John 21 shows us that the disciples had a need for wholeness after the resurrection. Consider the rollercoaster of emotions they must have experienced since entering Jerusalem just before Passover. On Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem to the shouts of “hosanna” from the Passover crowds. They borrowed a custom from the fall Festival of Tabernacles, the waving of palm branches, and the familiar words of Psalm 118 to declare that Jesus was the Messiah.
The problem was that they thought Jesus would be a political ruler like King David. Earlier, the disciples had argued over who would sit at Jesus’ right and left side. Basically, they assumed they would help Jesus rule over the renewed nation of Israel when the Romans no longer ruled. Even though Jesus had told them multiple times that He would go to Jerusalem to suffer and die and then rise again three days later, they didn’t understand.
A Confusing Week
They had celebrated the Passover meal together. There, Jesus, their leader, washed their feet. That was something only the lowest slave did. Then Jesus used the liturgy of that meal in a new way. He applied the broken unleavened bread to His body and the wine to His blood as He spoke of a new covenant.
Then, during the meal, Jesus warned that one of them would betray Him, and Judas left. Jesus also warned Peter that he would deny Him three times before morning. Then had sung a Psalm as they went to pray in Gethsemane. This was something that Jesus did routinely. There, they were interrupted by troops with torches and weapons to arrest everyone. Jesus went with the authorities without resisting, and the disciples ran away.
Peter had followed Jesus to His trial at the High Priest’s home but denied knowing Jesus three times. Then Pilate ordered Jesus to be crucified like a common criminal. He was buried in a borrowed tomb and then, to their surprise, rose on the third day. Jesus did exactly what He had said. He had appeared to them twice in Jerusalem. Now, they were in Galilee because Jesus told them to go there.
Jesus Restores the Broken
The events of the past few weeks had torn apart the disciples’ world and broken them. They were confused, unsure, and without direction for the future. Many times, life can do the same for us. Our plans don’t come to fruition, and we don’t know how to go forward. This could be due to a job loss, a failure of a relationship, or even the death of a loved one. Yet just as Jesus knew how the disciples felt, He knows how we feel and that we have a need for wholeness.
Jesus surprised the disciples with another great catch of fish, a meal, and his directive to follow Him. Jesus will do the same for us. He may come at an unexpected time and in an unexpected way. But as He does so to nourish us and give us direction for our lives. John 10: 10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My (Jesus’) purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.[1] To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/wholeness-through-restoration
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Jn 10:10). Tyndale House Publishers.