John 21:1-19 Acts 9:1-6, (7-20); Psalm 30;
Today’s message is so impressive that I am moved every time I read it. The more I read this, the more mysterious I feel. In particular, the words of John 21 invite us to read them repeatedly.
It is about 200km from Jerusalem to Galilee, the setting of today’s sermon. The distance an adult walks per hour is estimated to be 4-6 km. Assuming we walk 5km per hour, we must walk continuously for at least 40 hours to get there. Of course, we do not know when Jesus appeared in Jerusalem and went to Galilee after the resurrection. The Greek word for afterward is also meta tauta, which refers to the passage of some time. However, the critical point is that 7 of the disciples who would later be called apostles were in Galilee. Of course, some of them may have run away because they were scared. Others may have heard the story of Thomas encountering the resurrected Jesus in Jerusalem. Others may have remembered the words written in Matthew 26:32: “But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” So maybe he thought he would wait in Galilee. They may have felt ashamed, afraid, and nervous.
What was Galilee like for Jesus and his disciples? It is the place where the disciples first met Jesus and where many episodes take place. They experienced many miracles here. They also gained great enlightenment through Jesus’ words. This is where they decided to follow Jesus, even if it meant giving up their jobs. That is the stage for today.
Why did Jesus choose this location? I think there is an answer to Jesus’ question in John verses 15 to 19. Jesus asks Peter. “Do you love me?” As Jesus asks this question three times, I remember Peter’s actions after Jesus said in Matthew 26:32 that he would go to Galilee after the resurrection. Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” 34 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”(Mt 26:33-34)
As we all know, Peter denied Jesus 3 times. The most trusted disciple committed the greatest betrayal. How deeply was Jesus disappointed with him? And how deeply frustrated was Peter? Jesus came to His disciples. And then he asked Peter a question. “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”(15) Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”(16) The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”(17)
Peter must have felt very sorry upon hearing this question. “Lord, I was wrong. I denied you. I failed your expectations. I’m sorry to disappoint you. But Jesus, I love you. You know that I love you.” Through these three questions and answers, Peter is called again to be a disciple. He now restores his trust and love for the Lord. Just as when Jesus called his disciples three years ago, and they dropped everything and followed him, Peter and the disciples made a decision here and now. As Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”(15)“Take care of my sheep.”(16)“Feed my sheep.”(17) Can you feel the rising tension and determination here, like a drama? Do you love Me? Well, let’s start small. Feed My Lambs Do you love me? Then take care of my sheep. Do you love me? Feed my sheep. Gradually, Jesus raises him with an incredible calling.
Today, Jesus came to Peter, who had no choice but to live with a broken heart. He comforted him and gave him what he most needed. Jesus met Peter, who had no choice but to be criticized and insulted by many people, including his disciples. Jesus gave him a mission in front of other people. He expressed trust in him.
In the past, when I experienced a crisis in the field of ministry, it was when I lacked love within myself. It was challenging to minister when faith in God and love for neighbors were lacking. I believe that Jesus created a way for Peter to return to the Lord. Jesus invites him again to express his firm trust in the Lord. Peter, who had the meaning of a rock, is now re-established to stand on the rock of faith. I am convinced that these amazing and touching words are Jesus’ invitation to all of us.
Next, Jesus comes to visit Saul. He made murderous threats to Jesus’ disciples. After receiving permission from the high priest, he captured Jesus’ disciples. He tormented Jesus’ disciples so terribly that his name became very famous. He went from Jerusalem to Galilee and continued to Damascus in Syria, where he arrested Jesus’ disciples. However, Jesus calls Saul again. “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”(4) “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”(6) How did those with Saul respond? Although they had eyes, they did not see the Lord, and although they had ears, they could not properly discern the voice of Jesus.
However, Jesus speaks to Ananias in a vision. “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street.” Ananias obeyed Jesus’ words. This is someone who may be a threat to him. But in the Lord he trusted. He eventually met Saul and prayed for him. “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (17) Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. (19)
This is Saul, who was at the scene of The Stoning of Stephen, the first martyrdom after Jesus’ crucifixion. He considered murder as a means for the sake of Judaism. Jesus made the fearless young leader of Judaism fall to the ground. The Lord chose Saul. “This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.”(15) He is my chosen instrument for the Gentiles. Jesus gave Saul a new opportunity. Jesus also foretells Saul’s suffering to comfort his disciples. “ I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”(16)
Dear friends, Jesus raises Saul. The Lord, who raised Peter and Saul again and gave them opportunities, raises us in the same way today. God gives us strength and invites us to a life full of the Holy Spirit. Let us live together with faith and love. In hope, let us express the Lord’s love to the world this week like the disciples. Amen.