Wednesday May 3, 2023

Today is Wednesday, May 3 and we continue to study the Post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus.

I center myself to be in the presence of my loving Savior. I calm my breath, inhaling and exhaling deeply. I quiet my restless thoughts and fix the eyes of my soul on Jesus.

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, Savior and Friend, I turn to you in the morning stillness and long to feel the comfort of your touch. Open the ears of my heart and help me hear your voice speaking into the events of the upcoming day. Amen.

I worship a God of mercy, love and compassion; I praise him with the words of Psalm 145.

The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. Psalm 145:8-9

Pause and Pray

Jesus predicted that Peter would deny him three times before the rooster crowed. That is exactly what happened. The night Jesus was arrested, he was taken to the high priest Caiaphas’ house for a late-night trial. When Peter entered the courtyard, the woman who guarded the gate asked if he was one of Jesus’ disciples and he denied it. The Temple police were also there. Peter joined them as they gathered to warm themselves around a charcoal fire. They asked Peter if he was one of Jesus’ disciples and he denied it. Then one of the slaves recognized him from the encounter in the Garden of Gethsemane. He asked Peter if he was one of Jesus’ disciples and he denied it. At that moment a rooster crowed. (John 18:17-27). Now, after the resurrection, Jesus comes to Peter.

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. John 21:15-17

Around one charcoal fire, Peter denied Jesus three times. Around another charcoal fire, Jesus asked Peter three questions. At a holy meal, Jesus served breakfast on the beach and restored Peter into right relationship. Peter let Jesus down. I let Jesus down too. I fail at being a faithful disciple, I miss the mark, I trespass where I should not go, and I fall short of living the way Jesus would want me to. I prioritize other things above my relationship with Jesus. I often pursue other interests, make idols of the things of this world and fail to put Christ first in my life.

Ask: What do I need to ask Jesus to forgive me for today? Where have I let him down?

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord Jesus, I come humbly to the sacred meal you provide and kneel at your feet. I am aware of my sins and transgressions. You see all things and know my shortcomings and failures. In your mercy, I ask for forgiveness and restoration. Cleanse me of my sin, renew me in your love and give me a fresh start once again. I read the words from John again and listen for the message you have for me.

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. John 21:15-17

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

Peter first had to be restored in right relationship with Jesus and then he is sent out into the world to serve others. Jesus feeds Peter and the disciples on the beach, and then he sends Peter out to feed his followers. “Feed my lambs, tend my sheep, feed my sheep,” he commands. Like Peter, I am sent to love, care for and feed others. As Christ has loved and nourished me, so I in turn am to love and nourish others in his name. I consider where Jesus may want me to go to serve him today. Who needs his comfort and love?

Pause and Pray

Jesus, your love is unstoppable. Thank you that you won’t settle for separation, but come to find me, reveal yourself, invite me to dine, and give me countless opportunities to be restored in relationship with you. Thank you for your precious blood shed upon the cross as a sacrifice for my sin. Thank you for loving me so much that you died for me. Restore me in your love. Amen.

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” John 20:21

I go from this place a redeemed sinner, saved by the blood of Christ. I am sent to love, care for and feed others in his name.

Amen