Jesus appears to the disciples

John Chapter 21

Jesus later appeared to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. The disciples were fishing and saw Jesus standing on the beach, but they didn't see who he was. Jesus asked them if they had caught any fish and they said no. So he told them to throw their net on the right side of the boat and they did and their net was full.

Then John recognized Jesus and Peter jumped into the water and swam ashore. When the others got to the shore, they found a fire burning and fish frying and bread and Jesus served them breakfast. After the meal, Jesus asked Simon Peter if he loved him more than the others. Peter replied that he did. Jesus said, "Then feed my lambs." A second time Jesus asked Simon Peter if he loved him more than the others and again Peter answered that he did. "Then take care of my sheep," Jesus said to him. Then Jesus asked the question a third time and Peter's answer was the same. Jesus said, "Then feed my sheep. The truth is, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked and go wherever you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will direct you and take you where you don't want to go."

Jesus told this to Peter to let him know what kind of death he would die to glorify God. Then Jesus said, "Follow me." Peter turned around and saw that John had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked,"Lord, who among us will betray you?" So Peter asked Jesus, "What about him, Lord?" Jesus replied, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You follow me." So the rumor spread among the community of believers that that disciple wouldn't die. But that isn't what Jesus said at all. He only said, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?"

This is that disciple who saw these events and recorded them here. And we all know that his account of these things is accurate. And I suppose that if all the other things Jesus did were written down, the whole world could not contain the books( this paragraph was written by John).

BIBLE NOTES SHOW:John was often referred to as the "one that Jesus loved" and is the one Jesus referred to in verse 22 which caused the rumor to spread that John would not die- but this was not the case.

This chapter commissioned Peter. Perhaps he needed encouragement because he denied his Savior three times. Jesus led Peter through an experience that would remove the cloud of is denial. Jesus was asking Peter to commit his life. His occupation changed from fisherman to evangelist - and he was forgiven and finally understood the significance of Jesus' words about his death and resurrection. Verses 18, 19 signify a prediction of Peter's death by crucifixion. Tradition indicates that Peter was crucified upside down because he did not feel worthy of dying as his Lord did.

Early church history reports that John spend several years as an exile on the island of Palmos, then he returned to Ephesus where he died an old man near the end of the first century.

RELATE THIS CHAPTER TO YOURSELF THIS DAY. Would you recognize your savior if he appeared in your world today? We hope and pray we will do so. But some people think they need to see a sign or miracle in order to believe. Jesus says we are blessed if we can believe without seeing - those are his words. Christians have kept believing for centuries without seeing. Faith is so strong that it keeps on growing inside us.

In his last appearance in this chapter, Jesus forgave Peter for his denial. Peter became committed to a life of spreading the word of Christ. So Jesus cared for his disciples even after death. He can take care of you too, if you just believe and keep your faith strong. During this wonderful Easter season, listen to the words of our Savior and follow him!

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH: Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents, and Arlene’s nephew David. Pray for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer. Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with MS. Pray for Cyndi Sullivan who was given 14 months to live with cancer, but has made it six years. The pain has returned and she needs our prayers.
UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has 90 percent of her speech back and is home from the hospital and having rehab for the paralysis on one side of her body. Continue to pray for her recovery.
Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues. Update on Stella: She has shed the feeding tube and is taking formula on her own! But breathing problems are still with her, though improving all the time. She continues to have a long road, so prayers are still needed. She has been moved to a St. Louis hospital.
Pray for Carolyn’s friend Margaret and her husband who were in a car accident. As elderly drivers they may face a life change which may cost them their independence. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake,those who need jobs, those who are about to lose or have lost their homes. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.