Easter 3 reflection

All that work and nothing to show for it

A student studies all day and night for a final exam. Sadly, he fails the test. He has nothing to show for it. 

A mechanic spends the entire weekend fixing his car. Still, it won’t start. He has nothing to show for it. 

A host spends the entire day cleaning the house and fixing a meal for her guests. But nobody shows. Again, she has nothing to show for it. 

In our Bible story for today Peter and his friends spend the entire night fishing. At the end of their shift they have nothing to show for it. 

But at Jesus’ command they let down their nets. And there is an abundant catch of fish. #153!

As we follow the Savior’s word. - We will see that He blesses us even if we have nothing to show for it by ourselves. 

 

Law/Gospel Theme:  Forgiveness is an essential part of the Gospel message. It is an important concept to teach and learn. Our world often glorifies justice or vengeance, but God’s word has something different to say. Today’s Gospel story has a happy reunion of friends after Easter. It also reminds us of the importance of grace. God has taken care of our sins and covered the bad things we do. So that our reaction should be eagerness to serve Him.

Prayer: O God, through the humiliation of Your Son You raised up the fallen world. Grant to Your faithful people, rescued from the perils of this life perpetual gladness and eternal joy. Through Jesus Christ our LORD.  

Hymn: #57 Just as I am Vv. 1-3

Confession/Absolution:

LORD - we pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father.  In Your compassion forgive us our sins. Known and unknown. Things done. And left undone. And so uphold us by Your Spirit. That we may live and serve you in newness of life. To the honor and glory of Your Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on you. Forgive you all your sins. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

And may He strengthen you in all goodness. And by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

John 21:1-14

After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish.7 That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea.8 The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.

9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

15 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. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

Hymn: #57 Just as I am VV. 4-6

Our Gospel lesson today has to do with someone who answered a question three times. 

Today’s gospel talks about Jesus meeting His friends after He came back to life. 

He did this a few times. During one of those times, He met some of the disciples as they were out fishing. Remember how some of the disciples were fishermen?

Jesus helped them one morning when they were having trouble with their fishing work. He helped them catch a whole bunch of fish! 

As they came to the beach, and Jesus cooked some of the fish. Do you have fish for breakfast? Maybe not….but these did. And then Jesus started talking to Peter.

Do you remember the disciple Peter? The night that Jesus died, Peter pretended that he didn’t even know who Jesus was. In fact, he lied three times and said he didn’t know Jesus! 

So here on the beach, he might have still been feeling sad about that. But Jesus gave him a second chance. He asked Peter if he loved Jesus, and told him to “feed my sheep.”

That was how Jesus told Peter to take care of God’s people. Peter told the Lord that he loved Him, but Jesus asked two more times…three times He asked Peter if He loved Him, and told him to take care of the people.

So Peter knew that he was forgiven. And that he had a special and important job to do. 

And do you know what? The same applies to you! We know we have been forgiven by God. Nothing we can do will erase His love for us.

Our job is to love Him in return. To receive His grace. And to serve Him by taking care of His people. This is an essential task for us. And something that most certainly pleases God. Let’s look for ways we can celebrate that opportunity this week! 

Prayer: Thank you, LORD for your love and care. Thank you for forgiveness and life. Help us to love and forgive others as You have loved and forgiven us.  1

As the Lord has given us one another and we give thanks for God’s grace and mercy as we offer prayers on this day.

As the Lord has given us neighbors, friends, families, and coworkers to share the joys and burdens of this life. We thank you Lord, for the privilege of loving others.

As the Lord has given us a promise that where He goes, He will prepare a place for us. 

We thank you Lord for the gift of life and for giving us to one another for safekeeping. Bring us home when it is time. Lord in your grace, hear our prayer.

1. Ministry to Children Easter 3 Jesus and Peter go fishing

Image of the risen Christ copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Thursday prior to Easter 3

[1]

Revelation 5:1–14—As all of our Eastertide first readings come from the book of Acts, so all of our epistle readings come from the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ to St John. In this portion of John’s vision, he wonders who is worthy to open the scroll containing the counsel of God, His plan of action. Only the Lamb, who was slain, but is alive, is worthy to do so.

In response, those surrounding the throne of God sing a song of high praise to the Lamb. The joy of the resurrection is carried out in the joy of praising the risen Christ in heaven.

Our Epistle lesson for Sunday is from a liturgical section of St. John’s Revelation. Notice the uplifting nature of the words as countless angels sing praise to Christ, the Lamb of God, who is worthy. These angels are then joined by ever creature in existence in praising Christ.

The lesson begins with the host of angels joining in the song of all creatures. This song of praise focuses on Jesus Christ and what He has done. The praise given to the Lamb in this Epistle makes clear that in the midst of troubles the Lamb is in control and that all creatures must eventually acknowledge Him to be Redeemer and Lord. The song of praise climaxes by ascribing might and glory to the LORD alone; all who sing His praise fall down in silent adoration.

Prayer of praise and supplication: Lord God, creator of heaven and earth, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we praise You for the abundant mercy that You this day so richly have provided for us, blessing us not only with daily bread for our bodies but also with heavenly food for our souls. Grant that Your living and powerful Word may abide in our hearts, working mightily in us to Your glory and for our salvation. We commit ourselves to Your divine protection and fatherly care. Let Your holy angels be with us that the evil foe may have no power over us. Look in mercy on Your Church and deliver it from all danger and adversities. By Your Holy Spirit comfort and strengthen all who are in affliction or distress, and grant Your abiding peace to us all; through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen. [2]

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[1] Te Deum, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] Collect of Praise and Supplication, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House

 

St. Philip and St. James, Apostles (May 1)

 

Isaiah 30:18–21
Ephesians 2:19–22
John 14:1–14

St. Philip and St. James, Apostles

“Lord, show us the Father.” Philip did not yet recognize that the Father is glorified in the Son. In His Name we have access to the Father, for they are one. Jesus is the way and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Him. And whoever believes in Him will do the works He does and greater (v. 6–13). And so Philip and James did, apostles on whose foundation the household of God is built—with Christ as her chief cornerstone (Eph. 2:19–22). The beloved Words of Jesus from today’s Gospel were the Words of their Teacher, echoing in their ears as they walked in His way (Isa. 30:20–21). And so their hearts were not troubled (John 14:1) as they ate the bread of adversity and the water of affliction (Isa. 30:19). Philip, who in John’s Gospel brings Jews and Greeks to Jesus, is said to have journeyed to Phrygia where he was martyred. James “the Younger” (son of Alphaeus, whose mother Mary was at the crucifixion) is said to have died by being sawn in half. Where Christ is, they also are, and so shall we be (John 14:3).

Luther's Seal copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Lectionary Summery copyright LCMS commission on worship 

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Wednesday prior to Easter 3

[1]

Acts 9:1–22—During Eastertide, the first reading is taken from the book of the Acts of the Apostles, St Luke’s history of the Church during the Apostolic Age. Here, we have the account of the conversion of Saul, a learned Jew who zealously persecuted Christians. But, after being commissioned to be an apostle by the risen Christ, Paul, as he would henceforth be known, became an even more zealous ambassador for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His encounter gave him the joy of a new life in the risen Lord.

Under the theme, “The Joy of the Resurrection,” we find the joy of a new life in the risen Lord as we hear of the conversion of Paul.

The man known both as “Paul,” his Roman name; as well as “Saul,” his Hebrew given name,[2] describes in his letter to the Philippians (3:4b-6) that he was taught by Gamaliel. (A prominent Jewish Rabbi) He describes himself as a genuine, pious and zealous member of Judaism. In fact, from the Pharisaic viewpoint, he was “blameless.”

According Galatians 1:14 he notes that he was ahead of many of his own age in his zealousness for the traditions of his faith. In this zeal he became the leading agent of those seeking to stamp out the blasphemous section of believers in Christ. For Saul there was no other alternative.

According to his letter to the Philippians (3:7-11) Saul notes that as a Pharisee so highly treasured he now is a grateful he is to be considered a servant of Christ. Several times in his letters he expressed his ongoing amazement that God would choose him to be His called missionary to the Mediterranean world. From the time of his conversion to the time of his execution, he faithfully strove day and night to share the Gospel of salvation through faith in Christ as persuasively as possible, but, always without compromise.

Vv. 1-3 sets the tone for the story. Saul received from the high priest letters of extradition to permit him to bring Jewish Christians from Damascus to Jerusalem for trial.  This right was given to the high priest by Julius Caesar in 47 BC with respect to religious matters. As with the trial of Jesus; the Jewish court could find Jesus guilty of death however only the Roman Governor could grant an execution. To which, Pilate declared Jesus innocent, washed his hands of the entire affair and said to the crowd and the religious establishment in particular, “see to it yourselves.” 

From references to the wringing of the Jewish historian Josephus, it is evident that the ancient emporium of Damascus had a large Jewish population. Note also that Luke uses the term, “The Way,” as the official designation of what we now refer to as “the Christians.”  

Collect for the Third Sunday of Easter: O God, through the humiliation of Your Son You raised up the fallen world. Grant to Your faithful people, rescued from the peril of everlasting death, perpetual gladness and eternal joys; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen  [3] –

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[1] The Resurrected Christ, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] Remember this apostle was Jewish by birth and heritage but also a recognized Roman citizen; in which case he used his citizenship as an opportunity to make his appeal for the gospel to the Emperor in Rome.

[3] Collect for Easter 3, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis,

 

Tuesday prior to Easter 3

[1]

Psalm 30—Sunday’s psalm was composed by David when he dedicated the materials for the building of the Temple (1 Chronicles 22:1–6), and may have been used at subsequent dedications: at the dedication of Solomon’s Temple (2 Chronicles 7:4–10) and in 165 bc at the Jewish Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah; see 1 Maccabees 4:54–59; 2 Maccabees 10:1–9; John 10:22). 

The psalm is one of thanksgiving to God for preservation of physical life (vv. 1–5) and spiritual life (6–10). Finally, the last two verses give thanks to the Lord for His mercy forever.

Psalm 30 – Remembering a Great God at a Great Event

This psalm has a unique title: A Psalm. A Song at the dedication of the house of David. Though the title of the psalm (as it is in the English translation) indicates it was written for the dedication of David’s palace. Commentators thought that it was actually written prophetically for the dedication of the temple – which David prepared for, but Solomon built. Nevertheless, we take this psalm as being written for the dedication of David’s palace. It says nothing about the house itself; rather the focus is on God and the greatness of His deliverance. At the dedication of David’s house, David wanted God to be praised, not himself.

This Hebrew word schir may be here taken not simply for a song, but for a joyful song, as it is in Genesis 31:27; Exodus 15:1; Psalm 33:3.[2]

Collect for Psalm 30: - God our Father, glorious in giving life and even more glorious in restoring it: In his last night on earth your Son knew anguish and deep sorrow. Do not turn away from us, or we shall fall back into dust: but rather turn our mourning into joy by raising us up with your Son, Christ our Lord.  [3]

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[1] The Resurrected Christ, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-30/

[3] Collect for Psalm 30, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. I © 1994 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

 

Monday prior to Easter 3

[1]

Psalm 145:4–7, 9; antiphon, Psalm 145: 10—This Song of Praise by King David leads off the last six psalms, all of them songs of praise. As redeemed children of the Lord, our greatest delight shall always be to give thanks to Him, to bless Him, to commend His mighty works to others, to declare His mighty acts, to meditate on His wondrous works, to speak of the might of His awesome deeds, to declare His greatness, and to sing aloud of His righteousness!

Psalm 145 – Praising God for Who He is and What He Does

This psalm is titled A Praise of David. Though Psalms 17 and 86 were also called A Prayer of David, this is the only one titled A Praise of David, and it is a high point of praise. “Psalm 145 is indeed a monumental praise psalm, a fit summary of all David had learned about God during a long lifetime of following hard after the Almighty.” (James Montgomery Boice)

Psalm 145 is the last psalm attributed to David in the collection of psalms, and it is the last of the nine psalms using some kind of acrostic pattern (9, 10, 25, 34, 37, 111, 112, 119, and 145). Five of these acrostic psalms are attributed to David.

“In Jewish practice this psalm was recited twice in the morning and once in the evening service. The Talmud commends all who repeat it three times a day as having a share in the world to come.” (Willem VanGemeren)[2]

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain” (Revelation 5:12), who by His cross has conquered sin and death. With His blood, He has “ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nations” (Revelation 5:9). This same Lord Jesus visits people of all nations and calls them to Himself by the Gospel, even as He “revealed Himself again to the disciples…after He was raised from the dead” (John 21:1, 14). He restored Simon Peter to faith and life and commissioned him to feed His lambs and tend His sheep (John 21:15–17). Likewise, He revealed Himself to Saul of Tarsus and brought him to repentance, so that the persecutor of Jesus might carry and confess His name “before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15–16).

Collect for Psalm 145: Loving Father, you are faithful in your promises and tender in your compassion. Listen to our hymn of joy, and continue to satisfy the needs of all your creatures, that all flesh may bless your name in your everlasting kingdom, where with your Son and the Holy Spirit you live and reign now and forever. [3]

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[1] The Resurrected Christ, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-145/

[3] Collect for Psalm 145, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. I © 1994 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

 

Easter 3 Series C

 

Acts 9:1–22

Revelation 5:(1–7) 8–14 

John 21:1–14 (15–19)

O God, through the humiliation of Your Son You raised up the fallen world. Grant to Your faithful people, rescued from the peril of everlasting death, perpetual gladness and eternal joys; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

 The Good Shepherd Feeds His Lambs

 “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain” (Revelation 5:12), who by His cross has conquered sin and death. With His blood, He has “ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9). This same Lord Jesus visits people of all nations and calls them to Himself by the Gospel, even as He “was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead” (John 21:14). He restored Simon Peter to faith and life and commissioned him to feed His lambs and tend His sheep (John 21:15–17). Likewise, He revealed Himself to Saul of Tarsus and brought him to repentance, so that the persecutor of Jesus might carry and confess His name “before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15–16).

Look at the extended verses for the Gospel...only time we'll get it...different definitions of "love" between Jesus and Peter...

Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples

John 21:1 –

Μετὰ ταῦτα ἐφανέρωσεν ἑαυτὸν πάλιν [a]ὁ Ἰησοῦς τοῖς μαθηταῖς ἐπὶ τῆς θαλάσσης τῆς Τιβεριάδος· ἐφανέρωσεν δὲ οὕτως.

After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way.

After these things...what things...appearance in upper room? Easter, following Sunday, return to Galilee,  finally after two weeks they are doing what He told them to do returning to Galilee. (MK.  16:7) In Luke Jesus says stay in the city. (Lk.24:49) 

John 21:2 – 

ἦσαν ὁμοῦ Σίμων Πέτρος καὶ Θωμᾶς ὁ λεγόμενος Δίδυμος καὶ Ναθαναὴλ ὁ ἀπὸ Κανὰ τῆς Γαλιλαίας καὶ οἱ τοῦ Ζεβεδαίου καὶ ἄλλοι ἐκ τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ δύο.

 Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together.

NB Only place where Nathaniel is mentioned as being from “Cana in Galilee.” See John 2 – could this be Jesus’ brother-in-law? 

John 21:3 – 

λέγει αὐτοῖς Σίμων Πέτρος· Ὑπάγω ἁλιεύειν· λέγουσιν αὐτῷ· Ἐρχόμεθα καὶ ἡμεῖς σὺν σοί. ἐξῆλθον καὶ ἐνέβησαν εἰς τὸ [b]πλοῖον, καὶ ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ νυκτὶ ἐπίασαν οὐδέν.

Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

I depart to fish the others went with him yet that night they caught not one thing. This is an "Disjunctive Kai".  What's up with Peter? He still has equipment to fish. Do you love me more than "these things?"  Fishing without Jesus' word does not work.  

Jesus finds Peter through his denial of his vocation. Picking up the nets he's being about what he was not. Peter caught nothing when he was first called. Fished in darkness - a symbol of unbelief? 

John 21:4 – 

Πρωΐας δὲ ἤδη [c]γενομένης [d]ἔστη Ἰησοῦς εἰς τὸν αἰγιαλόν· οὐ μέντοι ᾔδεισαν οἱ μαθηταὶ ὅτι Ἰησοῦς ἐστιν. 

Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.

As day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore, never the less the disciples didn't know him. 

John 21:5 – 

λέγει οὖν αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Παιδία, μή τι προσφάγιον ἔχετε; ἀπεκρίθησαν αὐτῷ· Οὔ.

Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.”

"You don't have any fish do you?" expecting a negative response...it's not working...they're fishing without His words..."without me you can do nothing."

Jesus calls them Παιδία - "children"

John 21:6 – 

ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· Βάλετε εἰς τὰ δεξιὰ μέρη τοῦ πλοίου τὸ δίκτυον, καὶ εὑρήσετε. ἔβαλον οὖν, καὶ οὐκέτι αὐτὸ ἑλκύσαι [f]ἴσχυον ἀπὸ τοῦ πλήθους τῶν ἰχθύων.

 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish.

Throw the net on the right side of the boat...they were no longer able to draw or drag because of the fullness of fish. (See Luke 5, as cross reference) 

John 21:7 – 

λέγει οὖν ὁ μαθητὴς ἐκεῖνος ὃν ἠγάπα ὁ Ἰησοῦς τῷ Πέτρῳ· Ὁ κύριός ἐστιν. Σίμων οὖν Πέτρος, ἀκούσας ὅτι ὁ κύριός ἐστιν, τὸν ἐπενδύτην διεζώσατο, ἦν γὰρ γυμνός, καὶ ἔβαλεν ἑαυτὸν εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν·

That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea.

The disciple whom Jesus loved said it is the Master...

Why did Peter put on clothes? Compare throw the net and Peter throws himself...Peter goes to Jesus with reckless abandon...the cloak represents his earthly belongings he grabs everything he has...

John 21:8 –

οἱ δὲ ἄλλοι μαθηταὶ τῷ πλοιαρίῳ ἦλθον, οὐ γὰρ ἦσαν μακρὰν ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς ἀλλὰ ὡς ἀπὸ πηχῶν διακοσίων, σύροντες τὸ δίκτυον τῶν ἰχθύων.

The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards[a] off.

a. two hundred cubits; a cubit was about 18 inches or about 45 centimeters

John 21:9-

Ὡς οὖν ἀπέβησαν εἰς τὴν γῆν βλέπουσιν ἀνθρακιὰν κειμένην καὶ ὀψάριον ἐπικείμενον καὶ ἄρτον.

When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread.

John 21:10

λέγει αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Ἐνέγκατε ἀπὸ τῶν ὀψαρίων ὧν ἐπιάσατε νῦν. 

Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.”

John 21:11

ἀνέβη [g]οὖν Σίμων Πέτρος καὶ εἵλκυσεν τὸ δίκτυον [h]εἰς τὴν γῆν μεστὸν ἰχθύων μεγάλων ἑκατὸν πεντήκοντα τριῶν· καὶ τοσούτων ὄντων οὐκ ἐσχίσθη τὸ δίκτυον.

So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. 

John 21:12

λέγει αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Δεῦτε ἀριστήσατε. οὐδεὶς [i]δὲ ἐτόλμα τῶν μαθητῶν ἐξετάσαι αὐτόν· Σὺ τίς εἶ; εἰδότες ὅτι ὁ κύριός ἐστιν. 

Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord.

John 21:13

ἔρχεται [k]ὁ Ἰησοῦς καὶ λαμβάνει τὸν ἄρτον καὶ δίδωσιν αὐτοῖς, καὶ τὸ ὀψάριον ὁμοίως.

Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish

John 21:14

τοῦτο ἤδη τρίτον ἐφανερώθη [l]ὁ Ἰησοῦς τοῖς [m]μαθηταῖς ἐγερθεὶς ἐκ νεκρῶν.

This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

Sources:
-The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software
-LCMS Lectionary notes © 2018

-ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

-Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing

Saturday prior to Easter 2

 

[1]

The Hymn of the Day, O Sons and Daughters of the King (LSB #470), recounts the story of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances and particularly His encounter with Thomas. His words to Thomas are meant for us, also: ‘How blest are they who have not seen And yet whose faith has constant been, For they eternal life shall win. Alleluia!’ Thomas believed with his eyes. You believe with your ears!

We touch the nails and thrust every time the word is preached and the sacraments administrated.  We receive in the Sacrament the whole Christ.

The Jesus that John beheld on Patmos and that Thomas saw in the upper room is the same Jesus that you behold in Word and Sacrament. You see Him, not with your eyes, but with your ears. You don’t hear a voice like a trumpet but you hear Jesus in the preaching of a man. You hear Jesus because it’s not my word that I preach but His. It is His Word that I was sent here to preach. It wasn’t the words of my predecessors in this pulpit that they preached, but the Word of God that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

O God, in the paschal feast You restore all creation. Continue to send Your heavenly gifts upon Your people that they may walk in perfect freedom and receive eternal life; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen[2]

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[1]Image of Christ appearing to St. Thomas http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/cc/Caravaggio_incredulity.jpg

[2] Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Friday prior to Easter 2

[1]

John 20:19–31—There are two appearances by the risen Christ in Sunday’s Gospel, each bringing us a great deal of comfort. In the first, Jesus establishes the Office of the Holy Ministry, and assures us that, in the words of the catechism, ‘when the called ministers of Christ deal with us by His divine command, in particular when they…absolve those who repent of their sins and want to do better, this is just as valid and certain, even in heaven, as if Christ, our dear Lord, dealt with us Himself.’

In the second appearance, our Lord appears to Thomas. Thomas wanted the certainty of seeing his risen Lord in the flesh, as the others had. When he beholds the wounds in the One who was crucified on our behalf, his faith is sure, and he confesses, ‘My Lord and My God!’ Thomas’s assurance is ours also. We need never doubt that our Lord is truly risen from the dead, ‘the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep.’ (1 Corinthians 15:20)

The Savior promises peace to His disciples See John 14:27; 16:33. This peace, “which the world cannot give,” is established by the Savior’s sacrificial death in our place. In His resurrection our Lord distributes and bestows His peace to the disciples even to Thomas. The Lord’s wounds (Vv.20 and 27) are the visible tokens of His peace. Peace between God and man is now a reality. See Luke 2:14; 19:38. The peace on earth spoken at Christmas is now fully given and received on Easter. Both Christmas and Easter is nothing but pure Gospel.

Almighty God the Father, through Your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ You have overcome death and opened the gate of everlasting life to us. Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of our Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by Your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. [2]–

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[1]Image of Christ appearing to St. Thomas http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/cc/Caravaggio_incredulity.jpg

[2] Lutheran Service Book, © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. St. Louis

 

St Mark the evangelist (April 25)

Isaiah 52:7–10
2 Timothy 4:5–18
Mark 16:14–20

St. Mark, Evangelist

The Lord sends His messengers out “as lambs in the midst of wolves” bearing the message, “Peace be to this house” (Luke 10:3–5). St. Mark does “the work of an evangelist” (2 Tim. 4:5) and “publishes peace” (Is. 52:7). He is remembered as the lion-hearted evangelist, depicted with his fellow evangelists as the four living creatures of Ezekiel 1 and Revelation 4. The evangelist is often identified with John-Mark of Acts and the cousin of Barnabas, with whom he worked in Cyprus to “proclaim the Gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15). Despite their earlier differences, Mark was reconciled with St. Paul, who considered him “very useful...for ministry” (2 Tim. 4:11). Later he worked in Rome (1 Peter 5:13), where tradition has it that he wrote his Gospel from St. Peter’s sermons before founding the church in Alexandria and facing a martyr’s death.

Luther's Seal copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Lectionary Summary copyright LCMS commission on worship

Easter 2 reflection

 

Too Good to be True

What is something that is just too good to be true?

From out of the blue, you receive a phone call informing you have won $500,000. – Too good to be true!

Your neighbor tells you he purchased a new care cheaper than the one he bought five years ago. Too good to be true.

You discover a diet pill guaranteed to help you lose ten lbs. in one week.  – Again, too good to be true!

You find an exercise plan that will do the same yet with even better results. – Too good to be true!

A farmer in the early 1950’s claimed he saw a turtle with a shell over 10’ round in his family pond.  Locals came flocking and to this day the beast of ‘busco has yet to be found!

For Thomas, the news of the risen Jesus was magic, brilliant, excellent, fabulous, wonderful, terrific, and marvelous.

It was just “too good to be true!” And yet for Thomas and for you this day what appears to be too good to be true is in fact true  – which is good news indeed!  

Law/Gospel Theme:  The world sometimes tells us to be skeptical and hunt for evidence to support whatever we might consider. There are plenty of things that are difficult to verify, especially in the story of the resurrection. But we know from the Bible that Jesus rose. We know that He appeared to His disciples. He also told them that those who believe without sight are especially blessed.

Prayer: Almighty God, grant that we who have celebrated the Lord’s resurrection may by Your grace confess in our life and conversation that Jesus is both LORD and God; through Jesus Christ our LORD. Amen 

Hymn: #55 Jesus loves me

Confession/Absolution:

LORD - we pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father.  In Your compassion forgive us our sins. Known and unknown. Things done. And left undone. And so uphold us by Your Spirit. That we may live and serve you in newness of life. To the honor and glory of Your Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on you. Forgive you all your sins. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

And may He strengthen you in all goodness. And by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

John 20:19-32

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

24 Now Thomas, 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.”

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 said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe[b] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Hymn: #57 Just as I am

In our gospel lesson today, Thomas had a hard time believing what others tried to tell him. The story of Jesus appearing to his disciples after Easter is so exciting. Imagine watching Him die. And feeling so upset. And then seeing Him alive again! But Thomas missed out.

He wasn’t there in the room when Jesus came. And Thomas didn’t see him personally. He did not believe what his friends told him about witnessing Jesus. 

Thomas promised that he wouldn’t believe it until he saw Jesus face to face. When Jesus did show up later, and showed His wounds, Thomas must have felt embarrassed. 

But the wonderful thing is that Jesus said “blessed are those who have not seen, and yet still believe.”

He commended people who believed in Him without witnessing face to face. Do you know who that is? That’s you! 

You haven’t physically seen Jesus. But you still believe in Him.

How? How do we know about Jesus?  We ang about that in our first song. Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so! 

We might hear about Jesus from other people, and that is great. But we have the word of GOD, most importantly.

We have the stories of the Bible. And we know what God’s word says is true. 

In order to trust someone or something, we have to know that it is trustworthy. God has most definitely proved Himself trustworthy. He does what He says He’ll do. His promises are real and are true.

The Bible gives us great hope. We can’t see God  physically. But we see His evidence and know He gives us life.  The Bible is God’s word, given to us so that we can know and believe! {1}

Prayer: Thank you, LORD for your love and care. Thank you for those who witnessed Jesus’ resurrection. Help us to trust even when we cannot always see.  

As the Lord has given us one another and we give thanks for God’s grace and mercy as we offer prayers on this day.

As the Lord has given us neighbors, friends, families, and coworkers to share the joys and burdens of this life. We thank you Lord, for the privilege of loving others.

As the Lord has given us a promise that where He goes, He will prepare a place for us. 

We thank you Lord for the gift of life and for giving us to one another for safekeeping. Bring us home when it is time. Lord in your grace, hear our prayer.

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[1] Doubting Thomas Children's Sermon (John 20:19-31) Print & Video

Image of Thomas and Christ copyright Google images

Thursday prior to Easter 2

[1]

Revelation 1:4–18—St. John, the only one of the Twelve still alive at the time of his revelation, sees a glorious vision from the Lord Jesus. The revelation, recorded for our sakes, gives great comfort to Christians of all times, whether they are living in a time of severe persecution or not. Jesus is the Victor! Just look at all this short section has to say about Jesus: He is the One who was and is and is to come, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, the Ruler over all, the Alpha and Omega. Having conquered death, He holds the keys to Death and Hades; these can trouble us no longer, we who are in Christ. His called ministers exercise these keys to forgive our sins, as the Gospel shows.

John tells us in our second reading about his own claim to having a divine commission as a prophet and a seer. He says that he “was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day,” indicating that he was in the presence of the LORD and it was the LORD who commissioned him to speak out, which he clearly states in the last verse of the reading. “Now writ what you see, what is, and what is to take place hereafter.”

Note Most people believe in God, or the existence of God, but what kind of God? God is known only through Jesus Christ. The Epistle presents the first in a series of visions of the LORD God in the person of Jesus Christ. 

V.13 makes clear that the eternal Son is in the midst of His Church when tribulation comes. Although He now wears a human form He is the glorified Messiah whose divine attributes are graphically described in Vv. 13-17. 

Almighty God, through Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, You overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life. We humbly pray that we may live before You in righteousness and purity forever; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. [2]-

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[1]Image of Christ appearing to St. Thomas http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/cc/Caravaggio_incredulity.jpg

[2] Lutheran Service Book, © 2006 Concordia Publishing House St. Louis