The Appearances of Jesus Christ

Friday, April 25, 2025

Theme: "The Appearances of Jesus Christ."

Text: John 21:15-19

15. After they had eaten, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?" He answered him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs." 16. He said to him a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me?" Peter answered him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep." 17. He said to him a third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me?" Peter was saddened because he had said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he answered him, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.” 18. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wanted; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not want to. 19. He said this to indicate by what death Peter would glorify God. And having said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”

Remember:

The post-resurrection appearance of Jesus, which took place at the water’s edge, where the disciples were gathered, was a moment quite different from other appearances. On this occasion, Jesus individually gave strong instructions to Peter to enter fully into the harvest. During this appearance, Jesus showed Peter the place where he should cast his net to catch the maximum number of fish. Then Jesus gave instructions to feed the lambs and sheep of God. This comes across as if to say that if you count on me, I'll help you earn a better living, but you must work for me. Jesus marked this instruction with an insistence that saddened Peter; he remembered the last time Jesus insisted on denial, which had happened when the rooster crowed three times. Peter is Jesus' target; he is the post, the pillar of the temple that Jesus chose to lead the approaching missionary and apostolic work. It was at this apparition that the foundations of the early church were laid, with the focus on Peter, the leader appointed by Jesus. A strong, powerful wind of revival was to blow, and Jesus was already preparing the managers who would steer the ship. At the same apparition, Jesus revealed to Peter with what death he would glorify God. Each appearance of Jesus was under a different label because it was done with the aim of bequeathing a precious legacy to the disciples. Excellent Friday and good start to the weekend. Amen.

Alain Louz.-