The Third Sunday of Easter

 Sermon Text: John 21:1-14

 Other Readings: Acts 9:1-22 and Revelation 5:11-14

 

1. Explain what it means that, “None of the disciples dared ask [Jesus], ‘Who are you?’ They knew it was the Lord” (v. 12). 
    
2. Who is likely “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (v. 6)?
    
3. Jesus is here called “the Lord” (v. 7) by his disciples. What are some other titles or names that Jesus was called? Why, here, might the disciples have chosen “the Lord”?
    
4. Why do you think Peter was so impulsive and swam to Jesus?

 

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1. We can’t say for sure. Perhaps it was out of awe and reverence, as one commentator put it. Another commentator suggests, “To ask it now, after hearing that “It is the Lord” (v. 7), would be to ask for verification, something Thomas had already embarrassed himself by demanding, and something Jesus had given twice before without being asked.”
    
2. The strongest case is for Saint John, the author of this Gospel. Some try to cast suspicion on this, but it seems like John is too shy to name himself in his account.
    
3. Jesus was also by other titles/names, such as “Teacher.” Perhaps they preferred to refer to him as “Lord” because it stresses his power and authority and by calling him “Lord,” they are reflecting their reverence, trust, and love for him and his power.
    
4. As with some of the other answers above, we can’t say for sure. But Peter’s personality does seem to be impulsive, as evidenced by other accounts in the Gospels. One commentator also added, “Peter by this time therefore knew that despite his denial he had been reinstated to the apostolic office, and that he had been received into the grace of his Lord. It was undoubtedly this knowledge that prompted him to show his gratitude toward his Lord by hastening to him as fast as conditions would permit. A grateful heart is always eager to meet its Lord.”