Jesus Reinstates Peter

April 23, 2023 Background Scripture: John 21: 15 - 25 Lesson Passage: John 21: 15 - 19 When we act based on what we believe to be in our best interest, it is difficult to apologize for doing so. Even when we know we were wrong for our actions, or words, apologizing can still be very difficult. I am not referring to the words "I'm sorry." Speaking words is easy. Having those words be in harmony with our innermost emotions is difficult. Deep down inside of us we know the likelihood of repeating our actions given the same set of circumstances. If we are willing to repeat it, then we are not sorry for our actions, or words, in the past. We might still say "I'm sorry" so the offended person feels better. Speaking insincere words doesn't work when God is the One offended, or slighted. God knows our innermost thoughts and emotions. God knows when there is no harmony between our words and our thoughts, or emotions. Put another way, God knows when we have no remorse. With God, we are either sorry for our actions or not. And He knows when our words don't match our thoughts. Peter was in a difficult situation in today's text. Peter was told beforehand that he was going to fail a character test of loyalty. Peter adamantly denied that he would ever fail a test of his loyalty, and even made himself look superior to the other disciples in his denial. When he failed miserably, the Lord looked at him and Peter was embarrassed. As Peter and Jesus walked on the shore after breakfast, Jesus asked him if he loved Him more than the others. This was a stark reminder that Peter claimed that his loyalty to Jesus was superior to the other disciples. We need to refer to the Greek language to understand the conversation between Jesus and Peter, The Greek language uses several words that are translated "love" in the English language. Two of those Greek words are used in today's text. (The fact that several Greek words are translated as "love" in the English language shows the limitation of the English language in properly expressing Greek thought.) "Agape" means a divine love that is motivated by the needs of the one who is loved. Agape is an act of the will of the one who loves, and one finds joy in expressing it. "Phileo" means the love between friends, or to befriend. In today's text, Jesus used the word "agape" the first two times He questioned Peter. Peter responded by using the word "phileo". The third time Jesus used the word "phileo" and so did Peter. In English, it would be like Jesus asking about being "loved" and Peter responding that he "likes" Him. This conversation is a case of two individuals having two different conversations about the same topic. Regardless of whether Peter could show the determination, or the will, to commit to "agape" or not, Jesus still made His request known to Peter. I believe Peter experienced what all Christians experience. Our relationship with Christ causes us to confront our true character. And when we do that, we are reminded that we were lost and needed to be saved. We could never become what God intends for us to be without the grace of God delivering us from our hopeless situation and restoring us to the place where He wants us to be. Jesus had declared that He had given Peter the keys along with the authority to open the door to salvation for others. Jesus restored Peter to the proper relationship with Him so Peter would again demonstrate the boldness to live up to his calling. The salvation of the Jewish people would hinge on Peter's first sermon. Gentiles would be brought into that same salvation through Peter's preaching at the house of Cornelius. Peter failed a character test that would have disqualified him for such a task, but Jesus reinstated Peter. Robert C. Hudson April 1, 2023

Jesus Cooks Breakfast

April 16, 2023 Background Scripture: John 21 - 14 Lesson Passage: John 21:1 - 14 Old habits are very hard to break. When we engage in an activity for an extended period, it takes more than a made-up mind to stop doing it. We are creatures of habit Three years prior to the events in today's text, Jesus told two fishermen to follow Him and He would make them become fishers of men. At that time, they immediately left their fishing business and their father and followed Jesus. After three years of witnessing miracles, hearing astounding doctrinal teaching, and seeing a wrongful arrest and crucifixion and miraculous resurrection three days after the crucifixion, Peter said, "I am going fishing." Peter was one of the two men Jesus called to follow Him and become fishers of men. After three challenging years of learning from Jesus through His examples and precepts, Peter returned to what was more familiar to him—fishing. And when Peter announced his intention to go fishing, six of the other disciples said, "We are going with you also." They went out and immediately got into a boat. (Note that after three years of following Jesus, they still had their fishing equipment.) We are not told what time it was when they got into the boat, but we are told that they were in the boat all night until the morning. They did not catch any fish that night. That morning a man stood on the shore and called out to them and asked if they had caught any fish. They answered no. The man told them to cast their net on the right side of the boat and they will find some fish. After casting their net as instructed, the net was so filled with fish that they could not pull it into the boat. They had to drag the net to the shore with the fish. By that time, they knew that the man on the shore was Jesus. When they arrived on the shore, Jesus was cooking fish and bread. Jesus told them to bring some of the fish they had caught. Jesus invited them to come and eat breakfast. Jesus then served them bread and fish. Those seven men knew Jesus had called them to become fishers of men. Jesus had demonstrated everything He asked them to do. They had made a commitment to follow Jesus. After Jesus was arrested, their commitment proved to not be very deep. Although their commitment was not very stable, Jesus was just as committed to them as ever. He was still demonstrating the principle, "He who would be the greatest of all must be a servant of all." Jesus had recently defeated death and the grave and He was still willing to serve those who could not make a firm commitment to follow Him. Rather than chastise them for returning to fishing, Jesus told them how to be successful while fishing. He knew they would be hungry in the morning, so He had prepared food for them to eat when they arrived at the shore. Jesus expressed "agape" love to them. Expressing agape love is an act of the will and the one who does so is motivated by the needs of the one loved and not necessarily by their desires. The one who loves in this manner also finds joy in doing so. Jesus' love for His disciples was not based on who they were, but it was based on who He is. Christians are affected by Jesus' love for us. The evidence that His disciples were affected is suggested by the fact that this was the last recorded fishing trip they took in the Bible. The remainder of the biblical record shows them fishing for men in the Book of Acts. Jesus loved them into obedience. Robert C Hudson April 1, 2023

Disciples Believe the Resurrection

April 9, 2023 Background Scripture: Luke 24: 13 - 49 Lesson Passage: Luke 24:13 - 27, 30 - 31 Last week's lesson was about the empty tomb. The text revealed the roller coaster of emotions resulting from it. That roller coaster had yet to reach its height. That is what happened in the text of today's lesson. After the report of the women about the empty tomb, there was still much doubt in the minds of His disciples as to what happened to the body of Jesus. Two of Jesus' followers walked towards the village of Emmaus the same day of the women's report. They discussed among themselves all the events of the past few days. As they walked and talked, Jesus joined them and asked about their conversation. Anyone who did not know about the events concerning the three-year ministry of the Jewish prophet, and the violent way it ended must be new in town. So, they gave a brief synopsis of Jesus' ministry and the Jews' expectation that He would have been their long-awaited deliverer. Unfortunately, the chief priests and rulers of the Jews delivered Him to be arrested by the authorities and crucified. It became more complicated that morning because of the report of the empty tomb by the women. They had no idea they were talking to the risen Lord. Jesus recounted to them what was written in the Law and Prophets about the Messiah Israelis long-awaited deliverer. What the Messiah suffered was clearly foretold in the holy writings centuries before it happened. Jesus defended all that had happened to Him because it was according to the will of God. They neared home as the evening approached and they invited Jesus to come in the house with them and stay for the night. They were not allowed to recognize Jesus even as He sat at the table with them. Finally, after Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them, their eyes were opened. What opened their eyes? It happened after Jesus broke bread and gave it to them. Did they see the wounds in His hands when He handled the bread? The scriptures do not tell us how they knew, but they knew they were looking at the risen Jesus! Then He vanished from their sight. They recalled how they felt as He talked with them and expounded the scriptures. Although it was late in the day, they immediately returned to Jerusalem and found the other followers. The others were discussing Jesus' resurrection and appearance to Peter earlier. The two disciples who returned from Emmaus declared to the group that they had seen the risen Jesus also. It was through the breaking of bread that their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him. Suddenly, Jesus appeared in the meeting amid them all. He invited them to look at the wounds in His hands and feet, and to touch His body and see that He was real. Jesus asked for food and after receiving it, He ate it in their presence. Again, further evidence of His physical body. They were not looking at a disembodied spirit. He reminded the group of the prophesies concerning Him and the necessity of their fulfillment. They were eyewitnesses to what had happened. They were charged to begin the propagation of the good news in Jerusalem and to extend it to all nations. It is only through Jesus that sins will be taken away from people. Jesus promised to send them the spiritual help they would need to proceed with this charge. They were told to stay in Jerusalem until they receive the Promise of God. Then they would have the spiritual ability to carry out their assignment, It was through seeing the risen Jesus that His disciples believed the resurrection. Today, it is only through believing in the resurrection of Jesus that God opens our eyes to see. Robert C, Hudson March 16, 2023