|
|
|
After these things1 Jesus appeared again to the disciples by the sea of Tiberias.2 However, he made the appearance3 in the following manner.
| 1 | After these things: The Risen Master was about a month with his disciples and all the Gospels relate some of these appearances or manifestations. |
| 2 | The sea of Tiberias: The disciples have returned to Galilee. |
| 3 | Appearance: Or, manifestation, showed. The Greek is EPHANEROSEN. Compare it with Hebrews 9:24, 26. Note Acts 10:40 where it is The God who granted the visible appearances of Jesus. |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
We choose John 21:1 as the theme verse of chapter twenty-one – Continue to Follow Me. Thinking their Master lied dead in his tomb Peter and others decide to go fishing. [1-3] During their secular work Christ manifests himself – that is, becomes visible or appears – on the beach. Christ’s preferred apostle realizes it is the Master. [4-8] While some disciples struggle to pull the catch ashore Peter and John swim to the Master. The ‘stranger’ invites them to breakfast as the fishermen count their catch – 153 fish. [9-14] The disciples wonder who this stranger is.
Jesus asks Peter what he loves the most, his Master or these fish. [15-19] He asks this question three times. The Master exhorts Peter to continue feeding his little sheep. The disciples ask Jesus about the destiny of the preferred apostle. [20-23] The Gospel of John ends with a testimony to its truthfulness. [24, 25]
Abba the Father bless those who love the Master more.
[19 December 2002]
