As we come to the end of the gospel of John, we are witness to a pretty heavy scene. Jesus spends a few moments with Peter, one of his boldest disciples, who just recently had a spectacular fall. What transpires around the lakeside fire is what every believer who has failed in his or her walk would hope for: assurance that the Lord still has them in His care. But the passage doesn’t end there. We also see that Peter had a responsibility that would end someday with him giving his life for his Lord. As we prepare for next Sunday’s worship service, allow God to speak to you about His love and assurance and what He’s asking of you in your walk of faith with Him.
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.
This week we’re looking at the final Easter story in Luke 24. Jesus appears on Easter night to his closest friends and gives all his followers – including us – the identity and mission of being Easter Witnesses. This happens whenever the reality of Jesus’ resurrection is received with faith. May we take on the mission in our words and our actions!
This week we’re continuing the Easter story in Luke 24 on the road to Emmaus. The newly risen Jesus joins two of his followers as they walk, but they are kept from recognizing him. Jesus responds to their dashed hopes by opening the Old Testament to them to teach them about himself as they walk, which sets their hearts on fire. Yet it is only at the evening meal when Jesus breaks bread are their eyes opened to recognize him. May we have a living encounter with the risen Savior as we encounter him in both Word and sacrament!