Sharing Bread John 21:18-23

SHARING BREAD

18 “I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”






20 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?") 21 When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?"






22 Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." 23 Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?"


John 21:18-23 (NIV)

In our verses for today, Jesus gives Peter a solemn prediction - a glimpse into his future – the type of death he may expect at the conclusion of his ministry. Having confirmed to him the honor of Apostle in life, Jesus now tells Peter the further honor intended for him through his death. The Lord prophetically proclaims Peter would die the death of a martyr through crucifixion. He holds out no prospect of temporal ease or of a present earthly kingdom – he tempts him not onward by promises of worldly success and secular rewards rather bids him forward to a violent albeit glory ridden death. Peter must follow his Master – both by feeding His sheep and partaking in His sufferings. And so it came to be. Peter lived to be persecuted, beaten, imprisoned and at length slain - all for Christ’s sake. Jesus’ Words came into fruition as in old age Peter died with his hands stretched out on a cross. Our future history - both in life and death - is foreknown by Christ. I am reminded of the words penned by Jeremiah:

4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Jer 1:4-5 (NIV)

God makes known the end for the beginning from ancient times what is yet to come. It is comforting for the child of faith to rest in the knowledge that all is arranged by the One who is too wise to err and to loving to do the believer harm. This certainly does not mean a life sans tribulation and sufferings – surely our Lord experienced plenty of these as He walked this earth. In fact Isaiah tells us He was a man of sorrows, familiar with sufferings. He does not expect us to relish bodily pain as pleasure – the dread of death is naturally implanted within us. Wishing to be separated from the body is unnatural. He who becomes a Christian does not cease to me a man. Even Jesus prayed against the bitter cup. Yet we are called in our verses for today to bring glory to God by our deaths as well as our lives. We do this as we bear patiently in our afflictions – not murmuring – exhibiting peace and hope for a far better place and with a constant gaze upon Christ as our complete source of strength and sufficiency - His grace being sufficient to meet our every need. We must keep heaven in our eyes and earth under our feet as we perhaps groan but not grumble in our circumstances. Interestingly, like Peter, Scripture tells us every follower of Jesus is called to deny self, take up his cross and follow in Christ’s footsteps – whether figuratively or literally:

23 Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?” Luke 9:23-25 (NIV)




Next we discover Peter wrongly getting his focus off his future walk and concern for his own soul and off of Christ and on to the Apostle John. He became busy in another man’s matters rather than his own. In a rebuke, the Lord teaches Peter – and us as well – that we are to attend to our own duties, mind our own souls, fulfill or own courses and leave the future of others in the hands of our wise and merciful Savior. Our Lord treats each of His children differently – always for our good and His glory. He is supremely uniquely individual and relational with each one of us – even down to knowing the number of hairs on our heads. Again, the words Jeremiah penned come to mind:



11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jer 29:11-13 (NIV)



When we get our eyes off of Jesus and our own paths and on to others we often become dissatisfied or disillusioned. We begin the “It’s not fair” and “Woe is me” mantras and Jesus says to us as He did to Peter - “What is that to you?” Whatever others may do or not do, suffer or not suffer, our duty is pristinely clear and plain - we are called to look to our own souls and take heed to follow Christ. I am reminded of the psalmist Asaph when he began to get discouraged and oppressed by looking at the ease of others:



12 This is what the wicked are like-- always carefree, they increase in wealth. 13 Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence. 14 All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning. 15 If I had said, "I will speak thus," I would have betrayed your children. 16 When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me 17 till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny………….21 When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, 22 I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. 23 Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. 24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalms 73:12-17, 21-26 (NIV)


What I glean from this:



• My future is foreknown by Jesus.


• God’s grace is sufficient to meet my every need.


• I am to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus and not others. I am called to walk as He walked not as others walk.

Sharing Bread John 21:15-17

SHARING BREAD

15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"






"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."






Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."






16 Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"






He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."






Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."






17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"






Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."






Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”


John 21:15-17 (NIV)

I am sitting by the edge of the Sea of Galilee – right where Jesus spoke these Words to Pete – right there, where the sparks and spirits were flying upward and the breakfast and hearts were sizzling over the warmth of His fire. I read these Words from Scripture aloud and the power of them weighed heavy on me. Even as I write this my mind drifts back to that setting and the graciousness and strength of the Master’s Words. The stone I pick up from the seashore - smoothed clean by the water - reminiscent of my spirit as the Living Water washes it clean with His Word. Peter the impetuous, Peter the denier, Peter the turncoat, Peter the deserter, Peter the one that failed – here Jesus lovingly reinstates – could there be hope for another as well? King David’s words come to mind:

8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. 9 He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; 10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalms 103:8-12 (NIV)

One surely cannot deny the similarities of this situation – Hadn’t Peter boastfully proclaimed that even if all the others fell away, he never would? Hadn’t Peter denied our Lord warming himself around a fire? Hadn’t Peter denied the Lord Jesus three times? The once over-confident Peter, like the famed Humpty Dumpty had suffered a severe fall yet unlike Humpty, Jesus was about to put the broken pieces of Peter’s life back together again. Jesus is the Master of making beauty from our ashes it was part of His job description – praise Him! The Prophet Isaiah prophesizes regarding the Lord Jesus future work:

2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:2-3 (NIV)

Our verses for today are heavy with Truth and worthy of weighty exposition – much more than two meager pages allow from the pen of a novice. The Greek wording alone is a study in and of itself. We will therefore zero in on just two facts presented here: Love Jesus, Love others.

In this passage, Jesus uses a higher form of the word love – Agapao - in His first two questions to Peter meaning to “love, esteem, cherish, favor, honor, respect, prize, relish, be devoted to; rooted in the mind and will of the subject, to value; it is God’s love towards man.” Only the third inquiry to Peter does our Lord stoop down, lowering the love to Phileo meaning “to be fond of, to love as a dear friend, friendship love, to have affection for someone.” Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible – New Testament Lexical Aids. Interestingly, Peter responds all three times with Phileo love. He knew he loved the Lord but he also knew all too well the weakness of his own flesh. Unwilling to espouse the highest form he chooses rather to content himself with what he felt in his heart. Even a child knows what he feels and whom he loves. Jesus wording shows He will begin with that. Our Lord meets us where we are – Hallelujah for that!

This series of questions to Peter by Jesus are for our benefit as well. Who can claim they have not denied Him? Who has not failed Him? Who has not been in need of restoration and reinstating? Do we love Christ? This is the great question without which there is no vitality to our faith. There is no life where there is no love. He can look over our want of knowledge and our want of faith but He must have love. Wherever there is true grace there will be a consciousness of love towards the Lord Jesus. Furthermore, the grand test of that love is our usefulness for Christ and obedience to His commands. Working for Him is the great proof of our loving Him – it is the best evidence of being a true hearted disciple. We are to live for others, care for others, minister to others, do good to others. It is following in Jesus’ steps as our Lord came to seek and to save that which was lost – He came not to be served but to serve. We are to go and do likewise. He loves most that is most like Jesus.

“You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.” Amy Carmichael

“He says not to Peter, Art thou wise? or learned? or eloquent? But Lovest thou Me? Then feed. Love to Christ begets love to His people’s souls, which are so precious to Him, and a care of feeding them.” Leighton


6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. 1 John 2:6 (NIV)

What I glean from this:

• Jesus is compassionate and gracious – slow to anger and abounding in love.


• Jesus puts the broken pieces of my life back together again – I can trust Him to do this.


• I am to love Jesus and love others.

Sharing Bread John 21:9-14

SHARING BREAD

9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.






10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you have just caught."



11 Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." None of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.


John 21:9-14 (NIV)

Remembering His disciples were but mere men – wearied and exhausted from their night of fishing - our Lord here mercifully and compassionately provides a table for them by the seashore. Ever thoughtful, Jesus showed His toiling disciples that He cared for their bodies as well as their souls – how comforting. Wet and cold, weary and hungry, the Lord supplied a fire to warm and dry them and food to feed and fill them. Jesus is the supplier of all our needs – in Him is the sufficiency for life – both present and eternal. The Psalmist proclaims:

11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. 12 O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you. Psalms 84:11-12 (NIV)

Nothing smells better when one arises in the morning than the smell of breakfast wafting through the air – coffee brewing, bacon frying, biscuits rising – definitely a dream at my house! Surely our Lord’s guys were wide eyed and appreciative over this labor of love. King David’s words of Psalm 103 come to mind:

1 Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-- 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's…………13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; 14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. Psalms 103: 1-5, 13-14 (NIV)

“Love, like warmth, should beam forth on every side, and bend to every necessity of our brethren.” Martin Luther



Christ commands His guys to bring to the shore the fish they have just caught. He would have them eat of the labor of their hands as well. Whatever we have gained through God’s blessing upon our industry and honest labor has a particular sweetness to it therefore Christ here desires for them to taste the spoils of their miraculous catch. I believe the Lord also wanted to show His disciples the secret to a successful life would be for them to work according to His command and to act with implicit obedience to His word. Success in God’s sight does not equate to the world’s definition rather it is far superior. Remember what Isaiah writes and Paul in quotes in 1 Corinthians:



9 However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" -- 1 Cor 2:9 (NIV)





It was if Jesus told them to look into the net to see for themselves how profitable it was for them to do what He said. Impetuous Peter was first to jump on board and drag the bulging net ashore sans the slightest rip.



“God’s blessings at times came to us through our labors and at times without our labors, but never because of our labors.” Martin Luther



17 You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." 18 But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. Deut 8:17-18 (NIV)



Lastly, our Lord beckons His guys to join Him in dining. Treating them as friends, He bids them welcome to His table. None inquire of Who He was, they now fully knew. There seems to be no doubt rather only awe:



“To sit, and eat, and drink, in the company with one who had risen from the dead, and appeared and disappeared after a supernatural manner, was no light thing. Who can wonder that they felt awed?” John Charles Ryle



Our Lord serves as the Master of the feast offering bread and fish. He shows Himself alive and having a true body by eating and drinking with His guys. This was a proof the Apostles produced of his resurrection that He ate and drank with them:



39 “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41 He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen--by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.” Acts 10:39-41 (NIV)


“God is continually drawing us to Himself in everything we experience.” Gerard Hughes



What I glean from this:



• Jesus is the supplier of all my needs – both present and eternal.


• Jesus is gracious and compassionate towards me. He considers my frame and is my sufficiency and strength.


• Jesus is my friend.

Sharing Bread John 21:7-8

SHARING BREAD

7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.


John 21:7-8 (NIV)


In our verses for today we discover the impulsive and passionate Peter zealously rushing to Jesus’ side – his conduct eminently characteristic with his nature. Acting on his present feelings, Pete wraps his outer garment around him and jumps out of the boat making a beeline through the water to the Lord. Zeal for Christ deserves respect even if it leads one to hasty and often reckless actions. Hot enthusiasm is much better than lukewarm indifference. Indeed, we discover this disciple fleshing out to us Paul’s words of Romans 12:

11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Romans 12:11 (NIV)




I find it interesting to compare the two incidents that deal specifically with Peter on the water desirous of meeting with his Master. One where we discover him literally walking on the water and presently where he is wading or swimming through the water – both displays a passionate and earnest desire to get to the side of the Lord. I have to believe as Peter jumped into the water his mind raced back to a past time where he jumped out of that same ship to meet with the Jesus. God uses the memories of our past to jostle us in our present – always with an Eye towards our improvement and betterment - reminding us of His prior love, kindness, grace and faithfulness as well as calling to mind both blessings in our obedience’s and consequences in our disobediences. He is all about conforming us to the image of His Son and His tools of conforming are always according to the bents of His children. He individually woes and teaches us all in the ways best for us and he uses our circumstances to grow and mature us. He never wastes anything in our lives particularly our pain. We find in Matthew Peter’s walking on water experience:



25 During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." 28 "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." 29 "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. Matt 14:25-29 (NIV)



“Everything that happens to you is for your own good. If the waves roll against you, it only speeds your ship toward the port. If lightning and thunder comes, it clears the atmosphere and promotes your soul’s health. You gain by loss, you grow healthy in sickness, you live by dying, and you are made rich in losses. Could you ask for a better promise? It is better that all things should work for my good than all things should be as I would wish to have them. All things might work for my pleasure and yet might all work my ruin. If all things do not always please me, they will always benefit me. This is the best promise of life.” C.H. Spurgeon



It is also noteworthy that in his zeal Peter forgot all about the huge catch, the net, the boat and even his comrades – he appears to be very much a “one thing” person. Like the Samaritan woman who left behind her “water pot” at His feet, like Mary who sat listening to Him leaving her temporal duties behind, like Paul who counted all a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus His Lord – Peter demonstrates to us a love and affection for Christ that is supremely focused and extreme and one, I might add, worth emulation.



In the same token, we do not all possess the same spiritual gifting. Some disciples are granted by God very eminent gifts and graces as Peter and John; others - more ordinary disciples – who being more obscure, mind their duty and remain faithful to the Lord. There is a great difference between people in the way they bring honor to Christ – the main thing is to use our gifting to bring Him honor. Man may consider one gifting greater than another but God certainly does not. He cares only that we use the talent He gives us to bring Him glory. We must never forget all believers – the prominent and obscure alike - will one day sit down and dine together with Christ in heaven – praise Jesus for that! Paul tells us:



6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. Romans 12:6 (NIV)



“The good news of the gospel is not that God will provide a way to make life easier. The good news of the gospel, for this life, is that He will make our lives better. We will be empowered to draw close to God and to love others well and to do both for one central purpose, to glorify God, to make Him look good to any who watch us live.” Larry Crabb, Shattered Dreams



What I glean from this:

• Hot enthusiasm towards the Lord is better than lukewarm indifference. Jesus’ Words to the Church of Laodicea ring true: 14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Rev 3:14-16 (NIV)


• Like Peter, I am to be a “one thing” person – keeping my focus fixed on Jesus rather than on the world.


• Believers have different gifts according to God’s grace – one no better than the other – the important thing is for us to use our gift for God’s glory.

Sharing Bread John 21:4-6

SHARING BREAD

4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.



5 He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?"




"No," they answered.


6 He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.


John 21:4-6 (NIV)

Dawn was breaking – the night was giving way to light and the little party on the boat - through the misty grey - spies a figure on the shoreline. Seemingly unfamiliar to the disciples, the “stranger” gives a courteous and endearing inquiry about a simple matter of their daily life - "Friends, haven't you any fish?" Christ puts the question to them not because He remained in the dark regarding their needs rather that He would know their needs from them – issuing forth from their own mouths. He desires for all to come face to face with their own poverty.

10 As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one; 11 there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. Romans 3:10-11 (NIV)

Surely, our Lord’s query - at the very least – should have jogged their memories – particularly Peter, James and John’s - of another time when they were without a catch after toiling throughout the night. Luke records that incident for us:

4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." 5 Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets." 6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. Luke 5:4-11 (NIV)

“Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity of helping and saving.” Matthew Henry

I find it interesting that more often than not, Christ Jesus makes Himself known to His people when they are most at a loss. Sadly, we often don’t look up unless we have a need and one in which we believe we are incapable of handling. Never mind that we are incapable of handling anything eternal apart from His powerful hand! Gradually, in increments they could handle our Lord shows Himself to His guys. He begins by pointing them - through query - to their lack. Jesus always points us to our need in order that He might fill it – and fill it to overflowing, I might add. With Christ our cups overflow. He never gives stingily or sparingly. I am reminded of King David’s words in the Twenty-Third Psalm:

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  Psalms 23:5 (NIV)




Indeed, earlier in John Jesus tells us He came to give us life in the full – contrary to the adversary who comes only to steal and destroy:



10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.  John 10:10 (NIV)

Lastly, our Lord shows Himself to His disciples through His power. Instructing them to cast on the right side of the boat, they would then discover plenty of bounty. They who were going home empty handed would now be blessed by a great catch of fish. Christ’s orders were given with a promise in tow. How like Jesus! So many promises of Scripture carry with them an “If” - “Then” – this, of course, being indicative of our responsibilities. We are never the losers by observing Christ’s commands. Indeed, we are the great losers when we don’t. Christ manifests Himself to His believers by doing that which no one else can do. He mercifully and sweetly meets us individually in our own employments – whether mother or doctor or fisherman or handyman – sufficiently supplying and meeting our needs when our industry and ingenuity have completely failed us. His achieving power is our abundant relief – praise Him!



11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. Psalms 84:11 (NIV)



“God’s gifts put man’s best dreams to shame.” Elizabeth Barrett Browning

What I glean from this:



• Christ wants me to come face to face with my spiritual poverty apart from Him.


• My extremity is God’s opportunity – nothing is too hard for Him or beyond His reach. 14 Is anything too hard for the LORD? Gen 18:14 (NIV)


• Jesus overflows my cup.

Sharing Bread John 21:1-3

SHARING BREAD

1 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias. It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 "I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.


John 21:1-3 (NIV)

The Sea of Tiberias - also known as the Sea of Galilee - was the chosen sight for our Lord’s next appearance to a group of His beloved disciples. This would have been very familiar territory and sweet surroundings for our Lord’s guys. Indeed, it was the place where Christ had done some of His mightiest works – walked on water, stilled the waves and winds with a Word, provided money for taxes from the mouth of a fish, fed the multitudes loaves and fishes, cast out legions of demons into swine and delivered the parable of the Sower. Surely there was deep purpose and meaning in the Lord choosing this particular sight. It would serve to remind His guys - jogging their memories so to speak - of the former days where Jesus’ power, love and wisdom were constantly in their view. Sometimes, we just need to be reminded of our Lord’s mercy, power, love, wisdom and forgiveness do we not? Our Lord remains fully aware of exactly what His followers need – ever reminding us especially when faith sags low.

Interestingly, this was where Peter, James and John had had their beginnings with the Lord Jesus – calling them to abandon their fishing for mere fish to embracing the highest work of fishing for the souls of men. They had also been told prior - both through an angelic announcement and Jesus’ own Word to them through the women – they would see Him again there – so there, they went. We discover in Matthew:

7 “Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you.” Matt 28:7 (NIV)




8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me." Matt 28:8-10 (NIV)

I find it fascinating the number of witnesses – seven to be exact – before whom this remarkable appearance of Christ took place in our verses for today. Seven, the number of perfection and completion – the evidence of seven witnesses was regarded as the most complete evidence that could be given. Of interest as well is the fact that Thomas – the doubter turned believer – is now mentioned next to Peter as if he were set in keeping closer to the meetings with the Apostles than ever before. He had lost out once prior by his absence - missing the appearance of Jesus when the other saints had assembled - and he was wisely not about to let another opportunity slip through his hands!

Peter also demonstrates for us his leadership abilities as the small band of disciples all seem to follow suit when he makes mention of going fishing. The simple definition of a leader is to merely have someone follow and in our verses for today Peter goes forth with six in tow. Limited in his present knowledge and not wanting to remain waiting for our Lord’s appearance with idle hands, Peter gravitates to the known – fishing. He did what he was accustomed to doing and the others followed suit. There is something very comforting in doing the familiar – it clears ones mind particularly when so much surprise and unknown swirls in the head. Not much had gone as expected for the Lord’s guys.

Surely in the beginning when the disciples had left all to follow their Leader their expectations and dreams were not exactly what eventually played out (to say the least). Not to mention trying to absorb all that had just prior happened – Judas’ betrayal, Peter’s denial, Christ’s death, burial and resurrection and now His appearance to them after His resurrection as well as a myriad of other happenings – they had to have been befuddled. Therefore, in their waiting they return to what they know. Interestingly, when we as believers set out to follow Jesus on our venture of faith – just as His original disciples – we must tear up into the smallest pieces any itinerary the delusions of our minds may have produced. Not much falls out as we expect. Our Lord keeps to no beaten path nor will He allow us to put Him in a box. He leads us by a way our eyes and ears and minds have never seen, heard, imagined or dreamed – always for our good and His glory. He knows no fear and He expects His servants to fear nothing because He ever walks with us. It is His great promise to all believers. He is a “with us” God.

God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Heb 13:5 (NIV)



18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 14:18 (NIV)


Lastly, we see the disciples catch nothing – not a thing. Another lesson our Lord was gently teaching – apart from Him we can do nothing yet with Him – abiding in Him - even this group of ragamuffin, uneducated, unlearned disciples could turn the known world upside down. In and of ourselves we can do nothing of eternal value – He never said we could – He can do all things - He always said He would. Our power is in abiding in Him.

4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5 (NIV)



“We need to keep reminding ourselves that without the Lord we can do nothing. It needs to become a habit of mind with each of us to tell the Lord as we tackle each task, ‘I can’t do this without your help, please help me’, and then to expect to be helped because we have admitted our helplessness, given up self-reliance and are now looking to Him.”   J. I. Packer

What I glean from this:

• Jesus longs and loves to remind me of His mercy, power, love and wisdom if I have ears to hear.


• I can do nothing eternal apart from abiding in Jesus. With Him I can do all things He calls me to do. His works are far greater than my meager imagination and thoughts. However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" -- 1 Cor 2:9 (NIV)


• It’s so sweet to trust in Jesus.

Sharing Bread John 20:30-31

SHARING BREAD

30 Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.


John 20:30-31 (NIV)

In our verses for today John parenthetically notes there were other evidences – many other - finger marks of God – performed by our Lord Jesus not recorded in his Gospel. The Gospel bearing his name was certainly not exhaustive in the encompassing works of Christ. The evidences of our Lord’s miracles and resurrection were neither scanty nor short – indeed, there were plenty to spare – proofs in abundance. The penmen who nobly wrote regarding Christ’s resurrection provided sufficient evidences that one stood on solid ground in believing on a risen Savior - all written for the confirmation of our faith. Each writer guided by the Holy Spirit gave their accounts without any view of temporal benefit to themselves but to establish the faith of their readers – bringing men to Christ and to heaven. John was passionately zealous for his sphere of influence to believe in the risen Savior – it was of utmost importance to him. Indeed, he writes of the Truth of this other times in his gospel:

14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. John 3:14-15 (NIV)


35 The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. John 19:35 (NIV)




24 This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. John 21:24 (NIV)




In like manner, the Apostle Paul burned with passion for the salvation of souls particularly for his brothers, the Israelites. He writes in Romans:



1 I speak the truth in Christ--I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit-- 2 I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, 4 the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. 5 Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen. Romans 9:1-5 (NIV)




1 Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. Romans 10:1 (NIV)




The Lord’s first disciples were solidly confident and firmly believed in what their eyes had seen and their ears had heard – propelling them to tell others – leading them to knowledge of a saving faith and life in Christ. We as modern day disciples are to be like minded as well not simply living selfishly as unto ourselves alone but also for the good of those God strategically places in our paths – our realms of influence. They are not there by chance or happenstance. Believers have life saving wonderful news for every soul – God richly blesses all who call on Him in faith. We are to both speak it and live it. Sadly, many without Christ are more willing to hear this Good News than we as believers are willing to share it.



9 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11 As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:9-13 (NIV)



“Oh! that I had a trumpet voice to warn you. Oh! while you are dying, while you are sinking into perdition, may I not cry to you; may not these eyes weep for you! Take to heart, I beseech you, the realities of eternity. Oh, turn, turn! Why will you die? Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and ye shall be saved.” Charles H. Spurgeon at Exeter Hall on Sunday morning, February 26, 1869




14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:14-15 (NIV)



Lastly, I think it interesting when John writes: “that by believing you may have life in his name.” Believers have life in Jesus’ character. We have life in abundance when we walk as He walked - when we manifest His character through the Spirit’s power in lieu of our own. This Truth greatly affects our here and now. “This changes everything” when we grab hold and apply the Truth that we are to walk as Jesus did. Freedom, blessed peace, joy, satisfaction, and fulfillment – indeed, every promise in Scripture is a “Yes” in Christ. It is the fullness of our joy.



“The man who has God for his treasure has all things in one.” A. W. Tozer



What I glean from this:



• None of the Gospels are exhaustive in the miraculous works of the Lord Jesus.


• I am to have a passion for the lost.


• There is life in Jesus’ character. I am to walk as Jesus walked. In Him is fullness of joy.

Sharing Bread John 20:28-29

SHARING BREAD

28 Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"






29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."


John 20:28-29 (NIV)

The skeptic and doubter has now turned believer. Thoroughly convinced of his own grievous mistake, Thomas now ardently and affectionately proclaims to Jesus "My Lord and my God!" He expresses it as if he were taking hold of Christ with all his might. It was definitely an “Ah-Ha” moment for the Apostle – Thomas had at last gotten it. He had been so slow to believe – so sluggish to take hold of his own comfort and good. Surely he was overwhelmed by a vast variety of thoughts and emotions. He therefore succinctly espouses in one sentence a myriad of feelings – amazement, delight, repentance, faith and adoration. I cannot help but be moved at his exclamation of “Lord” which is translated from the Greek word “Kyrios” meaning “might, power, Lord, master, owner.” Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible – New Testament Lexical Aids. Thomas rightly addresses the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

Thomas’ proclamation should trigger the thoughts in our own minds – is this Jesus rightly the Lord of our lives? Is He our Pearl of great price? Is He one of many “Lords”? Is He our Everything? The Gospel is not simply another philosophy we add to our hodgepodge mix of beliefs nor is Jesus simply an access to God or our aid in accomplishing our goals or answering our prayers. Jesus is to radically rearrange the believer’s life. He is to be Lord of all or He is not Lord at all. He will not share His throne with anything else. I am reminded of His Word to us in the Sermon on the Mount:

21 “Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23 Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'” Matt 7:21-23 (NIV)


“Anything that takes God’s place is out of place.” Abe Van der Puy

A cursory look at the disciple’s lives demonstrates the priority our Lord rightly claims as our owners. They held on to nothing worldly rather clung tenaciously to their Everything. Paul also sets forth for us a wonderful example as we read his words to us in Philippians:

7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.  Phil 3:7-9 (NIV)




All works of the flesh, self-confidence and earthly treasures were as dung to Paul in comparison to his gaining Christ. He was his everything not just one loyalty among many. It is Christ’s desire to be that for us as well. He wants us to live our lives with open hands not clinging tenaciously to chaff. Christ gives us all things for our enjoyment and pleasure – family, friends, earthly goods, comforts, jobs, etc. yet none of them is to be our all – none are worthy of the throne save Christ alone who desires our wholehearted abandonment. Obedience to Him is our key. It also provides positive proof of our love – and His commands are not burdensome rather freeing and life giving. Anything else on the throne of our lives equates to our sure bondage – just read Ecclesiastes. I doubt seriously that any of us will ever be as wealthy or as wise as King Solomon who espouses the futility of all but God – after trying everything. It seems much easier and less hassle for us to learn this in a classroom rather than on a field trip – don’t you think? John tells us:

1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. 2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3 This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.  1 John 5:1-4 (NIV)




Lastly we see a sure blessedness and honor for those who have not seen hard core evidence as Thomas yet have still believed. Thomas received no praise for his faith because it was tied to his senses. Those who Jesus pronounces “Blessed” are those who believe without seeing. Incredulity to divine Truth – God’s Word – has its root in pride and self-sufficiency and is accompanied by rashness and ignorance. The feeble, incredulous man always calls for demonstration. Peter’s words to those who believe without sight are as music to our ears and honey to our mouths providing sure comfort for the believer – there is offered a certain experiential, inexpressible and glorious joy to those who by faith – sans sense - believe:



8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9 (NIV)



What I glean from this:



• Jesus desires to be Lord – Owner, Master, Power - of my life. God is to be on the throne of my life.


• My obedience demonstrates my love for my Lord.


• I am blessed as I believe without the hard core evidence of sight.

Sharing Bread John 20:26-27

SHARING BREAD

26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."


John 20:26-27 (NIV)

The loving and gracious condescension of the Potter is here clearly demonstrated as He acquiesces to the skeptical demands of the clay. This is a clear instance of our Lord stooping down to strengthen man’s doubting weak faith, kindly allowing even His wounds to be poked and prodded in order for His Apostle to believe. Jesus appeared again to the Apostles for the unique express purpose of convincing and satisfying the mind of Thomas as well as to issue him a forthright challenge to a personal commitment. Thomas, the doubter, a week earlier had recklessly spouted his faith could only be had by sight and touch. He demanded solid proof which his eyes could see and his hands could feel.

Jesus timed His visit when not one of the Apostles was missing. He was completely aware of those who were secretly assembled behind that locked door – He knew not one of them was absent and He orders His appearance accordingly. It is a great comfort indeed that our Lord’s eye is forever upon the believer. I am thankful for David’s encouraging words in the following Psalms and exemplified by our Lord’s actions to Thomas:

15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; Psalms 34:15 (NIV)




6 My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; Psalms 101:6 (NIV)




We are also told in 2 Chronicles the following sweet Truth:



9 For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 2 Chron 16:9 (NIV)


Ever like Jesus to enter the scene proclaiming “Peace”. The word translated “Peace” is from the Greek word “Eirene” which carries with it the wonderful following meaning: “peace, tranquility, repose, calm, harmony, accord; well-being, prosperity; it denotes a state of untroubled, undisturbed, well-being. Such a state of peace is the object of divine promise and is brought about by God’s mercy, granting deliverance and freedom from all the distresses that are experienced as a result of sin. Hence the message of salvation is called the gospel of peace for this peace can only be the result of reconciliation with God.” Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible – New Testament Lexical Aids.

Seriously, who wouldn’t want this state of perfect bliss? This certainly does not mean a life without trouble or conflict – indeed our Lord even promises us tribulation – both believer and non-believer alike. What it does mean to the believer is His wonderful unshakable peace even amidst these trying circumstances. His children are to be too deeply rooted and grounded in Him to be too much affected by the harsh circumstances of life. As we fix our eyes on Jesus - our peace - we rise above the tribulations - looking down upon them - and even using the strong winds of them to propel us upward - much like the eagle in a storm. We will always find His peace more than sufficient as we rely on – attach ourselves to - the Prince of Peace in lieu of fighting against Him concerning our best. Jesus promises:

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV)



“A peaceable man does more good than a learned one.” Thomas a Kempis

We should note also the trouble our Lord took as well as the amazing kindness He was pleased to demonstrate towards a weak and struggling disciple. Thankfully, the Lord tenderly cares for the weakest member of His mystical body ever ready to heal and restore their strength. It is a wonderful example our Lord puts forth for all of His followers to follow. The pains that Christ took for Thomas we ought to also be willing to take for others. Indeed, Scripture tells us we are to bear with the weak:



1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me." 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:1-4 (NIV)




“Love one another that it may at last be said of Christians as it was at first: ‘Behold how they love one another.’” Ralph Venning

Out of the deepest love and concern for him, Jesus desired freedom for Thomas from his persistent doubting, questioning and discrediting of everyone. Remember, Thomas was the one remaining in bondage; the other disciples were strengthened in their faith, joyful and free. Jesus was out to correct his apostle and free him from his besetting sin – our Lord wanted Thomas’ unbelieving disposition gone – for his own good and for God’s great glory.



What I glean from this:



• Thankfully, Jesus cares deeply about even the weakest members of His body.


• Jesus’ eye is ever on me.


• Jesus desires for me and allows me to remain in His perfect peace no matter what my circumstances.

Sharing Bread John 20:24-25

SHARING BREAD

24 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!"






But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."


John 20:24-25 (NIV)


Ever had hope turn cynically skeptical? What was banked on when hope birthed in the heart – what was perhaps believed to be a given - in a swift blinking of an eye becomes dashed to pieces without even a shard of hope remaining. Indeed, the Proverb is True:

12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Prov 13:12 (NIV)




Thomas – one of our Lord’s twelve – had been absent on Christ’s first appearance to His disciples. Excitedly and overwhelmingly amazed, those present told him they had seen the Lord. Those who by faith have experienced the Lord’s presence and tasted that He is indeed good should be faithful to tell others what God has done for their souls. The imperfect tense of the word translated “told” indicates their continual activity. The others had not only told Thomas but had repeatedly told Thomas of the Lord’s resurrection.



We have no idea why Thomas had not been with the others when Jesus came – we only know that he missed out on the earlier blessing – shut out and empty in the cold chill of unbelief while the others were warmed and filled. When we forsake the assembling together of the saints we are the certain losers. We little know how dependent our spiritual health is tied to this – sermons and prayers and praise and fellowship are precious to our souls and how very much we suffer if we miss this blessed medicine. The writer of Hebrews warns us:



25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Heb 10:25 (NIV)




Thomas’ unbelief stands as a strong indirect evidence of the divine inspiration of the Scriptures and the genuine honesty of the Gospel writers. A dishonest imposter would never have written of the unbelief of a chosen Apostle – the transparency of both their weaknesses and strengths is abundantly evident throughout the Gospels. The Apostles wore garments of flesh just like us. In Scripture we are given hope as we constantly see Christ’s mercy and grace shown to sinful and dull people in order to encourage us to grab hold of His feet in repentance as well.



“Observe the truthfulness of the disciples. They hide no faults, either their own or others; but record them with great veracity.” Chrysostom



We must observe also the unbelief that Thomas expressed as being a sad fault in a good man and cannot be explained away. Refusing to believe what all the other ten disciples – his ten true friends and brethren - had repeatedly testified with great assurance to him; refusing to remember Jesus’ own Word to him before His crucifixion; refusing to listen to those who had no purpose in deceiving him – Thomas passionately declares that he will not believe unless he himself touches the Lord’s body. He therefore presumes to prescribe conditions for his faith – tying up his faith to the evidence touched by his hands and seen with his eyes – either he will be humored in this and have this desire gratified or he would not believe. All this was very sad and very sinful. Thomas’ case demonstrates how depression and doubt influences us to say things of which later we are deeply ashamed of. We should take heed to this and speak little when under the influence of such temperaments until we are able to align our thoughts properly on things above.

“After all, the case of Thomas is not an uncommon one. Some people are so strangely constituted that they distrust everybody, regard all men as liars, and will believe nothing except they can see it all, and work it all out for themselves. They have a rooted dislike to receive anything on trust, or from the testimony of others, and must always go over the ground for themselves. In people of this kind, though they know it not, there is often a vast amount of latent pride and self-conceit; and it is almost ludicrous to observe how entirely they forget that the business of daily life could never go on, if we were always doubting everything which we could not see for ourselves. Nevertheless they exist in the Church, and always will exist; and the case of Thomas shows what trouble they bring on themselves.” John Charles Ryle

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29 (NIV)



What I glean from this:

• When hopes are dashed it is easy to fall into the pattern of becoming cynically skeptical. This is not the temperament God would choose for His children. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 (NIV)


• I miss the blessing when I forsake the assembling together of the saints.


• God desires for me to walk in faith first – then sight. 1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. Heb 11:1-2 (NIV)

Sharing Bread John 20:21-23

SHARING BREAD

21 Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."


John 20:21-23 (NIV)


Again, the Lord Jesus sweetly speaks “Peace” to His ragamuffin band of trembling disciples – peace, not blame; peace, not faultfinding; peace, not rebuke. His Words of calm repose must have been as music to their ears – soothing their anxious thoughts and trembling hearts. Interestingly, peace was in full keeping throughout the entire time our Lord walked upon this dusty earth – ushering His presence in with the announcement of “Peace on earth” by the angelic hosts at His birth, peace and rest of soul continually preached by Him for three years and now He leaves His legacy of peace rather than riches to the eleven after His crucifixion. We may safely conclude that peace was intended by Jesus to be the key-note to the Christian ministry. Indeed, Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

Next we see Jesus commissioning His guys as His ambassadors to go forth just as He went forth from the Father. Their real work was about to commence. He wanted to dismiss the delusion that ease and reward had now arrived – that would come later. We would do well to dismiss the same delusion. Their work as going forth in His Name to witness in the saving of mankind’s souls would not be accomplished on a bed of down or on a pathway of rose petals – neither was His (to say the least). They were to be on a mission to preach His Truth, in His Name equipped with His all-achieving power – it was the ultimate and highest calling. They were to proclaim in Christ’s Name the forgiveness of sins to a lost world. This was the Apostle Paul’s passion as he burned with jealousy for the souls of men. All believers are to serve Christ as His ambassadors. We find in 2 Corinthians:

14 For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Cor 5:14-21 (NIV)



Lastly, our Lord breathes on His guys the precious Holy Spirit to ordain the great work in which He intended them to do. This action was remarkably and symbolically emblematic. In

Genesis we discover God breathing the breath of life into man formed from the dust of the ground:



7 the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. Gen 2:7 (NIV)




Just as there was no life in man until God breathed it into him, it would appear that Jesus taught His guys by this action that spiritual life comes to the believer through the Holy Spirit being planted – breathed – into their hearts in the moment of their faith in Christ. The breath of the mighty Savior gave life to His ministers to begin a new world. The Spirit is the gift of Christ – buying and paying for It for us with His blood. Whom Christ sends forth He clothes with His Spirit and furnishes with all needful powers. Wind is also pre-eminently the emblem used of the Spirit in Scripture. We would do well to remember every true believer has been given the gift of the Holy Spirit – albeit some of us shrink His presence by our poor choices. He is our deposit guaranteeing us of what is to come. Paul tells us:



9 You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. Romans 8:9-11 (NIV)




21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 2 Cor 1:21-22 (NIV)




13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory. Eph 1:13-14 (NIV)





Believers are the vessels God chooses to use to reveal to the lost world those things which have been conclusively determined by Him through His Word – through His foreordained plans - by the Spirits power – the Spirit of knowledge and understanding – specifically, the true purposes of Christ’s coming, the necessity of His death and of His resurrection. The disciples were to go on where Jesus left off. Every subsequent generation of believers is to do likewise. Will those who come behind us find us faithful?



What I glean from this:



• Jesus is the Prince of Peace – peace is key-note to the Christian ministry.


• All believers are called to be ambassadors – sent ones – for Jesus – as though God were making His appeal through us.


• All believers in Christ are empowered by the all-achieving Holy Spirit.

Sharing Bread John 20:19-20

SHARING BREAD

19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.


John 20:19-20 (NIV)

Is it not amazing how fear and despondency can change to peace and joy in the blinking of an eye when circumstances turn favorable to our way of thinking? The phone call from someone that has been missing, the good lab report after a bad scare of a dreaded disease, the prodigal child returning at the doorstep seeking repentance, the wayward spouse wanting reunion – all of life is brimming with situations such as these. Indeed, the Proverb is True:

12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Prov 13:12 (NIV)

Yet Biblical hope is to be a clinging to what we know to be True. It is not mere wishful thinking or Pollyanna - pie in the sky - glib-like optimism; it is based on fact - the Truth of God’s Word. It is banking on the promises of the One who does not change like shifting shadows no matter what our circumstances. A firm belief in God’s Word and His faithfulness and unchanging abundant love for us will keep us consistently even - particularly amidst trying and difficult situations. This is not to say life will be easy street or without harsh trials and tribulations. Yet as His child everything that happens to us has passed through His loving hands. He wants us to prove Him faithful during our fires. He desires for us to trust Him with our lives even though as in Habakkuk’s time “the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines”. It is a choice to trust Him. He often keeps testing us in this – seeking to get our attention - until we at long last prove Him True – His ways are always aligned with our best interest even if we cannot readily perceive it – we can rest assured one day all will be clear. We must remember – all is grace.

Biblical hope is a certain expectation in what has been promised. God is good and loving all the time – not simply when the sun is shining – whether we perceive this in our human limitations or not. God remains consistently and lovingly focused on His children’s holiness and conformity to the image of His Son. He made us - He knows this is the ultimate way of life for us – He is well aware that we are the losers when we choose not to walk in His way – kicking and screaming against His best for our lives. That is the promise of Romans 8:28-29:

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:28-29 (NIV)



“Could you ask for a better promise? It is better that all things should work for my good than all things should be as I would wish to have them. All things might work for my pleasure and yet might all work my ruin. If all things do not always please me, they will always benefit me. This is the best promise of this life.” Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Not to come down too hard on our Lord’s guys - the disciples did not appear to have passed the hope test. Jesus had told them exactly what would take place yet they seemed to have remained clueless, distraught and full of anxiety – holed up in a locked room for fear of the Jews. Surely this is why our Lord enters their presence with the sweet word of “Peace”. The Word itself meaning “peace, tranquility, repose, calm, harmony, prosperity; it denotes a state of untroubled, undisturbed well-being.” Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible – New Testament Lexical Aids. It is a peace that is unearthly in its nature. Earlier in John Jesus stated to His disciples:

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV)



Jesus consistently instilled hope to His followers promising provision, fulfillment, security, His achieving power and companionship even through the direst trials that ultimately prove our faith true. Anyone can have faith when the sun is shining yet that is not reality either for the believer or the unbeliever. Indeed, Jesus warned us this world will be full of trouble and trials but the believer is offered sweet peace through them. Jesus has overcome the world:



33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 (NIV)



Because of our union with Him, we too can be more than conquerors through Him who loves us. It is His desire for His followers to remain in a state of calm that rises from a heart that is too deeply rooted and planted in God to be much affected by the ups and downs of this life. Paul tells us in Romans:



35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39 (NIV)



3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)



6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7 (NIV)



Hang on to these promises of peace – the wind will not always blow. There is a sure certainty that Heaven’s least is greater than earth’s best. God is always faithful to His Word – He know no fear and as He is a “with us” God, He expects His children to be fearless as well.



“Many people owe the grandeur of their lives to their tremendous difficulties.” Charles H. Spurgeon



What I glean from this:



• I am to cling to what I know to be True. God is good and loving all the time no matter what my “feelings” may be screaming in my hard circumstances.


• All is grace.


• Difficulties in this life are a given but I am to take heart as Jesus has overcome this world. His peace is unearthly in its nature.

Sharing Bread John 20:17-18

SHARING BREAD

17 Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'"






18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them that he had said these things to her.


John 20:17-18 (NIV)

Oh the zealous love Mary had for her Lord! With all her might, she gripped Him with the fervent attempt of not ever letting Him go! She simply never again wanted Him out of her sights. The thrill of seeing her Master alive and standing before her produced within her such an immense excitement and an extravagant joy. I wonder do, we love the Lord like that?

Mary’s actions remind me of a wonderful Hebrew word “Batah” often translated “Trust” in the Old Testament meaning “to attach oneself, trust, confide in, feel safe, be confident, secure; the basic idea signifies firmness or solidity; denotes a confident expectation” Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible – Old Testament Lexical Aids. It is used in such well known (and perhaps not so well known) verses as follows:

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.  Prov 3:5-6 (NIV)



3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.  Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)




3 Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.  Psalms 37:3-4 (NIV)




20 They were helped in fighting them, and God handed the Hagrites and all their allies over to them, because they cried out to him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him.  1 Chron 5:20 (NIV)



When you replace the words “attach yourself” for “trust” in the above verses it is easy to see why Mary showed such demonstrative affection towards her Master. She had attached herself to her Lord and He had given her a straight path from the crooked one she had once walked. He had kept her in perfect peace, allowing her to enjoy safe pasture and giving her the full desire of her heart. He had fulfilled her prayers. None had loved Him more or clung to Him more tenaciously than she and she was richly rewarded for this. It is no wonder the Lord Jesus conferred upon her such high honor.



“Singular honor is reserved for solitary faith. Mary has the first personal manifestation of Christ after His resurrection. She is the first witness of this most important and illustrious fact, and the first messenger of it to His disciples.” Cecil



“Faith is to believe what you do not yet see; the reward for this faith is to see what you believe.” Augustine

Jesus forbids Mary to dote on His bodily presence as before, leading her rather to a spiritual communion which she would enjoy with Him even after His ascension. What perhaps reads harsh to us, Christ is lovingly pointing her to look higher than His bodily presence – further than the present state of things. The best service she could now do for Him was to go and tell others. This was the very first work that our risen Savior proposed to the first disciple He revealed Himself to – He wisely calls her to an active duty to others – to arise and to be useful. He calls every believer to this high calling as well. She must carry the message to others for this was a day of very good news.



Jesus was entering glory and He now refers to His disciples as brothers instead of friends – He does not disdain His lowly and poor relations (praise Him!) as Matthew Henry states. Mary becomes an apostle to the apostles in reward for her constancy in clinging to Christ. She was comforted by the sight of her Master and now she is sent with the good news to comfort others – when God comforts us it is always with the purpose of comforting others:



3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Cor 1:3-4 (NIV)



Jesus wanted them to know earth was not their home nor was it their rest – He wants us to know this as well. Believers are born from heaven and bound for heaven. We are to keep earth under our feet and heaven in our eyes. We, as they, are to seek things above, not earthly things. Paul states:



1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Col 3:1-4 (NIV)

Those who love Christ may rejoice. He ascended into heaven as our forerunner with great triumph to prepare a place for us in great expectation of one day receiving us. Hallelujah!

What I glean from this:



• Mary demonstrated an extravagant love for the Lord Jesus - a love worthy of emulating.


• As I lovingly “attach myself” mentally to the Lord I am given perfect peace, straight paths to walk in, and the desires of my heart – which is more of Him.


• Honor is bestowed to those who love Christ much.