“This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.”– John 21:14 (KJV)
“This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead.”– John 21:14 (NLT)
“This was now the third time Jesus had shown up to his disciples after being raised from the dead.”– John 21:14 (MSG)
What Does John 21:14 Mean?
In John 21:14, we see a special reference to the number three, highlighting the significance of this encounter between Jesus and his disciples. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His followers on several occasions. This verse confirms that this specific encounter is the third time He revealed Himself to them.
The repetition of the number three brings to mind its biblical importance. In Scripture, the number three often symbolizes completeness and divine perfection. For example, the Trinity represents the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. By appearing three times, Jesus not only reassures His disciples of His resurrection but also emphasizes His commitment to them as a group of believers.
Through this verse, we witness Jesus’ desire to build a connection with His followers, to help them grow in faith. The resurrection is not just a moment; it represents ongoing hope and an unbroken relationship between Him and His people. Jesus took time to reveal Himself to the disciples, reinforcing the fact that He is alive and intimately involved in their lives.
John 21:14 Explanation and Commentary
When we think about John 21:14, we can’t help but feel the warmth and love that Jesus had for His disciples. Imagine how they must have felt—fearful, confused, and unsure about what lay ahead after His crucifixion. In appearing to them three times, Jesus provided a powerful reminder that He had conquered death and that there was hope for their future.
With our faith today, we can recognize that these appearances were not coincidences but deliberate acts by Jesus to affirm His mission. By showing Himself, He gave His disciples the boldness needed to spread the gospel. His resurrection was not just a personal victory but the cornerstone of our faith. As believers, we share in that victory, and it is just as essential today as it was then.
The third appearance also underscores Jesus’ intention of preparing His disciples for their future ministry. They would need strength and courage to face the many challenges that awaited them. The fact that He chose to reveal Himself to them in such a profound way echoes His love and concern for their spiritual well-being. This moment paved the way for their empowerment through the Holy Spirit.
This empowerment takes us beyond the historical significance of the resurrection to its personal application in our lives today. Every time we face uncertainty or fear, we can recall the reassurance that Jesus is always present with us, just as He was with His disciples. His life, death, and resurrection serve as a powerful testament to God’s unwavering love and commitment to us.
Context of John 21:14
To understand John 21:14 fully, we need to consider the context surrounding the verse. Before this chapter, we read about the events leading up to the crucifixion and the despair that followed. The disciples were grappling with the loss of their leader and the dreams they had envisioned for the future.
After Jesus’ resurrection, He met Mary Magdalene, who became the first to witness the empty tomb. Following that, He appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, providing them insightful conversations that rekindled their hope. Finally, He meets with the disciples gathered together, and this third appearance in John 21 serves to solidify the resurrection narrative.
When we look closely at the chapter, we notice that the disciples had returned to their previous lives in fishing. They were struggling to catch anything when Jesus appeared on the shore, asking them if they had caught any fish. He guided them to a miraculous catch, highlighting His authority as the risen Lord. This moment ultimately led to Peter’s recommissioning, where Jesus affirmed his role as a leader among the disciples.
This context offers us a glimpse into how Jesus transforms their despair into a divine mission. Each appearance purposefully builds on their understanding of who Jesus is and what they are called to do. It reminds us that even in our moments of doubt or confusion, Jesus is ever-present, guiding us back to our purpose.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 21:14
As we break down John 21:14, we can identify specific components that carry significant meanings. The words “this is now the third time” are essential for establishing the importance of repeated encounters. The mention of “third” signifies completeness, reinforcing that Jesus’ interactions were part of a divine plan.
Next, we should consider the phrase “Jesus showed Himself.” This word choice implies that Jesus took an active role in revealing Himself to the disciples. It’s not merely about appearing physically, but about manifesting His victory over death and giving assurance. It is a reminder that Jesus actively seeks us out in our struggles.
Furthermore, “to His disciples” points to a community. Jesus is not revealing Himself to a single individual, but to a group. In our spiritual journey, we often find strength in community. Together, we can support and uplift each other, facing life’s challenges with the shared understanding of our faith.
Finally, “after that he was risen from the dead” shows the transformational power of the resurrection. This phrase encapsulates the core of our belief as Christians. We believe that Jesus conquered death, providing us with hope and the promise of eternal life. It fundamentally changes our perspective on life, death, and our purpose. The impact of this statement is profound, calling us to live out our faith boldly.
Lessons to Learn From John 21:14
There are numerous lessons we can draw from John 21:14 that resonate with our everyday lives. One significant lesson is the reassurance of Jesus’ presence in our lives. Just like the disciples, we face uncertainties. However, knowing that Jesus is with us helps us stay hopeful and courageous. We can trust that He will reveal Himself to us in our moments of doubt, affirming our faith in Him.
Another lesson is the importance of community in our faith journey. The disciples were together when Jesus appeared, emphasizing how crucial it is for us to remain connected with fellow believers. This connection provides us with encouragement, shared experiences, and the assurance that we are not alone in our struggles.
We can also reflect on our purpose. Just as Jesus prepared the disciples for their mission, we are offered guidance in discovering our divine calling. We may find ourselves hesitating or unsure, just like Peter and the other disciples. However, each of us has a role in spreading the gospel and sharing God’s love. We must embrace that calling, echoing the sentiments captured in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands us to go and make disciples.
Lastly, we can take away the powerful message of hope in the resurrection. In a world cluttered with challenges, we can remind ourselves of the eternal hope that comes from our belief in Jesus. His resurrection offers us the promise of salvation and new life. It empowers us to navigate life’s difficulties knowing that death does not have the final word in our lives.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on John 21:14, let us not overlook the richness of this passage. Each interaction between Jesus and His disciples holds profound implications for our lives today. The reassurance of His presence, our connection in community, our purpose in serving, and the hope found in His resurrection all come together beautifully.
We are called to remember that Jesus is ever-present, actively seeking us out and walking alongside us. Whether we are facing doubts, challenges, or moments of joy, He invites us to lean on Him. Together, we can grow in our faith and support one another through the highs and lows of life.
So let us encourage one another to explore more topics that deepen our faith. Together, we can grow and learn from the Word. Please take a moment to visit more engaging topics like John 7:10, and Numbers 13:4. Let us cherish our relationship with Jesus and impact those around us with His love.