Today’s post-resurrection appearance is a continuation of the fishing scene I wrote about in Encountering Jesus brings on May 17, 2019. When they (Peter, Thomas, Nathaniel, John and James and two other disciples) had followed Jesus’ instructions and cast their nets as He directed, they hauled in a great catch. Jesus had a welcoming fire waiting on the beach and beckoned them to bring some fish for roasting. They ate together and then Jesus spoke to Peter.
“When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. ” John 21:15-17
Jesus had previously had an encounter with Peter where I’m sure they dealt with Peter’s great guilt over his denial. (Luke 24:34, 1 Corinthians 15:5) Scholars put this first appearance to Peter on Resurrection Sunday where this encounter in Galilee is later. Here it would seem Jesus is making a point of asking Peter about his proclaimed love for Him. He asks 3 times, like his denials. Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him and if he does, then Peter is to show his love for His sheep. He is to feed or tend to His sheep. Throughout the gospels sheep have been synonymous with followers and my sheep specifically believers in Jesus. John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Jesus is the good shepherd who died for all believers. John 10:14 “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,” and John 10:27 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” Jesus is asking Peter to demonstrate his love for Him by leading, tending, loving, caring for, guiding, protecting…. those who are believers in Jesus. He is saying ‘be a good shepherd’ to the flock of believers that come into your life.
Isn’t that what Jesus wants for us too? As believers, like Peter, we are to look out for others, lead them towards Jesus, care for them, show them kindness and give that ‘cup of cold water’ in His name. Knowing Jesus, requires us to take up this ‘job’ and love others. We do it not because we have to but because we love Jesus. James tells us faith without works is dead (James 2:26 ) and loving and showing Jesus to others is our compelling 
work for Him. We do it not out of obligation or for future reward but out of love for our Savior. Who will you show love to today? Who will you ‘feed or tend’ in Jesus’ name?
Linda
Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him(for the had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about 100 yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with some say the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came , took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. John 21:3-14 (The prior appearances were in the upper room, see blogs from April 26, May 10 and May 14)
Which of these lessons and truths speak to you today? James 4:8 tell us, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” Meet Him today where ever you are, He will be there waiting for you just like He was for the disciples that morning by the sea.
John 20:24-25. 
again. John 20:26-29 continues the story, “
Faith is a gift from God and we who believe in Jesus are blessed with the knowledge of Him as our Savior. However, each one of us who believes encountered the living Christ and came to know Him in a personal, vibrant and living way. Even though we do not physically see Him, we can and do know within our being that Jesus is Alive! The Holy Spirit indwells us when we believe in Jesus and testifies to us about Him. Jesus had promised this in John 15:26 ““But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.” Later Paul, explains in Ephesians 1:13-14 how the Holy Spirit works within us, “
what happened clearer. 
disciples saw the Lord, they were filled with great joy. 
What is your response to the risen Savior? 
where we live to 
passing in Luke 24:34 “saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” and in 1 Corinthians 15:5 by Paul “and that he appeared to Cephas (Peter), then to the twelve”. The Luke message was delivered to the disciples by the two men who Jesus met on the Road to Emmaus (blog of 4/23/2019). Here the men referred to Peter as Simon using his old name. Jesus also referred to Peter by his old name when He told him he would deny Him three time before the rooster crowed. The prediction of the denial is recorded in both Matthew 26 and Mark 14. The actual denial event is recorded in all 4 gospels, Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22 and John 18. Peter was not acting with his new believing nature, clinging to the rock of faith which is Jesus, but with the old, impetuous, doubting nature of unbelieving Simon. It shows great compassion from our Lord to singularly appear to Peter to forgive and restore him. Jesus would have known the anguish and guilt Peter was feeling after his denial of Jesus the night before the Crucifixion. The forgiven Peter went onward, never doubting nor denying his Lord and Savior again. Jesus personally knows what we need and seeks to be there for each one of us. What a wonderful, compassionate and loving Savior we serve.
the book of James and died a martyr’s death in 62 A.D. “Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.” This appearance speaks to me of Jesus’ compassion and love for his earthly family and for those who are lost. 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, 
Is Jesus personal to you today? Do you claim Him as your God and Savior? Mary did in Luke 1:47 “and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,” Thomas did in John 20:28 “ Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” and Paul in Philippians 4:19 “ And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Let Him hear your words of declaration today as you thank Him for being your God and Savior.
be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.”
my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
The post resurrection appearances began at the empty tomb. This fact occurs in each of the 4 gospels and in 3 of the gospels it includes the appearance of a heavenly being interacting with the grieving followers of Jesus. Since Jesus had been hastily buried due to the need to have him entombed before sundown, as it was the beginning of the Sabbath and no one could be buried on the Sabbath, His body was not properly prepared with spices. It was wrapped but not treated. The women, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went to the tomb with spices intending to anoint Jesus’ body. We are told it was very early in the morning and they talked among themselves about how they were going to get the stone in front of the tomb removed so they could enter to anoint Jesus’ body.
And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large.
May you encounter the Living Jesus and His transforming power today.
How does Jesus make himself known to you? Does He come to you in prayer, in the helping hands of others or through His Word? Jesus can and does reveal himself to us if we are open and willing. In Matthew 7:7 Jesus tells us, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” 
One of my favorite post-resurrection appearances is the encounter of the two on the Road to Emmaus. Overcome with grief over Jesus’ death and disbelief over what the women said about seeing Him alive, these two followers of Christ were walking along the Emmaus Road discussing all these things. Jesus joined them on their journey without disclosing his identity. As they walked they were surprised that he did not know about all the events that had just occurred in Jerusalem and told him their hope that Jesus had been the long awaited Messiah. “
I pray that my Lenten Blogs have brought you hope and encouragement these past 6 weeks. I have been mightily blessed by being with you and in the scriptures each day. I am still pondering the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice and all the blessings I HAVE because of Him. I will continue writing on the post-resurrection appearances leading to Pentecost (40 days after the cross). Christ appeared many times before His ascension to many individuals and groups. They are affirming and touching encounters that teach us more about the depth of His love and care for us.
Fearless Living 