself at times, and should do more often: Where did I see Jesus today? As He promised, He is with us. Emmanuel. In my living for Jesus, do I feel His Spirit leading and guiding me? Do I talk to Him along the way? If I don’t, then I will stray from the way. Continue to lead and guide me always serving You always today and always.