After that day, everything was different. The first disciples witnessed a dead man walking. Their lives would be forever changed, defined by “life before Easter” and life “life after Easter.” On numerous occasions, Jesus showed up in resurrected form before he ascended. In the season of Easter we will examine six “after Easter” encounters with Jesus. What did he say and do? In what practical ways does resurrection change my daily life? Nothing will ever be the same.
Invocation
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Invitation
O God, you are the beginning, the middle, and the end. You are all in all. Lead me. Help me. Forgive me. Keep me from wandering and weariness. Keep my love ready and willing to serve You by serving others. Praise and honor be to You, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, One God now and forever. Amen.
Confession
O God, how can I believe without your help. I am filled with doubt. “What about . . . ?” “Is it really true?” “How do I really know you’re there? That you’re listening? That you care about me?” I confess with honesty all my fear and disbelief. Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me. Melt me. Mold me. Fill me. Use me. I believe; help my unbelief.
Word
“Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’” John 21:17
Meditation
Today’s meditation is written by Grace Herzog.
Outside of the church environment, I can become closed off about my faith and relationship with Jesus. When classmates, friends, or relatives bring up my involvement in church and Christianity, sometimes it’s easier to just move on to a different topic of conversation. It’s hard to express the love of Christ in the world. It’s like you’re a lone voice in the millions of others. But after, when I replay these situations in my mind, I become ashamed of myself for not speaking boldly about my faith.
At first glance, it seems like Peter is asked to repeat his answer three times to mirror his denial of Jesus earlier. While this may be true, I think that Jesus asked Peter the same question repeatedly because he knew how important it was for Peter to say the answer out loud and in front of many people.
Jesus is asking Peter to make a bold declaration of his faith. Asking him to redeem himself in front of an audience and express his love for Christ out in the open.
While reading this passage, I imagined Jesus asking me the same question repeatedly as he asked Peter.
“Grace, do you love me?”
To my surprise, I found the question hard to answer. Do I truly love Jesus above anything else? I found myself thinking of all the times when I didn’t love Jesus: when I cared about myself more than him, when I became angry at God because something hadn’t gone the way I wanted.
I answered with some of the shame and embarrassment I imagine Peter must have felt and I encourage you to put your name in for Peter.
Peter’s response is one of confession. “Lord, you know I love you. “ It may not be a perfect love, but I love you. And that love is enough for Christ. Where our humanly love falters, Jesus’ love for us stands firm.
Dear Lord, I pray that you would give me the strength to declare your powerful name to the world. Thank you for loving me with unconditional love. A love that I am undeserving of yet you give to me anyways. Help me show this love to others this week. Amen.
Benediction
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Amen. (Rom. 15:13)