April 8, 2023
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in our Lenten readings from “The Life of Jesus”? Here’s today’s reading:
Day 29 in the Book: “The Life of Jesus“
The Last Forty Days
Read Sections 6.9 through 6.12 (pages 190-193)
This book is an account of Jesus’ life and teachings told through in chronological order from the four Gospels to create one continuous story.
*If you do not have a copy of the book please contact the church at (401)667-0775 and we can get you a copy.
The truth about Jesus meeting the apostles by the sea of Tiberius I’ve done enough fishing to know what it feels like to come in with no fish. Many times I said a prayer and casted on the other side of boat. Never worked!! Peter’s reaction is awesome jumping out of the boat almost walking on water to get to Jesus. Love his heart. Jesus restores him by questioning him three times must have hurt. But needed. Jesus tells Peter what his future holds. Whatever our future holds. To know our father has work for us to do and when that is finished. How we go home to be with him is Gods business. Jesus final instructions To make more disciples baptizing and teaching All authority over all things have been given to Jesus. To think the one who said. I no longer call you servants but friends. Is in control of all things. And the promise. I will be with you always until the end of this age. Tell me of any better news in this life!!!!!
Amen Mark to your comments. That is probably why Jesus spoke to him alone and said the question to Peter in three ways. Also earlier Jesus reminded Peter that he was praying for him. Satan wanted to sift him like wheat. Also Jesus encouraged Peter be there for the others. I believe that Peter is the only one of apostles that Jesus said how he would die. We know through history and tradition how they all died. John was the only one that lived to a old age. Jesus latter gives instructions to the 11 disciples to wait in Jerusalem unto they are filled with the Holy Spirit and then go and make disciples of all nations teaching them so they will also make disciples. Preaching Jesus and His Word. I was lead to Christ through a Navy man [ Larry ]. that was active with the ministry of the Navigators. A ministry that shared Christ with people in the military and colleges. Larry had also been lead to Christ three years before by someone else that was also active with the Navigators. I forgot his name but I met him. Spiritually speaking I was his grandson. Anyways this is how it`s suppose to work. Making disciples.
On lent 2023 day 29
Day 29
6.9-6.12
Thanks. Dennis. I love this daily reading. We both have been reading scripture for years. But I love reading and agreeing with my brothers and sisters. Am so glad you have made this daily commitment. I read your comments and are blessed by them. So glad you made this decision. Love you my brother
I so appreciate Jesus’ interaction with Peter here. It is very reflective of how He graciously restores everyone who comes to him humbly and with confession. I imagine it is not an accident that Jesus asks Peter 3 times whether he loves Him, so as to be a direct reflection of the 3 times he denied Him. And how important it is that we keep our eyes on Jesus and just follow Him and not worry ourselves over how God is working in someone else’s life. It is also fitting that Jesus would give the disciples and us our marching orders. He has shown that He has all authority and has every right to tell His followers what they should do next. What an important part of His life and message too. He never intended for His work to impact just that generation or that area of the world. He died for all and so that message had to be spread…and this commission goes on today in our lives as believers as well. And yet He also was not going to leave them on their own to accomplish this mission. He would send His Spirit and the Holy Spirt would provide the energy to be His representatives. And that effectively will be the coming of the kingdom, or at least its application/implication, not whatever the disciples are asking about Jesus establishing His kingdom. Salvation of the soul is the emphasis, not victory in society or overcoming earthly power. Seems the emphasis is the same today as well….
Jesus prepares his followers for the work they are to do sharing the kingdom of God with all people. First, he allows for Peter to affirm his love for him 3 times so that he can put the shame of his denial behind him. Then he helps his followers understand the Scriptures about him. Most importantly, he promises the Holy Spirit to help them and give them power, and he promises to be with them always. They were still wondering whether Jesus would restore the kingdom of Israel back to them, but Jesus redirects them saying they are to focus on telling people about him. We need to do the same. Not focus so much on when Jesus will come back and make all things new, but focus on sharing the light of Christ with others.
I did find it so interesting that He asked Peter 3 times the same number of times He denied Him. It is reassuring to know that even when He knows we are going to mess up He is there waiting for us to come back to Him….and sometimes a second, third, or even more chances are available to us 😉
He knows everything about us, the way, place and time we entered this world and the way, place, and time we will leave. He is all knowing and powerful and has a plan for each of us to help accomplish His work here on earth!
Peter is given the opportunity to confirm his love for Jesus 3x….after denying Him 3x.
Peter asks about John, the disciple Jesus loved, and his fate. Jesus tells Peter, ‘what I choose to do with him is no concern of yours, follow Me.’ I think it is funny that John addresses this “fake news” in his gospel writing. He corrects the “spin”.
“Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?”
24 This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true.”