A Reflection on John 21

Lots going on in this final chapter (epilogue?) of John’s Gospel, including:

• A miraculous catch of fish
• Why does Peter put his clothes on and jump into the sea when he sees Jesus?
• The reinstatement of Peter and Jesus questioning his love.
• The final reveal on the author of the story.

A Reflection on John 20:24-31

One of the disciples is known as a doubter, but actually they all doubted, and we all do too at one time or another. The amazing thing is that Jesus just shows up and helps Thomas believe that he really is risen. We then get an encouragement to believe/abide in Christ (even if we don't see or have proof of his risen identity) and to receive  life.

In John 20:19-23, Jesus sends his followers after giving them his peace, and the gift of the Spirit, but he tells them that if they forgive the sins of anyone they are forgiven, and if they "retain the sins" of anyone they are retained. Just what might that mean for us?

A reflection on John 20:1-18

There is so much in these few verses as we think about the Easter narrative. Peter and the disciple whom Jesus loved have a race to the tomb. Mary thinks she meets a gardener, but it is Jesus, and then he commissions her to announce his resurrection and ascension.

A reflection on John 19:38-42

Interestingly, none of Jesus' closest followers are there just after Jesus dies. It is two "secret disciples" who care for Jesus' body. Could the "new tomb" and the garden be hints of what is to come in the next chapter?

A reflection on John 19:28-37

As Jesus dies on the cross we are connected to the main symbols of water, blood, and body that are so important in the earlier chapters of John. His body is given, his blood, and the water of life poured out.

A reflection on John 19:17-27

A sign is put on the cross that describes Jesus' identity, soldiers gamble for Jesus' clothes, and Jesus shows compassion for "his own" that were there when he died.

A reflection on John 18:28 - 19:16

There is so much going on in this section of John’s gospel where Jesus is sentenced to death.