After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. | John 21:1–8
It was Sunday night – the Sunday after Good Friday. That very morning Jesus had come out of the grave.
The women had told Jesus’ disciples about the empty grave and about the angel, and that the angel had said that Jesus was alive. Peter and John had run to see the empty tomb. But they hadnot seen the angel. Now all the disciples were together in one room. They had the door locked, because they were afraid. They thought Jesus’ enemies might come and get them, too, after they had killed Jesus.
Peter had just come in with good news. He said, “I saw Jesus! He talked to me!”
The disciples shook their heads. They could not believe that Jesus had come out of the grave,a dn that he was really alive again. Suddenly – knock, knock! Somebody was at the door. A voice called, “Let us in! We have good news!”
That was Cleopas. The disciples knew him. He was a good friend. They opened the door. Cleopas came in with another man. And their faces were shining with joy.
While somebody locked the door again, Cleopas said, “We saw Jesus! He walked with us and talked with us. He told us why He had to die!”
The disciples said, “Peter says he saw him, too! But how can He be alive again?”
And then, all at once, Jesus Himself was right there, in the room! He stood there, and He said to His disciples, “Peace be unto you!”
The disciples could hardly believe their eyes and ears. Was it really Jesus? He showed them His hands and feet, with the holes where the nails had been. And He showed them His side, where a soldier had stabbed Him. Still they could hardly believe it was really Jesus. But when He ate some fish and honey, at last they knew it was Jesus. It was their own dear Master, alive again.
Then Jesus told them why He had to die. Long, long ago God had promised to send a Saviour. He told them He was the Saviour. God had sent Him to die for the sins of the whole world, and to save His people so that they can live with Him forever.
Jesus did not stay with the disciples. He went away, and they did not see Him for a while. But He came back. He showed Himself to them now and then, for forty days. He wanted them to be sure that He was alive.
One time He met them by the Sea of Galilee, and had breakfast with them by the water.
Another time He came to five hundred friends. They all saw Him at the same time. Oh, how happy they were when they saw Him!
Something to talk about
- How did Jesus surprise the disciples that Sunday night?
- How could they be sure it was Jesus?
- How can we be sure it was Jesus?
Memory verse
Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore. | Revelation 1.17-18