The Epilogue - 14: Preparation for the Task Ahead
Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | December 5 2024 | John 21:1-14
KEY VERSE:
This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after He was raised from the dead. John 21:14 (ESV)
MESSAGE:
In our previous devotional, we reflected on how Jesus met the disciples' needs and imparted eternal truths. Today, we continue by revisiting the earlier appearances, exploring how they connect with the final one in John 21:1-14. As the apostle Paul notes in Philippians 3:1, repetition serves as a safeguard, and Peter encourages us in 2 Peter 3:1 to stir up sincere minds with reminders.
The pattern is clear:
Jesus appears to meet a pressing need, and then He adds a dimension related to the task ahead.
In the first encounter (John 20:19-23), we observe a commendable act by the disciples: they remained together despite the fear that caused many groups to scatter after their leader's death. As noted in 1 Kings 1:49, "Then all the guests of Adonijah trembled and rose, and each went his own way," thereby scattering Adonijah's ambition to succeed King David. In Acts 5:33-39, Gamaliel cites two groups that disintegrated once their leaders died. In contrast, the disciples stood together. However, their fear kept them behind locked doors, which was hardly an effective defence—they could have all been eliminated if their hiding place had been discovered. But Jesus entered, declared peace, and equipped them for the mission ahead. Jesus' appearances calmed fear and prepared His disciples for the mission ahead. As followers of Christ, we must unite to spread His message and align our lives with God's purpose. With His presence, our mission is unstoppable.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Three appearances, three different needs—yet the focus remained on the same goal: preparing the disciples for the greater task. For us, sometimes, we often fail to link local priorities with broader goals, whether in politics or church work. We must ensure our daily activities serve God's larger purpose and advance His Kingdom.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to achieve proper synergies in my life and ministry so that my actions reflect Your greater purpose. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: AFTER The Greek word meta (μετά) means "after," "with," or "among." It signifies a sense of following or sequence in time, indicating something that occurs later or subsequent to something else. In John 21:14, meta indicates that this appearance of Jesus occurs after His previous post-resurrection appearances. It marks a moment in the unfolding of Jesus' mission and the disciples' transformation. The word "after" here emphasizes the continuity of Jesus' relationship with His disciples following His resurrection, reinforcing that the disciples are not left to fend for themselves but are still under His guidance and preparation for the mission ahead Reflection: The use of "after" shows that Jesus' work continues even after His resurrection. It challenges us to consider how we move forward in our own lives after significant encounters with Jesus. Are we prepared to continue His work after our moments of encounter and growth?
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