Revelation 1:1-3 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who testifies to everything he saw – that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.
 
WE have just completed a portion of John’s gospel. The Holy Spirit gave John the task to declare the divine traits of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. With Jesus’ teachings, miracles, death, resurrection and ascension, the gospel is a revelation – a disclosure and declaration – of Jesus of Nazareth. When John concludes, we know with great certainty Jesus is alive, and he has commissioned Peter to begin the church. Jesus is the Son of God, the Son of Man.
    Then John was given another task. Instead of looking back on Jesus’ saving work, he is to reveal Jesus’ future saving work. This work includes issuing warnings to the churches, speaking judgment against all evil and promising eternal reward unto a New Heaven and earth for all believers. In essence, it is no different than the gospel message. It is delivered in a different form.
    John tells us his message to the church is a message from God. An angel – which means “messenger” – has come to John to declare the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Does this alert you? Are you ready to regard God’s message through John as trustworthy and true? Are you prepared for correction, judgment and victory? If so, God will bless you as you receive and respond to his Word. Yes, “blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it.”  When you hear the Word, you will heed the warnings. You will be at peace in God’s promises. You will know that those who do not hear and take to heart these words will be cursed. Those who do will be blessed.
    One reason many of us avoid Revelation is its very difficult language and imagery. We do not understand all that is written, so we avoid the study required. Perhaps we also want to avoid considering God’s wrath on the sinner. We can easily feel unworthy and overwhelmed of God’s majesty as Revelation describes God’s power, beauty, truth and justice. But rejoice! In Jesus, we are alive in the Savior’s eternal blessings. By Jesus’ blood, we are made safe in the blessing of new life.
    This is the great revelation of all history. Receive the privilege of knowing God. 

John 21:24-25 This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. 25 Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.
 
IN the beginning of his gospel, John wrote: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14) This is John’s main reason for writing of Jesus’ ministry. When John wrote, he was an elderly man who had experienced many challenges to Jesus’ deity. His gospel and epistles 1, 2, 3 John and Revelation are messages to the church and the world that Jesus is the eternal Son of God. He has come in the flesh to display God’s glory in his resurrection and ascension. He will come again in glory.
   How do we know that (John’s) testimony is true? The truth is in Jon’s many facts of Jesus’ ministry. We know they are facts because Jesus was very public about his teachings and miracles. Thousands of eyewitnesses saw the healing and feeding miracles. The truth of Lazarus’ resurrection (John 11) forced the Pharisees to finalize their plans to kill Jesus. The wonder of Jesus’ resurrection became obvious to the hundreds who saw his risen body. John wrote truth to defend the truth and to exalt his Lord.
   Of course, there is very much we do not know about Jesus’ life. Other than Luke 1-2, the gospels cover just three brief years of his life on earth. John is mainly about the last six months Jesus ministered. There are certainly hundreds of incidents and teachings the gospel writers did not include.
   When John wrote the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written, he was using a literary technique called hyperbole. It is an exaggeration designed to emphasize a truth. An example of Jesus using hyperbole is Matthew 5:29 “If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away.” Jesus does not want us to mutilate our bodies each time we sin. We wouldn’t last long. But this hyperbole is a strong statement to be actively opposed to sin.
   In a like manner, John knew the world was big enough to hold all the books that would tell of Jesus’ work on earth. But his point is to tell us there is much more about Jesus than we can know from all that had been written to that point in history.
   One faith challenge for some is a strong desire to understand everything about God. But he is too magnificent and eternal to know completely. We can be thankful we know he is Creator, Redeemer, Savior and King. His Bible tells us all we need to know to be his faithful disciples.
 

John 21:20-23 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, the disciple whom Jesus loved, and Peter were very close. They and James were in Jesus’ inner circle and were privileged to witness some of Jesus’ miracles the others did not see. They were the only two who went to the tomb after Mary’s announcement. And it seems John was the only one who would be with Peter after Peter denied Jesus. When Peter and John heard Jesus’ remarkable mandate for ministry, the two friends naturally wondered how John would be involved. Jesus’ response, “What is that to you? You must follow me.”  was to direct Peter’s full attention to Jesus. There was no need to be concerned with John’s calling.
   We can easily become distracted from our purpose when we put personal relationships above Jesus. We can also compare our Christian life and calling to someone else’s work. But as the apostle Paul repeatedly taught, the church is a body of believers with different gifts. The many gifts and levels of gifts are necessary to plant, nurture, empower and grow a church. We know that God has anointed certain people to a great faith. They have done extraordinary work at particular points in history to grow the Kingdom of God.
   “Follow me.” and “I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19) are Christ-centered commands. Jesus makes you who are in the Kingdom of God. You cannot be his disciple and servant under your own choice and power. Jesus enables, forms and controls your redeemed life when you follow him. Following Jesus makes you different.
   Acts records Peter and John ministering together in the early months of the church. But eventually they separated. The church grew as each – and the others – administered the gospel with their God-given gifts and missions to the world.  
   “Follow me.” begins with love. It moves toward submission to Jesus’ call to live totally committed to Jesus even to the point, “Someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Our mission and calling will be more effective when we reject our own desires to confess, “Yes, Lord. You know I love  you. I will follow you only.”

John 21:15-20 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. 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!”
 
JESUS’ three-times repeated question, “Do you love me?” is often considered a complete restoration from Peter’s three-time denial of Jesus, “I don’t know the man!” (Matthew 26:72, 74) In the Hebrew language, a three-time repetition points to completeness. Jesus sought Peter’s complete love and conviction. But Peter, the action man, seemed to be impatient with Jesus’ third question. After all, Jesus knew everything. Why did he need to keep asking, “Do you love me?”
   But shouldn’t a loving, devoted disciple be eager to answer Jesus’ question each time? Jesus was calling Peter to a life devoted to proclaiming the gospel to God’s chosen people. Peter would need a big, deep, wide and enduring love for Jesus to remain steadfast in his mission, even to his death. The time had come to fish for men. To do so, Peter would need to faithfully cast a very large net of God’s love into the deep waters of an unbelieving world. The Lord wanted Peter to hear himself say, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” so Peter, too, would hear his own voice confessing his love. The oral confession would help his love for Jesus to grow more deeply into his heart, mind and soul. Jesus was moving Peter to, “Follow me.” with an eager love-filled heart.
   Now, do you love Jesus? Take a moment and say to the Lord, “Lord, you know I love you.” Say it again. And then speak it a third time. How does that feel? Were you uncomfortable the first time? Did the third time feel more authentic to you? Perhaps after the third time you may have been willing to hear Jesus say, “Follow me.” Occasionally I’ve asked a congregation in the opening of worship to tell someone, “I love Jesus.” It’s a little sad to hear people say, “Good morning.” instead and skip their love confession.
   So then, do you? Do you love Jesus? How many times must he ask you before you’re ready to hear, “Follow me!”  

John 21:11-14 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.
 
AFTER what was likely a short conversation with Jesus, Peter helped the others take the 153 fish from the nets. The number may be specific as it was customary for fisherman to record their catch. John also illustrated this was a large catch of large fish, and the net remained intact. Jesus is covering all the details here. He has provided an abundant catch for income and for food. He has made the fire. He has preserved the nets for the next fishermen. The disciples could then focus their attention to their time with Jesus. Once again, a meal became a means of personal contact with Jesus.
   We do not know their conversation. But Peter would later testify to this meal as evidence that Jesus is alive: Acts 10:41 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.  
   Do you wonder why John wrote None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” I’ve always found this a stumbling block. Surely they knew Jesus. They had all seen him alive. Perhaps John is emphasizing that all have a complete knowledge Jesus is alive. They were sure then, and they were sure the rest of their lives. These men would soon structure their lives on this truth. Everything they would do would be to tell, “Jesus is risen! He has died that you will live as you confess your sins and believe in his resurrection.” All but John would die for this truth.  
   Perhaps it would be good to have a meal with Jesus. Sit at your table. Enjoy some food. Open your Bible. You know he’s alive. What is he saying to you? 

Luke 3:15-17 The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Christ. 16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”
 
WHY were “all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Christ?” They wondered and asked because something miraculous was happening in Israel. Remember John’s purpose was told to his father Zechariah: Luke 1:16 “Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous – to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Indeed, the miracle of changed hearts was beginning to affect many. People were wondering, “Is he the Messiah?” The Father was opening their hearts and minds. Wondering about the Messiah, the Jews would be more prepared for Jesus when he began his ministry.
   As John was anointed with a preaching ministry, he was also given the necessary humility to serve God. In the human sin of pride, which we all deal with, it could have happened that John’s successful work might cause him to say, “Look at everyone following me! I’m important. I’m popular. Why should I give way to Jesus?” He knew his role. His humility and submission to God’s was Spirit-empowered. These Spirit gifts were as necessary as was his preaching and baptizing work. Humility is a vital element of Kingdom living. God gives us work to do. When we do the work in his name and authority, he causes it to grow and flourish in his time and for his purpose. No pastor builds a church. God builds his church. No missionary transforms a community. God transforms a community. No Christian bears fruit for the Kingdom of God unless God is nourishing the work (see John 15). When you see God act through your work, be sure to give God the credit. Praise his work. Thank him he uses you. Help others see that the good you do comes from God. When you do, they will be more prepared to say, “It’s God.”  in their own lives.
 

John 21:7b-10 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. 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.”  
 
WE know Peter is a passionate, action-oriented man. Once again he is the first to “run” to Jesus through the water. One hundred yards fully clothed is a long run through water! Peter wanted to quickly get to Jesus.
   What do you think was on Peter’s mind? Was he still wondering if Jesus forgave him for his three-time denial? Might he have been eager to confirm once again Jesus is alive – to touch him, to see his wounds? Or do you think Peter wanted to know, “What do we do now, Lord?” Maybe it was all of these. When you’re waiting for Jesus, you can wonder, “Am I forgiven?” “Will he come?” “What will I do when he does come?” “Am I ready?” And then what is your response when he appears? Do you eagerly go to him, “How can I serve you, Lord?” Or might you stay at a distance, hesitant to hear what he has to tell you?
   Peter and the others went to Jesus as quickly as they could. There was so much they wanted to know. On the sea where Jesus first met these disciples, these men were certainly anticipating some new and wonderful things to happen soon. The one who had raised the dead is now raised from his own death. He has “gone away” and is back with them just as he said he would be: John 14:28 “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’” The disciples had witnessed God’s magnificent power in very intimate occasions. John, Peter and James had even seen Jesus’ full glory. Through all history, God has allowed very few men to experience God on earth as these men had. Was God’s Kingdom about to change Israel – even the world?
   But the first thing Peter sees is three fish on a fire. Jesus is cooking breakfast for them. And he requests more fish, so all can eat a good meal. When you make a good meal for friends, remember Jesus did it, too – several times in his ministry.
   Sometimes we look too hard into our relationship with God, wondering if all is good. We certainly must assess if we are living in the Father’s will. Still, it’s good to know there is a magnificent simplicity of God’s love that draws us to him. The LORD God has come to humanity since day six of creation to tell us he has made us “good” and desires us to live in his image. He loves us and wants us to love him, so we have a blessed fellowship with him.
   Jesus had much for the disciples to do. But Jesus first wanted them to know he loves them. He first cared for their hungry and tired bodies, so they are prepared to receive the Spirit’s power for their hearts, minds and souls. 

John 21:4-7a As the sun was rising, Jesus stood at the water’s edge, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then he asked them, “Young men, haven’t you caught anything?” “Not a thing,” they answered. 6 He said to them, “Throw your net out on the right side of the boat, and you will catch some.”  7a Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!”
 
JESUS, the risen Son of God, once more serves his disciples. He first offers his help with a question, “Young men, haven’t you caught anything?”  When they respond, “Not a thing.” the Lord of Creation points them to their catch.
   The disciples were experienced fishermen. Might have resented a man on the shore telling how to fish? But certainly there was a tone to Jesus’ voice that commanded them to listen to him. Perhaps their experience helped them know it was good to take someone’s advice. They did as instructed, and when the nets began to fill, John (the disciple whom Jesus loved) realized who was on  the shore.
   It is easier to see Jesus when we obey him, isn’t it? What if the expert fishermen had rejected Jesus’ advice? They would have missed the Lord’s blessing. And their upcoming meal with him may have been a little strained as they realized that once more they had disappointed the Lord, who called them to “Come, follow me.”
   When we speak of following Jesus, we may too often speak of the cost. But certainly the blessings are much greater. Following Jesus impacts our day-to-day lives as we are open to his guidance in all avenues of life. Do you want to be a good businessman? The ethics of Christ’s teachings will guide you a solid foundation in your work. How about parenting or grandparenting – are these some things you want to do well? Church leadership? Neighborhood caregiver? Local politics? Each thing you do can be done well under Jesus’ authority. The apostle Paul said I this way in Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  
 Listening to the Lord’s “small” directions helps us to be prepared to obey his “large” commands. Peter and the others threw the net and caught fish. Jesus will soon direct Peter to cast his life in a new direction. Jesus has prepared him, and he will go into the Lord’s blessing.
 

John 21:1-3 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.
 
THE four gospels are unclear about the sequence of Jesus’ appearances to his disciples during the 40 days between his resurrection and ascension. But we can learn Jesus met the disciples twice in Jerusalem, taught 500 believers in Galilee (1 Corinthians 15:6), met with James, his brother (1 Corinthians 15:7) and now these seven disciples at the Sea of Tiberius (Galilee). Luke, Acts and Matthew also record the entire group of disciples plus other believers were with Jesus at his ascension.
   Why were only seven disciples in Galilee? After all, Jesus had told them to meet him there: Mark 14:28
“But after I am raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.” And an angel in the empty tomb had instructed Mary and the women to “go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” After seeing Jesus in Jerusalem, wouldn’t all have been in Galilee?
   It seems doubt and confusion still controlled the disciples’ minds. The missing four disciples and these seven seem to long for the Lord’s leadership. In the waiting was uncertainty: What are we supposed to do? When will the Lord come? Will he come?  
   Then Peter, still the leader, acted. And it’s likely we would do (or we do) the same. He did what he knew to do. “I’m going out to fish.” and they joined him. Sometimes waiting on God means we keep doing what we know until he comes to lead us into our calling. For the Lord God’s own reasons, he caused the disciples to wait. He often did so in his ministry. For example, he allowed Mary and Martha to wait four days until he raised Lazarus. Jesus was always purposeful in his work to do the most good. In a sense, Jesus had sent the disciples home to Galilee and back to their roots. Perhaps the waiting gave them some time to consider the three tumultuous years they had walked with God incarnate. Maybe they became more eager to see Jesus and were more hungry to know what he would do next. And they surely learned they needed Jesus to point the way forward. In some sense, it seems we’re always waiting on God for something. And it’s good to know he will come in his time for his good purpose.
          Then there’s the question: Is he waiting on you to answer his call? Has he told you what to do? Are you ready to respond as the disciples would?

John 20:24-28 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.” 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.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”
 
JUST as Peter is still labeled for his denial of Jesus, Thomas is first remembered for his doubt. He needed to touch and see Jesus!
   Can you blame him? Let’s remember the other disciples had expressed the same unbelief: Luke 24:9 When (the women) came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others…11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. What do you think? Should we call them the Doubting Disciples? That was exactly their attitude until they saw, heard and touched Jesus.
   Are any of us different? How many years have you confessed Jesus to be your Lord and Savior? Did you doubt before you believed? How did you come to believe? Apparently the Holy Spirit made Jesus alive and real to you in some way. Perhaps you touched Jesus when a spouse faithfully lived Jesus’ commands. Maybe you heard and touched Jesus through a powerful movement of the Holy Spirit to declare you as God’s child. Or did you see and touch Jesus when he healed you of a terrible addiction or hopeless disease? Might Jesus have stepped through the door of your heart to deliver his wisdom to guide you into a decision that changed your or your family’s life?
   Yes, we all doubt. But then the Lord comes purposefully to us as he did to each disciple. His presence transforms doubt into faith. You confess, “My Lord and my God!” because the Spirit has given you eyes to see Jesus is your risen Savior.
   Surely there are many things to cause doubt of God’s supreme and tender care on us. When Jesus again said, “Peace be with you!” he called each disciple to know his complete peace in all circumstances. Great turmoil was in each man’s mind. Jesus came to ease their minds with his presence.
          He’s still doing so. How many times have you been the one who helped another find peace in Jesus? How often have others helped ease your doubts? Each faith challenge is an opportunity to help us, “Stop doubting and believe.” when you are prepared to see the Lord standing next to you.