| Title: Click on the title below to go to blog | Brief description of each blog |
| Off-The-Church-Walls | Humor blog |
| Real Life Quotes | Growing Quote collection. |
| Real Life Enrichment | Practical information for everyday life. |
| Parable | Inspiring devotional illustrations |
| Preacher Points | The place for sermon outlines and resources |
| Kevin Rayner's Ministry to God @ The Edmond Church of Christ | Many current resources currently being used at the Edmond Church of Christ |
| Edmond Oklahoma SAM's | Information for helping Seniors |
| Rayner Resources | Hub for my information online |
| Magnify Jesus | A look at Christ's life and teachings |
| Christ's Church | Reflecting on the followers of Christ |
| Real-Life Conversion | How lives are changed by Christ |
| Oaks of Righteousness | Where to focus on becoming more fully devoted followers of Christ |
| "Overtime Church" | More challenging thoughts for the disciple that is most serious about Jesus. Theology for the night owl, weekend worker, or Bible student who wants to learn more. |
| Kevin's Komment | Online commentary and resources to better understand scripture. |
| Real-Life Servant Maker | For the Christian growing with a Christ-like servant attitude toward others. |
| Becoming Great Neighbors | Encouragement to love and serve your neighbor |
| Edmond Church of ChristHospitality | Helping each Christian become more hospitable. |
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Links to my other blogs = Week 01 - Sunday
I continue to work on and add to each one of these to keep them active and
up to date. Constantly adding my old material and adding fresh content.
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Thank You for Spending Time Studying Jesus
Yesterday we concluded nearly a year long study of the Life of Christ. I'm still developing the harmony of the life of Christ.
We will continue sharing thoughts to finish this years study and then begin again at the first of the year with studying our Lord, Savior, and Master to become even better disciples. We want this daily devotional to help us all reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives and to help us realize we are not alone as we seek to live for Him. Share this and invite some to join you in spending a year with Jesus.
Some of you might want to join us in a study of the second volume of Luke as he documents what God does through the church. Follow my other blog there at looking at how disciples go into all the world making disciples. Just click here to go to that blog. That study I'm slowly developing this year and hope to make it more of a daily study for a year like the Life of Christ.
Your Invitation
We will continue sharing thoughts to finish this years study and then begin again at the first of the year with studying our Lord, Savior, and Master to become even better disciples. We want this daily devotional to help us all reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives and to help us realize we are not alone as we seek to live for Him. Share this and invite some to join you in spending a year with Jesus.
Some of you might want to join us in a study of the second volume of Luke as he documents what God does through the church. Follow my other blog there at looking at how disciples go into all the world making disciples. Just click here to go to that blog. That study I'm slowly developing this year and hope to make it more of a daily study for a year like the Life of Christ.
Your Invitation
Bookmarks
I will continue to add bookmarks or favorites to this blog post as I discover relevant ones. If you have any suggestions, feel free to send those to me and I will consider there relavance to this blog. If I feel they are as valuable as you, I will add them. Thanks!
Links, Bookmarks, etc. below
http://www.studyjesus.com/
Links, Bookmarks, etc. below
http://www.studyjesus.com/
Sunday, December 28, 2025
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
#247 (John 21:15-25) Jesus Challenges Peter - Life of Christ = Week 50 - Tuesday
Jesus Challenges Peter
John 21:15-25
Intro Questions
Text Graphic
After breakfast Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these others?"
"Yes," Peter replied, "you know I am your friend."
"Then feed my lambs," Jesus told him.
Jesus repeated the question: "Simon, son of John, do you really love me?"
"Yes, Lord," Peter said, "you know I am your friend."
"Then take care of my sheep," Jesus said.
Once more he asked him, "Simon, son of John, are you even my friend?"
Peter was grieved at the way Jesus asked the question this third time. "Lord, you know my heart; you know I am," he said.
Jesus said, "Then feed my little sheep. 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 said this to let him know what kind of death he would die to glorify God. Then Jesus told him, "Follow me."
Peter turned around and saw the disciple Jesus loved following, the one who had leaned around at supper that time to ask Jesus, "Master, which of us will betray you?" Peter asked Jesus, "What about him, Lord? What sort of death will he die?"
Jesus replied, "If I want him to live until I return, what is that to you? You follow me."
So the rumor spread among the brotherhood that that disciple wouldn't die! But that isn't what Jesus said at all! He only said, "If I want him to live until I come, what is that to you?"
I am that disciple! I saw these events and have recorded them here. And we all know that my account of these things is accurate.
And I suppose that if all the other events in Jesus' life were written, the whole world could hardly contain the books!
OPEN:
Do You Truly Love Him?
Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him. The first time Jesus said, "Do you love (Greek agape: volitional, self-sacrificial love) me more than these others?" The second time, Jesus focused on Peter alone and still used the Greek word agape. The third time, Jesus used the Greek word phileo (signifying affection, affinity, or brotherly love) and asked, in effect, "Are you even my friend?" Each time Peter responded with the Greek word phileo. Jesus doesn't settle for quick, superficial answers. He has a way of getting to the heart of the matter. Peter had to face his true feelings and motives when Jesus confronted him. How would you respond if Jesus asked you, "Do you love me?" Do you really love Jesus? Are you even his friend?
This was a prediction of Peter's death by crucifixion. Tradition indicates that Peter was crucified for his faith—upside down because he did not feel worthy of dying as his Lord had died. Despite the future, Jesus told Peter to follow him.
Don't Compare
Peter asked Jesus how John would die. Jesus replied that Peter should not concern himself with that. We tend to compare our lives to others, whether to rationalize our own level of devotion to Christ or to question God's justice. Jesus responds to us as he did to Peter: "What is that to you? You follow me." When you follow Christ and live as he wants you to, there is no need to compare yourself with others. People make comparisons for many reasons. Some point out others' flaws in order to feel better about themselves. Others simply want reassurance that they are doing well. When you are tempted to compare, look at Jesus Christ. His example will inspire you to do your very best, and his loving acceptance will comfort you when you fall short of your expectations.
Early church history reports that after John spent several years as an exile on the island of Patmos, he returned to Ephesus where he died as an old man, near the end of the first century.
John 21:15-25
Intro Questions
Jesus Reinstates
Peter
John 21:15–19
15aWhen they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me† more than
these?”
15b“Yes, Lord,” he said to Him, “You know that I love You.”
15c“Feed My lambs,” He told
him.
16aA second time He asked him, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?”
16b“Yes, Lord,” he said to Him, “You know that I love You.”
16c“Shepherd My sheep,” He told him.
17aHe asked him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?”
17bPeter was grieved that He asked him the third time, “Do you love Me?”
He said, “Lord, You know everything! You know that I love You.”
17c“Feed My sheep,” Jesus
said. 18“I assure you: When you were young, you would tie your belt
and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and
carry you where you don’t want to go.” 19He said this to signify by
what kind of death he would glorify God. After saying this, He told him,
“Follow Me!”
Jesus and Peter Discuss the Future of the Apostle John
John 21:20–24
20So Peter turned around and saw the disciple Jesus loved following
them. That disciple was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper
and asked, “Lord, who is the one that’s going to betray You?” 21When
Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord—what about him?”
22“If I want him to remain until I come,” Jesus answered, “what is that to you? As for you, follow
Me.”
23So this report spread to the brothers that this disciple would not
die. Yet Jesus did not tell him that he would not die, but, “If I want him to
remain until I come, what is that to you?”
24This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.[1]
[1]
Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp.
252–253). Holman Bible Publishers.
After breakfast Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these others?"
"Yes," Peter replied, "you know I am your friend."
"Then feed my lambs," Jesus told him.
Jesus repeated the question: "Simon, son of John, do you really love me?"
"Yes, Lord," Peter said, "you know I am your friend."
"Then take care of my sheep," Jesus said.
Once more he asked him, "Simon, son of John, are you even my friend?"
Peter was grieved at the way Jesus asked the question this third time. "Lord, you know my heart; you know I am," he said.
Jesus said, "Then feed my little sheep. 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 said this to let him know what kind of death he would die to glorify God. Then Jesus told him, "Follow me."
Peter turned around and saw the disciple Jesus loved following, the one who had leaned around at supper that time to ask Jesus, "Master, which of us will betray you?" Peter asked Jesus, "What about him, Lord? What sort of death will he die?"
Jesus replied, "If I want him to live until I return, what is that to you? You follow me."
So the rumor spread among the brotherhood that that disciple wouldn't die! But that isn't what Jesus said at all! He only said, "If I want him to live until I come, what is that to you?"
I am that disciple! I saw these events and have recorded them here. And we all know that my account of these things is accurate.
And I suppose that if all the other events in Jesus' life were written, the whole world could hardly contain the books!
- God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
- We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
- I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
- You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
- Have you ever been kicked off the team, out of the club, out of the house or out of school? Why?
- Who was expected to do the most chores around your house when you were a kid? Who got off the easiest?
DIG:
- Why do you think Jesus repeated the same question and charge to Peter three times? How is Peter supposed to demonstrate his love and loyalty to Jesus now? In light of John 10:15, what would Jesus' shepherd image mean to Peter?
- What does Jesus mean by his prediction in John 21:18? Why did Peter ask about John?
- What is the crucial issue revealed in Jesus' response to Peter (John 21:22)? How is this linked with John 21:15-17?
REFLECT:
- What is the closest you have come to blowing it so badly that you thought God was never going to speak to you again? What did you discover about God in that experience?
- When have you compared yourself with someone else and wondered why his or her life was the way it was? How did that affect your desire to do what you were supposed to do?
- Whom do you know who needs to feel forgiven by God? What will you do to tell them they are forgiven?
- If you were writing a book about Jesus' work in your life, what would be some of the chapter titles?
- What has been brought to light for you through studying John's Gospel?
Do You Truly Love Him?
Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him. The first time Jesus said, "Do you love (Greek agape: volitional, self-sacrificial love) me more than these others?" The second time, Jesus focused on Peter alone and still used the Greek word agape. The third time, Jesus used the Greek word phileo (signifying affection, affinity, or brotherly love) and asked, in effect, "Are you even my friend?" Each time Peter responded with the Greek word phileo. Jesus doesn't settle for quick, superficial answers. He has a way of getting to the heart of the matter. Peter had to face his true feelings and motives when Jesus confronted him. How would you respond if Jesus asked you, "Do you love me?" Do you really love Jesus? Are you even his friend?
This was a prediction of Peter's death by crucifixion. Tradition indicates that Peter was crucified for his faith—upside down because he did not feel worthy of dying as his Lord had died. Despite the future, Jesus told Peter to follow him.
Don't Compare
Peter asked Jesus how John would die. Jesus replied that Peter should not concern himself with that. We tend to compare our lives to others, whether to rationalize our own level of devotion to Christ or to question God's justice. Jesus responds to us as he did to Peter: "What is that to you? You follow me." When you follow Christ and live as he wants you to, there is no need to compare yourself with others. People make comparisons for many reasons. Some point out others' flaws in order to feel better about themselves. Others simply want reassurance that they are doing well. When you are tempted to compare, look at Jesus Christ. His example will inspire you to do your very best, and his loving acceptance will comfort you when you fall short of your expectations.
Early church history reports that after John spent several years as an exile on the island of Patmos, he returned to Ephesus where he died as an old man, near the end of the first century.
https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist
"Do You
Love Me?"
“Transforming
Love”
"Do You
Love Me?"
“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.’”
(John 21:15-19)
How do Christians stumble and fall? How can there
be such a disconnect, sometimes, with believers who are forgiven, redeemed,
have a new heart, and have the Holy Spirit?
Peter was discipled by Jesus for three years, yet
Jesus often saw the disconnect in Peter’s life.
Volumes could be written on this question, but let’s consider three
points from Jesus’ question to Peter that might help Christians move from being
a participant in Christianity to becoming a fully devoted follower of Jesus.
First,
we can learn from Peter’s disconnect with Jesus. Throughout Jesus’ ministry Peter displayed a
false direction with Jesus’ purposes and ways by reacting in his flesh rather
than responding from a spiritual perspective. Some examples are in Matthew
16:23, John 13:38, and John 13:8. Peter was a man passionate about Jesus, but
too often saw things from an earthly perspective. Knowing truth and living in
the truth are two different things. As Christians we must vigilantly guard
against living in the flesh by remaining in Jesus, just as he teaches in John
15:5, “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.”
Second, we must be established in faith and
grounded in God’s word. Jesus, when speaking to Peter in today’s verse, used
the word “lamb.” Just as a child flounders in life without being established in
how to live, so a new Christian flounders without being established in his/her
faith. Christianity is more than imparting knowledge of God’s word, it is about
allowing God’s word to take root in our lives and transform us through the work
of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 4:20 emphasizes living this way: “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of
power.”
Third, we should be
discipled by others and work to disciple others. God wants you to grow to
maturity by being fruitful. Hebrews 5:13-14 explains: “Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not
acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by
constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” Maturity in Christ is best defined by a
person’s fruitfulness – your ability to live out God’s truths in visible ways
in this world. That is why Jesus defined a disciple the way He did in John
15:8: “This is to My Father's glory, that
you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
Jesus wanted his followers to be known as those who
pursued God in a passionate, intimate way. The living Christ brings life to our
spirit and fruitfulness to our walk with him. God calls every Christian to be
fruitful in witnessing, discipling others, and ministry.
Maybe today Jesus is asking you the same three
questions he asked Peter: “Do you love me?”, “Are you willing to feed my
lambs?”, and “Are you willing to shepherd or tend my sheep?”
“Transforming
Love”
“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.’ 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.’ 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
21:15-18)
Jesus asked Peter three times if he
loved Him, knowing that Peter did not grasp the depth and calling of his love
for Jesus.
Peter’s love for Jesus could only be fully known when his
life demonstrated a love and compassion for people. There was no doubt that
Peter could love Jesus and what He was about, but could Peter’s love for Jesus
translate into a love and compassion for others?
Jesus explained in Matthew 9:12-13, “Jesus said, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.
But go and learn what this means: “I desire
mercy, not sacrifice.” For I have not
come to call the righteous, but sinners.’”
Jesus confounded His disciples by
constantly living a life that said, “My mission is the lost, those in need.”
Do you love the Christian
organizations you belong to more than Jesus? Do you love the tools (quiet time,
worship, Bible class, missions, Christian activity) more than Jesus? Do you
love your Christian way of life more than Jesus? Jesus saw that Peter could
easily love the Jesus that represented establishment, organization, processes,
goals, mission, revolution, and self-righteousness, but not love the Jesus that
loves the unlovable, cares for the down and out, and meets the needs of those
around Him.
Is your love for Jesus represented by
a transforming love or simply the appearances of love? Is your love for Jesus
represented by caring, feeding, and witnessing to those around you or the
Christian entities in which you are involved?
Matthew 9:36-37 says, “When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they
were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His
disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.’”
Jesus does not want your practice of
Christianity to only be with organizations and the trappings of religion, but
as one who sees the hearts and souls of those around you and whose heart
overflows with compassion for them.
John 13:34-35 "A
new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love
one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love
one another."
Monday, December 09, 2024
#246 (John 21:1-14) Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples - Life of Christ = Week 50 - Monday
Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples
John 21:1-14
Intro Questions
Text Graphic
Later Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Lake of Galilee. This is how it happened: A group of us were there—Simon Peter, Thomas, "The Twin," Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, my brother James and I and two other disciples.
Simon Peter said, "I'm going fishing."
"We'll come too," we all said. We did, but caught nothing all night. At dawn we saw a man standing on the beach but couldn't see who he was.
He called, "Any fish, boys?"
"No," we replied.
Then he said, "Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you'll get plenty of them!" So we did, and couldn't draw in the net because of the weight of the fish, there were so many!
Then I said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" At that, Simon Peter put on his tunic (for he was stripped to the waist) and jumped into the water and swam ashore. The rest of us stayed in the boat and pulled the loaded net to the beach, about 300 feet away. When we got there, we saw that a fire was kindled and fish were frying over it, and there was bread.
"Bring some of the fish you've just caught," Jesus said. So Simon Peter went out and dragged the net ashore. By his count there were 153 large fish; and yet the net hadn't torn.
"Now come and have some breakfast!" Jesus said; and none of us dared ask him if he really was the Lord, for we were quite sure of it. Then Jesus went around serving us the bread and fish.
This was the third time Jesus had appeared to us since his return from the dead.
OPEN:
A Call from the Beach
Jesus had performed a similar miracle for the disciples before. Luke 5:1-11 records how the disciples had experienced an unsuccessful night of fishing, only to have a record-breaking catch on Jesus' instructions. At the time, the disciples had been amazed to see that not only did Jesus teach, heal, and cast out demons, but he also cared about their day-to-day routine. Here the disciples had gone back to what they knew best—fishing. And Jesus came to them right where they were, performing another miracle to demonstrate his great love for them. Jesus meets us where we are, gently showing us where he wants us to be. Is he standing on the beach calling to you? Pull in your boat and listen!
In this passage Jesus recommissioned Peter. Perhaps Peter needed special encouragement after his denial.
Willingness to Serve
In this beach scene, Jesus would lead Peter through an experience that would remove the cloud of his denial. Peter had denied Jesus three times. Three times Jesus asked Peter if he loved him. Peter had repented, and here Jesus was asking him to commit his life. Peter's life changed when he finally realized who Jesus was. His occupation changed from fisherman to evangelist; his identity changed from impetuous to "rock"; and his relationship to Jesus changed—he was forgiven, and he finally understood the significance of Jesus' words about his death and resurrection. It is one thing to say you love Jesus, but the real test is willingness to serve him.
Impetuous Peter jumped out of the boat and swam to the shore when he realized that it was Jesus on the beach. Clearly he wanted to talk to Jesus and to experience Jesus' forgiveness.
John 21:1-14
Intro Questions
A Miraculous
Catch of Fish at Lake Galilee
John 21:1–14
1After this, Jesus revealed Himself again to His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed Himself in
this way:
2Simon Peter, Thomas (called “Twin”), Nathanael from Cana of Galilee,
Zebedee’s sons, and two others of His disciples were together.
3a“I’m going fishing,” Simon
Peter said to them.
3b“We’re coming with you,” they told him. They went out and got into the
boat; but that night they caught nothing.
4When daybreak came, Jesus stood on the shore. However, the disciples
did not know that it was Jesus.
5a“Men,” Jesus called to them, “you don’t have any fish, do you?”
5b“No,” they answered.
6“Cast the net on the right side of the boat,” He told them, “and
you’ll find some.” So they did, and they were unable to haul it in because of
the large number of fish. 7aTherefore the disciple whom Jesus loved
said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!”
7bWhen Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tied his outer garment
around him (for he was stripped) and plunged into the sea. 8But
since they were not far from land (about a hundred yards away), the other
disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish. 9When
they got out on land, they saw a
charcoal fire there, with fish†
lying on it, and bread.
10“Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus told them. 11So
Simon Peter got up and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish—153 of them.
Even though there were so many, the net was not torn.
12“Come and have breakfast,” Jesus told them. None of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?” because they
knew it was the Lord. 13Jesus came, took the bread, and gave it to
them. He did the same with the fish.
14This was now the third time Jesus appeared to the disciples after He
was raised from the dead.[1]
[1] Knight,
G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp.
251–252). Holman Bible Publishers.
Later Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Lake of Galilee. This is how it happened: A group of us were there—Simon Peter, Thomas, "The Twin," Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, my brother James and I and two other disciples.
Simon Peter said, "I'm going fishing."
"We'll come too," we all said. We did, but caught nothing all night. At dawn we saw a man standing on the beach but couldn't see who he was.
He called, "Any fish, boys?"
"No," we replied.
Then he said, "Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you'll get plenty of them!" So we did, and couldn't draw in the net because of the weight of the fish, there were so many!
Then I said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" At that, Simon Peter put on his tunic (for he was stripped to the waist) and jumped into the water and swam ashore. The rest of us stayed in the boat and pulled the loaded net to the beach, about 300 feet away. When we got there, we saw that a fire was kindled and fish were frying over it, and there was bread.
"Bring some of the fish you've just caught," Jesus said. So Simon Peter went out and dragged the net ashore. By his count there were 153 large fish; and yet the net hadn't torn.
"Now come and have some breakfast!" Jesus said; and none of us dared ask him if he really was the Lord, for we were quite sure of it. Then Jesus went around serving us the bread and fish.
This was the third time Jesus had appeared to us since his return from the dead.
- God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
- We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
- I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
- You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
OPEN:
- What has been your best fishing, hunting or camping?
- What is your favorite food at a cookout?
DIG:
- The seven disciples have returned to the Galilee district, about 90 miles from the place
- Whom do you know who needs Jesus who was killed and rose again. What might they have discussed on the way?
- In fishing all night, using nets, do you think Peter just wanted something to do, or did he return to his old business?
- Why did Jesus' followers have difficulty recognizing him after the resurrection?
- How would you feel if you had been fishing with the disciples all night? How does Jesus' preparation of breakfast relate to what he did for them in John 13:1-17?
REFLECT:
- Where do you go to get away from it all? How does God meet you there?
- When was the last time you received a bountiful blessing? Did Jesus get your attention through this blessing?
A Call from the Beach
Jesus had performed a similar miracle for the disciples before. Luke 5:1-11 records how the disciples had experienced an unsuccessful night of fishing, only to have a record-breaking catch on Jesus' instructions. At the time, the disciples had been amazed to see that not only did Jesus teach, heal, and cast out demons, but he also cared about their day-to-day routine. Here the disciples had gone back to what they knew best—fishing. And Jesus came to them right where they were, performing another miracle to demonstrate his great love for them. Jesus meets us where we are, gently showing us where he wants us to be. Is he standing on the beach calling to you? Pull in your boat and listen!
In this passage Jesus recommissioned Peter. Perhaps Peter needed special encouragement after his denial.
Willingness to Serve
In this beach scene, Jesus would lead Peter through an experience that would remove the cloud of his denial. Peter had denied Jesus three times. Three times Jesus asked Peter if he loved him. Peter had repented, and here Jesus was asking him to commit his life. Peter's life changed when he finally realized who Jesus was. His occupation changed from fisherman to evangelist; his identity changed from impetuous to "rock"; and his relationship to Jesus changed—he was forgiven, and he finally understood the significance of Jesus' words about his death and resurrection. It is one thing to say you love Jesus, but the real test is willingness to serve him.
Impetuous Peter jumped out of the boat and swam to the shore when he realized that it was Jesus on the beach. Clearly he wanted to talk to Jesus and to experience Jesus' forgiveness.
Other Resources:
Diving Deeper - John 21:1-7
Jul 20, 2025 = Pleasant Ridge exists to lead people into a life-changing walk with Jesus Christ!
Friday, December 06, 2024
#245 (Mark 16:14; John 20:24-31) Jesus Appears to Thomas - Life of Christ = Week 49 - Friday
Jesus Appears to Thomas
Mark 16:14
John 20:24-31
Intro Questions
Text Graphic
One of the disciples, Thomas, "The Twin," was not there at the time with the others. When they kept telling him, "We have seen the Lord," he replied, "I won't believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands—and put my fingers into them—and place my hand into his side."
Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them and greeting them.
Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger into my hands. Put your hand into my side. Don't be faithless any longer. Believe!"
"My Lord and my God!" Thomas said.
Then Jesus told him, "You believe because you have seen me. But blessed are those who haven't seen me and believe anyway."
Jesus' disciples saw him do many other miracles besides the ones told about in this book, but these are recorded so that you will believe that he is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that believing in him you will have life.
Good Doubts
Jesus wasn't hard on Thomas for his doubts. Despite his skepticism, Thomas was still loyal to the believers and to Jesus himself. Some people need to doubt before they believe. If doubt leads to questions, questions lead to answers, and the answers are accepted, then doubt has done good work. It is when doubt becomes stubbornness and stubbornness becomes a lifestyle that doubt harms faith. When you doubt, don't stop there. Let your doubt deepen your faith as you continue to search for the answer.
To understand the life and mission of Jesus more fully, all we need to do is study the Gospels. John tells us that his Gospel records only a few of the many events in Jesus' life on earth. But the gospel includes everything we need to know to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, through whom we receive eternal life.
https://youtu.be/MiC6L7REP0Q
Mark 16:14
John 20:24-31
Jesus Appears to
Thomas and the Other Disciples
John 20:26–29
26After eight days His disciples were indoors again, and
Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood
among them. He said, “Peace to you!”
27Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and observe My hands.
Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Don’t be an unbeliever but a believer.”
28Thomas responded to Him, “My
Lord and my God!”
29Jesus said, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who believe without seeing†.”[1]
[1]
Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (p. 251).
Holman Bible Publishers.
Intro Questions
One of the disciples, Thomas, "The Twin," was not there at the time with the others. When they kept telling him, "We have seen the Lord," he replied, "I won't believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands—and put my fingers into them—and place my hand into his side."
Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them and greeting them.
Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger into my hands. Put your hand into my side. Don't be faithless any longer. Believe!"
"My Lord and my God!" Thomas said.
Then Jesus told him, "You believe because you have seen me. But blessed are those who haven't seen me and believe anyway."
Jesus' disciples saw him do many other miracles besides the ones told about in this book, but these are recorded so that you will believe that he is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that believing in him you will have life.
- God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
- We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
- I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
- You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
Good Doubts
Jesus wasn't hard on Thomas for his doubts. Despite his skepticism, Thomas was still loyal to the believers and to Jesus himself. Some people need to doubt before they believe. If doubt leads to questions, questions lead to answers, and the answers are accepted, then doubt has done good work. It is when doubt becomes stubbornness and stubbornness becomes a lifestyle that doubt harms faith. When you doubt, don't stop there. Let your doubt deepen your faith as you continue to search for the answer.
To understand the life and mission of Jesus more fully, all we need to do is study the Gospels. John tells us that his Gospel records only a few of the many events in Jesus' life on earth. But the gospel includes everything we need to know to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, through whom we receive eternal life.
https://youtu.be/MiC6L7REP0Q
Thursday, December 05, 2024
#244 (Luke 24:35-43; John 20:19-23) Jesus Appears to His Disciples - Life of Christ = Week 49 - Thursday
Jesus Appears to His Disciples
Luke 24:35-43
John 20:19-23
What favorite slogan or pep talk do you recall from your mentors (parents, a coach, music teacher, etc.)? How were you treated when you blew it?
Text Graphic
And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them, and greeted them. But the whole group was terribly frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost!
"Why are you frightened?" he asked. "Why do you doubt that it is really I? Look at my hands! Look at my feet! You can see that it is I, myself! Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost! For ghosts don't have bodies, as you see that I do!" As he spoke, he held out his hands for them to see the marks of the nails, and showed them the wounds in his feet.
Still they stood there undecided, filled with joy and doubt.
Then he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?"
They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he ate it as they watched!
His Representatives
The disciples knew that the tomb was empty but didn't understand that Jesus had risen, and they were filled with fear—even when Jesus appeared to them. Despite the women's witness and the biblical prophecies of this very event, they still didn't believe. Today the Resurrection still catches people by surprise, and many refuse to believe. What more will it take? For these disciples it took the living, breathing Jesus in their midst. For many people today, it takes the presence of living, breathing Christians. As part of Christ's body on earth, you have the responsibility to be his representative to a lost world. What do people think of Christ when they think of you?
Jesus' body wasn't just a figment of the imagination or the appearance of a ghost—the disciples touched him, and he ate food. On the other hand, his body wasn't merely a restored human body like Lazarus's (John 11)—he was able to appear and disappear. Jesus' resurrected body was immortal. This is the kind of body we will be given at the resurrection of the dead (see 1 Corinthians 15:42-50).
Luke 24:35-43
John 20:19-23
What favorite slogan or pep talk do you recall from your mentors (parents, a coach, music teacher, etc.)? How were you treated when you blew it?
Jesus Appears to
His Disciples, but Thomas Is Absent
Luke 24:36–43; John 20:19–25
Jn 20:19In the evening of that first day of the
week, the disciples were gathered
together with the doors locked†
because of their fear of the Jews. Then Jesus
came, stood among them†,
and said to them, “Peace to you!”
Lk 24:37–40But they were startled and terrified, and
thought they were seeing a ghost. 38“Why are you troubled?” He asked
them. “And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39Look at My hands
and My feet, that it is I Myself! Touch Me and see, because a ghost does not
have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” 40Having said this, He
showed them His hands and feet.
41But while they still could not believe for joy, and they were amazed,
He asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42So they gave
Him a piece of a broiled fish, 43and He took it and ate in their
presence. Jn 20:20bSo the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
21Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! Just as the Father has sent
Me, I also send you.” 22After saying this, He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23If
you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of
any, they are retained.”
24But one of the Twelve, Thomas (called “Twin”), was not with them† when Jesus came. 25So the other disciples kept telling him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “If I don’t see the mark of the nails in His hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe!”[1]
[1]
Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (p. 250).
Holman Bible Publishers.
And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them, and greeted them. But the whole group was terribly frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost!
"Why are you frightened?" he asked. "Why do you doubt that it is really I? Look at my hands! Look at my feet! You can see that it is I, myself! Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost! For ghosts don't have bodies, as you see that I do!" As he spoke, he held out his hands for them to see the marks of the nails, and showed them the wounds in his feet.
Still they stood there undecided, filled with joy and doubt.
Then he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?"
They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he ate it as they watched!
- God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
- We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
- Why did Jesus begin this encounter with an affirmation of peace? How is "Peace be with you" a good summary of the Gospel? What does peace mean in the Christian context?
- Why are the disciples having such difficulty believing:
- (a) Not using their eyes?
- (b) Not enough evidence?
- (c) Not enough faith?
- (d) Too much excitement?
- How did Jesus prove he had a physical body? Why was it necessary for them to see that Jesus was not a ghost?
- What interpretation from Jesus helps them to believe?
- I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
- Why is it important to you that Jesus' mission was anticipated far beforehand in the Old Testament?
- How would you live differently if Jesus was not currently reigning in heaven, but was only another noble martyr?
- You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
His Representatives
The disciples knew that the tomb was empty but didn't understand that Jesus had risen, and they were filled with fear—even when Jesus appeared to them. Despite the women's witness and the biblical prophecies of this very event, they still didn't believe. Today the Resurrection still catches people by surprise, and many refuse to believe. What more will it take? For these disciples it took the living, breathing Jesus in their midst. For many people today, it takes the presence of living, breathing Christians. As part of Christ's body on earth, you have the responsibility to be his representative to a lost world. What do people think of Christ when they think of you?
Jesus' body wasn't just a figment of the imagination or the appearance of a ghost—the disciples touched him, and he ate food. On the other hand, his body wasn't merely a restored human body like Lazarus's (John 11)—he was able to appear and disappear. Jesus' resurrected body was immortal. This is the kind of body we will be given at the resurrection of the dead (see 1 Corinthians 15:42-50).
https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist
Other Resources:
April 23, 2023, Jesus Appears To Disciples (And Thomas) (20:19-31) by Paul Adams
He’s Back
In 1986, Rick Hazelton decided to leave his hometown of Glen Falls, New York, and try his luck in New York City. The 23-year-old thought he might make a living as a street performer. His family and friends last saw him headed south. Then he dropped off the map and wasn’t seen or heard from again. Years went by, and in 199,1 his father was killed in a motorcycle accident. Unable to find him, Rick’s sisters had to settle their father’s estate and that required that they have Rick declared legally dead. But Rick’s childhood friend, Brian Pincheon, wanted to find out what happened to him.
With the advent of the internet and social media, Brian, a retired Fort Edward Police officer, started following the trail but quickly ran out of possibilities. Another friend and a retired detective in Nashville both kept a hand in the search. Finally, some information surfaced about a man in Salem, Oregon, with the right name, right age and right hometown. A few days later, the police knocked on his door to tell Rick Hazelton that he was being investigated as a missing person. When he contacted his friend, Hazelton said, “I didn’t think anybody cared, so I just made my own life . . . they were like, ‘Oh, you’re back from the dead!’” Of course, Hazelton wasn’t really dead, but the reunion with his family and friends was still a joyous occasion.
“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!’ 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).
Consider the explosive joy of the disciples: some had watched Jesus die at the hands of experienced executioners, they knew that His body had been entombed, and they had spent an agonized Saturday wondering if they’d be next. It never occurred to any of them that death would be overruled in this case. It didn’t matter that Jesus promised that He would return on the third day. It doesn’t even seem to have crossed their minds that Jesus had already defeated death in their close friend, Lazarus. And then, like sunlight knifing through the clouds, Jesus stood in their presence, unmistakably alive and well. No wonder they were overjoyed!
Each of us has lived a Saturday, a crushing gloom of loss to death. As the coffin is lowered and the dirt filled in, we can’t imagine that we’ll ever experience joy again. Yet Jesus has promised and proven that death isn’t as final as we’re meant to think. There is life that awaits those who have committed themselves to Him. One day, His voice will call all His people from the grave and restore unending life into indestructible bodies. Those who have lived with Him here will live with Him forever in perfect joy and peace and health and productivity. The Saturday darkness will be eliminated in a flash of Sunday light and the joy of the Lord will be ours, too. He’s back. And that’s good news.
Monday, December 02, 2024
John Quick Links - Reflections = Week 44 - Saturday
Here Are the Quick Links to Each Chapter
- Introduction to John
- John 1
- In The beginning was the Word -- God became a human (John 1:1-18)
- John Declares His Mission (John 1:19-28)
- John the Baptist Proclaims Jesus as the Messiah (John 1:29-34)
- Jesus' Early Work (John 1:35-51)
- John 2
- Miracles - Jesus Turns Water into Wine (John 2:1-12)
- Merchants Driven from Temple by Jesus (John 2:13-25)
- John 3
- Jesus Teaches Nicodemus (John 3:1-21)
- Jesus and John Baptize Others (John 3:22-36)
- John 4
- Jesus Talks to a Woman at the Well (John 4:1-26)
- Jesus Tells About The Spiritual Harvest (John 4:27-38)
- Many Samaritans Believe in Jesus (John 4:39-42)
- Beginning of the Great Galilean Ministry (Matthew 14:12-17; Mark 1:14-15; Luke 4:14-15; John 4:43-45)
- Jesus Heals a Government Official's Son (John 4:46-54)
- John 5
- Jesus Heals a Lame Man by a Pool (John 5:1-15)
- Resurrection And Life (John 5:15-29)
- Jesus Supports His Claim (John 5:31-47)
- John 6
- John 7
- John 8
- John 9
- John 10
- John 11
- John 12
- John 13
- John 14
- John 15
- John 16
- John 17
- John 18
- John 19
- John 20
- John 21
Mark Quick Links - Reflections = Week 44 - Saturday
Here Are the Quick Links to Each Chapter
- Introduction to the Book of Mark
- Mark 1
- Ministry of John the Immerser (Matthew 3:1-12; Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:1-18)
- The Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22)
- Jesus Faces Temptations (Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12,13; Luke 4:1-13)
- Beginning of the Great Galilean Ministry (Matthew 14:12-17; Mark 1:14-15; Luke 4:14-15; John 4:43-45)
- Four Fishermen Follow Jesus (Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:10b-11)
- Great Catch of Fish (Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:1-10a)
- Jesus Teaches At Capernaum (Matthew 8:14-34; Mark 1:21-31; Luke 4:31-39)
- Jesus Heals Peter's Mother-in-law and many others (Matthew 8:14-17; Mark 1:29-34; Luke 4:38-41)
- Jesus Travels About (Matthew 4:23-25; Mark 1:35-39; Luke 4:40-44)
- Leper Cleansed (Matthew 8:1-4; Mark 1:40-45; Luke 5:12-16)
- Mark 2
- Paralytic Healed (Matthew 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26)
- Matthew (Levi) is Called (Matthew 9:9-13; Mark 2:13-17; Luke 5:27-32)
- Religious Leaders Ask Jesus About Fasting (Matthew 9:14-17; Mark 2:18-22; Luke 5:33-39)
- The Disciples Pick Wheat On the Sabbath (Matthew 12:1-8; Mark 2:23-38; Luke 6:1-5)
- Mark 3
- Jesus Heals a Man's Hand on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:9-14; Mark 3:1-6; Luke 6:6-11)
- Large Crowds Follow Jesus (Matthew 12:15-21; Mark 3:7-12)
- Jesus Appoints 12 Apostles (Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16)
- Mark 4
- Mark 5
- Mark 6
- John The Baptist Imprisoned by Herod (Matthew 14:1-5; Mark 6:17-20; Luke 3:19-20)
- Mark 7
- Mark 8
- Mark 9
- Mark 10
- Mark 11
- Mark 12
- Mark 13
- Mark 14
- Mark 15
- Mark 16
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