In John 21:15‐17, Jesus pulls Peter aside during this last appearance in John’s Gospel. Peter had denied Jesus those three times during Jesus’ trial on Maunday Thursday. That night and going forward, Peter was a grieving man filled with guilt over his behavior. Jesus now restores him, showing that we all can find restoration after our failures against sin and temptation. Jesus…
Due to snow, we met from home on this first Sunday of 2021 to talk about the new beginnings that God provides.
Between the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, John tells us one last vignette between Jesus and some of His disciples in John 21:1‐14. Here, Jesus reminded them of their original calling to be fishers of men. And we see the Great Commission in allusion, typical in John’s writing style.
A Christmas devotional of Old Testament prophecies about God’s Son
John 20:30-31 captures John’s purpose in writing His book about the life and ministry of Jesus. Namely, he wrote so that we readers would believe Jesus is the Messiah. So do you? Have life by believing Him!
Thomas did not see the risen Lord on Easter Sunday. When the other disciples told him the Good News, Thomas replied “unless I see Him and touch Him, I will never believe.” We need to talk about cynicism and how quick or slow we are to get on board with the Lord.
Jesus next appears to the disciples. His first message to them is to send them into world. To know the risen Lord is to share Him with others.
Mary remains at the empty tomb, where she encounters angels announcing His resurrection as well as Jesus Himself. Mary perfectly fulfills Psalm 2 which ends with “Kiss the Son … take refuge in Him!” as she clings to Him weeping and laughing and rejoicing over the Good News of His life.
Mary, Peter, and John have seen the empty tomb. It wasn’t until then that they understood that the Scriptures had prophesied both His death AND His physical resurrection. “You will not let Your Holy One see decay.” Psalm 16 tells us.
What happened to Jesus from the cross to the grave? John 19:38-42