The Epilogue - 5: The Saviour Standing at the Shore
Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | November 26 2024 | John 21:4-6
KEY VERSE:
Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know it was Jesus. John 21:4 (ESV)
MESSAGE:
Yesterday, we explored the perfect timing of Jesus' appearance. Today, we reflect on the profound image of the Saviour standing on the shore. The key verse reveals three significant points: the timing of Jesus' appearance, His position on the shore, and the disciples’ inability to recognise Him.
On the shore stood Jesus—the God Incarnate, Creator, and Sovereign Lord—ready to intervene in the lives of His weary disciples. He came not because they were deserving but because of His unchanging love and mercy.
Consider the seven disciples present, a group that included two unnamed individuals. Our human nature often overlooks the “ordinary” or untitled among us, but not Jesus. He cares for all. In this group was Peter, burdened by his guilt after denying Christ three times. The world might have dismissed him, saying, “It serves him right,” but Jesus, in His infinite love, still stands for Peter. Nathaniel, amazed by Jesus' insight (John 1:49), and Thomas, who confessed Jesus as Lord (John 20:28), were also present. And the sons of Zebedee, who boldly declared their readiness to share in Christ’s suffering (Mark 10:35-45), were there too, struggling to stay aligned with the calling they had received. Despite their failures, doubts, and distractions, Jesus does not withdraw His care or purpose for them. Jesus stood for all of them, unflinchingly offering a second chance.
The world often abandons those who falter, and even within the Church, grace for the repentant is sometimes scarce. Yet, Jesus remains the Redeemer who does not break a bruised reed or snuff out a smouldering wick. His presence on the shore is a testimony to His readiness to restore and renew, offering hope and purpose to the struggling and repentant. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Extend Christ-like grace to those in need, even to those who falter. Be a vessel of hope and restoration, just as Jesus was to His disciples. Let us remember that operating outside God’s will leads only to frustration, but aligning with His purpose brings fulfilment.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, thank You for always standing near, ready to restore and guide me. Help me extend that same grace to others and stay in tune with Your will. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: SHORE The word "shore" in the Greek text is aigialos (αἰγιαλός), referring to the seashore or beach—a transitional space between land and sea. Biblically, such locations often symbolize moments of divine encounter, transformation, or transition. In John 21:4, the shore becomes the stage for Jesus’ restorative interaction with His disciples after their fruitless labour. It represents a place of new beginnings and divine intervention. Jesus standing on the shore signifies His steadfast presence, waiting to guide His disciples from frustration into fruitfulness. It calls us to recognize that even when we fail, He is there, prepared to offer grace, direction, and renewal. It calls us to recognize that even when we fail, He is there, prepared to offer grace, direction, and renewal. Reflections: Jesus on the shore in John 21:4 symbolizes divine readiness to meet us where our efforts fall short. Trust His presence and follow His leading into new beginnings.
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