What is the meaning of John 21:14? This was now the third time - John is counting recorded post-resurrection meetings. The first two are in John 20:19-23 and 20:26-29. - By noting “third,” John underlines the factual, historical nature of these encounters (cf. Acts 1:3, “He presented Himself to them with many convincing proofs over forty days”). - Repetition comforts the disciples and confirms the certainty of their mission (cf. Deuteronomy 19:15, “on the testimony of two or three witnesses”). that Jesus appeared to the disciples - “Appeared” tells us this was a visible, bodily event, not a vision. Luke 24:36-43 shows Jesus eating fish to demonstrate physical reality. - He seeks out His followers where they are—behind locked doors (John 20:19) or here by the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1)—revealing His ongoing shepherding heart (John 10:14). - Each appearance carries instruction: peace (John 20:21), faith (20:27-29), and now commission and restoration (21:15-19). - The pattern models how the risen Lord still meets believers, equips them, and then sends them (Matthew 28:16-20). to the disciples - The focus is the believing community. Jesus’ resurrection is not a private experience but a shared reality that forges unity (Ephesians 4:4-6). - By appearing to the same group repeatedly, He solidifies their witness foundation (1 John 1:1-3). - Thomas’ earlier absence and later inclusion (John 20:24-29) stress that no disciple is expendable; all are drawn into the testimony. after He was raised from the dead - John anchors everything in the literal, bodily resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:4). - “Raised” points to the Father’s vindication of the Son (Romans 6:4) and guarantees our future resurrection (1 Peter 1:3-4). - Because death is defeated (Romans 6:9), the disciples can minister without fear (Acts 4:33, “With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus”). - The resurrection is not merely a past event; it inaugurates Jesus’ present reign and perpetual presence with His people (Revelation 1:17-18). summary John 21:14 underscores the historical certainty and ongoing significance of Jesus’ bodily resurrection. By recording this “third” appearance, John shows how the risen Christ repeatedly, tangibly, and purposefully reveals Himself to His gathered followers, grounding their faith, uniting them in shared testimony, and empowering them for mission. |
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