Dear Friends. Tuesday 21st April 2020.
For our Bible Study this week, I am sharing a “Word of Life Ministries” Reflection by Francis Dixon on the “Post Easter” theme of the conversations that Jesus had as recorded in Holy Scripture, with people after his resurrection. I hope that this, along with the collated “Prayer Book and Prayer Chain” prayer suggestions will be of help to you all in your own reflections and devotions this week.
May God richly bless you all.
Pastor Colin
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Study 10 WITH HIS DISCIPLES AFTER THE RESURRECTION
OUR LORD’Â’S INTERVIEWS. by Francis Dixon
(Scripture Portion: John 21: 1-19)
(Scripture Portion: John 21: 1-19).
Breakfast by the Sea
21 After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.”
They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and [a]immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?”
They answered Him, “No.”
6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.
7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. 9 Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”
11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”—knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish.
14 This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.
Jesus Restores Peter
15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of [b]Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”
He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I [c]love You.”
He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”h
16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of [d]Jonah, do you love Me?”
He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I [e]love You.”
He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”
17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of [f]Jonah, do you [g]love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”
And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. 18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”
Footnotes:
a.John 21:3 NU omits immediately
b.John 21:15 NU John
c.John 21:15 have affection for
d.John 21:16 NU John
e.John 21:16 have affection for
f.John 21:17 NU John
g.John 21:17 have affection for
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We shall now consider our LordÂ’’s interviews with a few of His disciples during the forty days between His resurrection and His ascension, and our study is based on three words in Matthew 28:9: “…“…Jesus met them.”” It is hard for us to realise the great upheaval through which His disciples had passed. For three years they had left loved ones to follow the Lord, and now their Saviour had suffered and died on a Roman gibbet like a common criminal, and the whole city was talking about it. What a dreadful experience for them! – –until early on Easter Day, when some of the disciples went to the tomb and found it empty, and the Angel told them that He had risen. As they hurried off to spread the news, suddenly –- ““Jesus met them””. How very significant these words are!
“1. “Jesus met them.”” He took the initiative. Evidently He was searching for them; and this is His attitude towards us today. He is always coming to us, to help us and to assure us of His presence. These disciples were never the same again after this meeting, and we are never the same again after we have really met with Christ.
“2. “JESUS met them.”” It does not say, “”The Lord met them””, nor does it say ““Christ met them””, but it was Jesus, their friend, who met them. He is of course God, the Just and Holy One; but when He reveals Himself to us it is as ““Jesus” – look up and compare Acts 9:5.
(Acts9:1-5. Saul’s Conversion- 1Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”5“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6“Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”).
“3. “Jesus MET them.”” They saw Him, they heard His voice and they touched Him. He was the same Lord Jesus and He was alive! The resurrection of Christ, the fact that He died, was buried, that He rose again and is alive today, is the best attested fact in history.
4. ““Jesus met THEM.”” To whom does “”them”” refer? Of course, He met all His disciples –- the Eleven, His mother, the other women, and later on “about five hundred of the brothers” (1 Corinthians 15:6).
Let us single out a few individuals and groups of people whom He especially met, because they are typical of those whom the Lord meets today.
1. MARY MAGDALENE, overwhelmed with grief which was turned into joy.
(John 20:1-16.
New King James Version (NKJV)
The Empty Tomb
20 Now the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.”
3 Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb. 4 So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. 5 And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the [a]handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed. 9 For as yet they did not [b]know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went away again to their own homes.
Mary Magdalene Sees the Risen Lord
11 But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?”
She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.”
14 Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?”
She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.”
16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!”
She turned and said to [c]Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher).
Footnotes:
a.John 20:7 face cloth
b.John 20:9 understand
c.John 20:16 NU adds in Hebrew)
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Poor Mary! She owed so much to her Lord because out of her He had cast seven devils. She had thought He was dead and that she would never see Him again, and her heart was broken. Are you in that same position –- consumed with grief and sorrow? You have been bereaved or a crushing disappointment has almost overwhelmed you. You can meet with Him right now because He is by your side, the same victorious, living, loving Lord! He has conquered death and is alive, and He comes to comfort you in your grief and to turn your sorrow into joy. As Christians we have the most glorious hope because death has been conquered, the grave has been overcome, and heaven has been opened for all believers (Revelation 4:1). Ask the Lord to meet with you at the point of your sorrow, to give you His comfort and joy.
2. TWO DISCIPLES, sad and disappointed, whose outlook was changed.
(Luke 24:15-21 (particularly notice verse 21) –- ““but we had hoped…”…”
15 So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him.
17 And He said to them, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you [a]walk and are sad?”
18 Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, “Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?”
19 And He said to them, “What things?”
So they said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. 21 But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened.
Footnotes:
a.Luke 24:17. And they stood still, looking sad).
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(particularly notice verse 21) –- ““but we had hoped that it was He who was going to redeem Israel”.
–- but all their hopes were dashed to the ground! Maybe this describes your present condition; your whole situation seems hopeless and you feel desperate. This is exactly how these disciples felt on the walk to Emmaus; but ““Jesus met them””, had a wonderful interview with them, and afterwards they could say –- verse 32. What a change took place! Now they had a burning heart and were overflowing with joy and hope. The same experience can be yours today.
3. A COMPANY OF DISCIPLES, very fearful, who experienced His peace and joy.
(John 20:19-20.The Apostles Commissioned
19 Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were [a]assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.
Footnotes:
John 20:19 NU omits assembled)
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It was natural for them to be fearful. Jesus had been crucified, so what would happen now to His followers? They even hid behind locked doors, and suddenly –- Jesus came! He had an interview with them and their fear vanished. If you are fearful read 1 John 4:18. Seek an interview with Jesus and He will say to you –- Isaiah 41:10.
(1 John 4:18 New King James Version (NKJV)- 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.).
(Isaiah 41:10 New King James Version (NKJV) 10 Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’)
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4. THOMAS, who could not believe without evidence, until Jesus appeared.
(John 20:21-29. New King James Version (NKJV)-21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
Seeing and Believing
24 Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.”
So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”
26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” 27 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.”
28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Jesus said to him, [a]“Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Footnotes:
John 20:29 NU, M omit Thomas)
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Thomas was not with the other disciples when Jesus first met them, and when they told him that Jesus had risen he refused to believe it. He replied, ‘‘I must have evidence’Â’ (see John 20:25). A week later Jesus met Thomas (John 20:27) and immediately he was convinced (John 20:27-28). Many people say, ‘‘If I can’t see I won’t believe!’Â’ Let us accept this challenge, then. Read the account of the Crucifixion in the four Gospels. See the Lord Jesus dying for you upon the CrossÂ……How much more evidence of GodÂ’’s love, of His desire for your salvation, do you need? How can you stay away from such a Saviour? Fall at His feet and say –- John 20:28!
5. Poor, failing, backsliding, discouraged PETER, who was forgiven, restored and recommissioned.
(John 21:1-17.New King James Version (NKJV)-
Breakfast by the Sea
21 After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.”
They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and [a]immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?”
They answered Him, “No.”
6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.
7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. 9 Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”
11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”—knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish.
14 This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.
Jesus Restores Peter
15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of [b]Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”
He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I [c]love You.”
He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”
16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of [d]Jonah, do you love Me?”
He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I [e]love You.”
He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”
17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of [f]Jonah, do you [g]love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”
And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.
Footnotes:
a.John 21:3 NU omits immediately
b.John 21:15 NU John
c.John 21:15 have affection for
d.John 21:16 NU John
e.John 21:16 have affection for
f.John 21:17 NU John
g.John 21:17 have affection for)
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Poor Peter! He had denied his Lord and things could never be the same again. He went back to his old job of fishing, but he failed at that too. How discouraged and heartbroken he was! –- until early one morning, in an interview by the sea, Jesus met him and asked a question, which he repeated three times (John 21:15-17). How tenderly the Lord Jesus dealt with His failing servant –- and how ready He is to multiply His grace in His compassionate and understanding dealings with us! If you have failed Him He will lift you up again, so that you can go on to prove His sufficiency and to proclaim His Gospel.
https://www.wordsoflife.co.uk/bible-studies/study-10-with-his-disciples-after-the-resurrection/
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Prayers To Conclude.
O Holy Spirit, breath of all creatures, purifier of all souls and healer of all wounds; be fire to our heart, light to our path and friend for our journey. Amen.
From: Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179)
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Lord Jesus, in you we find the good news of the gospel:
Renew us through our worship of you,
Enable us to find our place in your kingdom,
Send us out as your servants,
Put us in the right place to share the good news,
Open our hearts and those of others to hear your words,
Never let us cease to proclaim your name, and
Deepen our discipleship as we continue to serve you.
In each and every way may our lives respond to you. Amen
From: Paul Davis, Lancashire District Chair
https://www.methodist.org.uk/our-faith/prayer/prayer-of-the-day/
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From Our Church Prayer Book
Dear Lord, We praise you, we praise your holy name and we bring our prayers for others to you, knowing that you are a gracious, loving God who always hears us.
We come before you to pray for your world. Lord we ask you to watch over this world in these dark times and give us all the strength to get through this Pandemic.
We pray for Governments around the World to make the right decisions to keep their citizens safe and we pray also for all our brothers and sisters in other countries.
We pray for the leaders in our country that you will lead and guide them to make the right decisions for us.
We pray for all who are worried about their financial situation. Please give them peace and hope.
We pray for all the Doctors, Nurses, health workers and key workers, please keep them safe, give them strength and stamina and help them to cope.
We pray for our church family, may we all feel your love and close presence with us. We bring before you all those who are finding self isolating very difficult and for those who are worried, lonely and frightened.
We bring before you the people named in our on-line church prayer book:-
We pray for those who need your healing touch -
Please be with Joan DeVilliers. Thank you for the care and protection that Joan is getting from Longview Care Home. May she know that you are with her.
We remember before you Lorraine Ansell and her husband Dave. Pray that Lorraine's treatment will be successful and that you will help her through this. Please may she feel your nearness.
Please continue to look after Baby Rufus, Sarah, Eddy and Dotty. Please keep them all safe especially from this virus.
Samantha Edwards, having treatment for cancer.
For Mary Fugl, Joyce Baldrey, Peter Grigson, John Bamford, Valerie, may her pain be relieved, Nicole and Steve, Linda's neighbours John & Irene, who are in their 80's and finding self isolating hard,
For Angela who had an operation for cancer this week. Please be with her and we ask that you will bring full healing to her,
For Mable who is known to Mary, she is unwell and wants to get back to work at Orsett Hospital.
We bring before you all those who are mourning –
Dee, Sally, Gareth and Kim and their family as they mourn the loss of Wyn. Please be with them and help and support them in their grief and please give them your comfort.
The family and friends of David Spicer. David was a relation of Valerie's. He passed away after suffering from cancer. We pray for David's mum June who lives alone. Please give her your love and support.
The family and friends of Maureen Collier.
We bring before you Sue’s neighbours, whose sister and two cousins have recently died from Covid-19.
The people known to Val who have lost their lives due to the virus.
May You receive into your loving arms and tender care all those who mentioned here and all who have lost their fight against this terrible virus. Please send your blessing, support and comfort to those who mourn.
Linda has written a prayer for those who are mourning -
A prayer for these dear ones.
Loving and all comforting God, please strengthen and hold these families as they grieve the loss of their dear loved ones. You know the deep pain that comes to each one, and we know that tears will come and grief will seem to be too much to bear. You are the light in our darkness dear Lord and you have promised us that the day is coming when there will be no more death or pain. That is Your promise and we hold on to You.
In the Dear and Wonderful Name of Jesus.
Amen.
Loving Lord, We bring before you the people who are known to us who have caught Covid-19 or are suffering from the symptoms:- We ask you to have these people in your care and to bring healing.
For Sue’s relation in Cumbria who is very unwell with the confirmed virus. Please be with her and with the family.
For Kay’s relation who had an operation and now has Covid-19. We pray for Denise, Rebecca, Matthew and all the family.
We pray for Bill & Jacqui who do a lot of work to help at Sue’s school. They have both been in hospital with Covid-19 Jacqui is still in hospital and we ask you to please bring healing to both of them.
Graham Potts, who is a son of a friend of Pat Bailey and it is believed that he has caught the Covid-19 Coronavirus.
We bring Lee Umpelby before you. He is a paramedic and has Covid-19. We have heard that he is on a ventilator. Please Lord look after him and make him well. Please have him and his family in your care.
We also pray for Sarah, Margaret's niece who has symptoms of Covid-19.
Linda's neighbours who are unwell with symptoms of the virus.
Danni Mayo, who is Chaplin at Basildon Hospital. She is praying and supporting patients with Covid-19 and also the Hospital staff, who are anxious for themselves and their families.
We thank you for answering our prayers for Margaret’s daughter Helen. Thank you that she has recovered. Thank you also for protecting the family.
We ask you to bring an end to this terrible virus.
We thank you God for all your blessings and mercy and for helping us at this time. We especially thank you for Colin and Cathy and all that they mean to us and all that they do for us. May You bless them, encourage them and keep them safe as they continue to be a blessing to us as they look after us as a fellowship.
AMEN
Linda has sent us this encouragement from her daily bible reading –
In today's reading from Our Daily Bread there is a wonderful prayer at the bottom that seems just right for this present time. Considering that this little booklet was probably written last year, it does seem like a special word from God to hold us firm. -
Our strong God, when life's circumstances overwhelm us, stand with us, stir our praise, giving us Your strength to overcome.
'But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength'
(2 Timothy 4:17).
God bless you all and keep you safe and well.
Sue
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From Yesterday's “prayer chain” updates from Linda:
“Mary asks for prayers for Mabel who is although not at back at work yet is hoping to return next week. May our Lord bring her back to health.
Donna (Mary's friend), has asked for prayers for her friend's family. Her friend Teresa, who worked at “Iceland Supermarket”, passed away. She was apparently found dead in the garden, but, as yet, there is no indication of what happened. Can we please pray for Teresa's family and friends. May our dear Lord stand with them through this terrible loss. Their grief must be unbearable.
God keep you all in His peace and love.
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I have just had a phone call from Sylvia Barden who belongs to the Wives Club. She has asked for our prayers for her grandaughter, Rebecca Ridgewell, Rebecca is a frontline nurse at Chelmsford Hospital and she now has the Covid-19 virus. She is staying at home and being looked after by her partner. He is also a nurse at the same hospital. Fortunately, they have a delivery of food coming tomorrow
as they have asked the family not even to leave food on the doorstep. This is what is the most awful thing about this virus that when our loved ones need us to look after them, we are unable to do so, especially when they live on their own.
Our dear Valerie has asked for prayers as she is in a lot of pain and needs our Lord's wonderful help to sustain her. Please also pray for Tony, and Nicole and Steve, who must really be finding their lives very hard to cope with. Nicole is always in pain and struggles with other health issues. May they know God's empowering love and healing.
Please think and pray for our dear Dee and Sally, especially as they adjust to not having Wyn, who, whatever was happening, always has something positive to say about everything and we will all miss his funny jokes and beautiful music.
Please continue to pray for Sue Sandling's neighbour whose sister died from the virus. She must be missing her sister so much. The ongoing grief all over the world we know is being taken on the shoulders of our Lord Jesus, and He will make all things new.
God Bless you all and keep you well.
Love in Jesus, our sustainer and deliverer.- Linda.
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From the Pastor:
Finally my dear friends, Thankyou for your love and faithfulness during these strange times. May God Bless and keep us all during these strange times when we cannot meet. Please do contact me should you want to chat.
God Bless.
Pastor Colin
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