Once again Jesus appeared to the disciples after his resurrection in the routine act of fishing, but again they didn’t recognize him. Jesus revealed himself by directing them to the fish (or the fish to them), and finally one person recognizes Jesus. When he tells the others, they recognize Jesus, too. Jesus continues to reveal himself in the daily activities of our lives, and our job is to point to him so others can recognize him. May God open our eyes to see and our mouths to tell..
This week we’re looking at the scene one week after Easter made famous by “Doubting Thomas.” Thomas’s doubts change to deep belief when Easter stops being about ideas and centers on a person – the risen Jesus. We’re looking at the important role doubt plays in the life of faith as God shows amazing Grace for Doubters.
The crowds shouted Jesus’ praise and hailed the coming of the King that first Palm Sunday, but by Friday the crowds were shouting for Jesus’ execution. Knowing what we know about Jesus, that raises many questions in our minds. John writes in his Gospel that even the disciples didn’t understand it while it was happening, but “Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him.” This week we’ll use Palm Sunday and John’s words as a mirror for ourselves. Do we understand? Will we respond accordingly? The King is Coming!
Jesus taught us to pray, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Would God ever lead us into temptation? Why would Jesus tell us to pray this? As we dig deeper into this request, we find it is one that Jesus himself prayed for himself and for us. Trials and temptations are unavoidable, and God’s guidance and protection are vital. We soon see this is a precious request for those who are committed to follow where God leads. May God kindle our prayers and our lives as we draw near to him.
This Sunday is celebrated around the world as World Communion Sunday or All Nations Heritage Sunday – a day where we celebrate the unity of Christ’s Church around the world. On the night he was arrested, Jesus prayed for his disciples and for all who would believe through their message (John 17), including us. Jesus prayed that as Christians we would be one with each other. He said that our unity is a testimony that he was sent from God and that we are loved by God. Despite that, the Church has fractured many times, and even within a single church there can be many fractured relationships. May our prayers reflect God’s desire for our unity, and may our lives be the overflow of that prayer by the power of the Holy Spirit.