Easter 2024
A Tale of Two Fires

He is Risen! Easter Sunday is one of the most joyous days of the year for the believer in Jesus. It’s when we remember and celebrate the foundation of our faith – the resurrection of Jesus from the dead! While Jesus’ victory over death means so many things for the believer, John 21 takes us beyond the abstract and gives us a concrete story of what happens when resurrection hope collides with human brokenness and failure. To the degree that we can see ourselves in Peter’s sandals, as very imperfect followers of our Rabbi and Messiah, we will be able to experience hope and the healing of our shame.

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” John 21:15-19

Prayer Points
1. Pray that people who are far from God will see the heart of Jesus – loving them in spite of their brokenness.
2. Pray for people at GFC to experience the reality of the resurrection personally, not just theologically or abstractly; specifically, that people would encounter the grace of the risen Jesus and be transformed.