The Death and Resurrection of Jesus: The Appearance, Part 2 - SERMON NOTES

Intro: (1) Jesus meets disciples back home (cf. Mark 14:28) → MAP (2) meeting Jesus in everyday life

Jesus meets us in failure (2-3): (1) v.2 → seven disciples, (i.e. those from this region) → no longer behind locked doors (3) first introduced in ch.1 → think of all the ups/downs since then (4) v.3 → return to their normal work (5) the Lord ordains fishing failure as their final lesson (cf. Mt. 4:19, John 15:5) (6) LESSON → it is when we fail in our own strength that we learn to live in the strength of Christ (cf. Space X)

Jesus meets us in obedience (4-6): (1) v.4 → another dawn appearance, lack of recognition (2) v.5-6 → another Jesus question, followed by a command and a promise (3) they obey and are immediately incredibly successful (4) it is the admission of failure that paves the way for Jesus to work (cf. 2 Cor. 4:7) (5) LESSON → obedience to Christ is what makes his word come alive (cf. running magazines, SS)

Jesus meets us in success (7-8): (1) v.7 → John recognizes Jesus, Peter jumps in to swim to him (2) John’s reverence vs. Peter’s cannonball (3) contrast of Peter’s response to former miraculous catch (cf. Luke 5:4-10) → change brought on by experience of grace (4) v.8 → rest of the disciples arrive with heavy catch (5) LESSON → handling “success” well only possible when we treasure Jesus more (cf. actor)

Jesus meets us in hospitality (9-11): (1) v.9-10 → Jesus offers practical care for their physical needs (2) meals in the Bible (cf. Carla G, shep groups, GWCTD, summer soul care, prayer services) → when is the last time you initiated sharing a meal with someone? (3) v.11 → the net is over capacity (i.e. 153), but does not break (4) LESSON → hospitality is the universal opportunity for evangelism (cf. waffle house)

Jesus meets us in perpetuity (12-14): (1) v.12 → Jesus invites them to eat, likely in awe of his post-resurrection form (2) v.13 → Jesus prepares/serves them food takes (cf. foot-washing) (3) Jesus meets them in their daily, dirty existence → seven regular guys, two of whom we don’t even know their names (4) LESSON → Jesus shows up repeatedly, anywhere and everywhere (cf. elevator operator)

Conclusion: picture of Christian life, from beginning at conversion to end in eternity