Three Times?
Were they really unfazed by the Resurrection of Jesus?
I’m not sure why three has always been my favorite number. Maybe it is the fact that my brothers and I were referred to as our three boys. If I wanted to be really pious, I might say it is because we believe in the Triune God, the three-person God. Or maybe three for three crosses or three for on the third day.
Three is an important number in the Bible, particularly in the Gospel of John. Three times, John tells us that Jesus appeared to the disciples three times. We know that Jesus showed himself to many different-sized groups during the days before the Ascension. But, there must be a reason John gives us three. Remember, the Gospel writers know what they are doing.
You have heard,
Fool me once, shame on thee. Fool me twice,e shame on me.
We are giving a warning. Three strikes and you’re out!
Jesus shows up among the ten disciples who fear being arrested by the same mob that met him in Gethsemane. A week later, he catches up with the eleven to stir Thomas to belief. In our reading for Sunday, it seems the two previous meetings failed to capture the disciples. After all, they go back to fishing.
We are like the disciples, who want to know when we should stop forgiving. After the disciples fail to take up their crosses and follow the Risen Jesus, one would think that time has run out, and chances are gone. We rarely offer such grace.
One of the takeaways from this incident at the end of John lets us in on an important reality,
Jesus keeps showing up.
Between Noon and three, Jesus hangs on a cross and dies. For three days, his body lies in the Grave. Death seems to have won. Hell keeps its hostages. Then, on the Third Day, Jesus is raised. Grave and Death are defeated, and Hell can’t hold those who received the Promise. And the third time Jesus appears to the disciples, he feeds them, forgives them, and sends them. He is not finished with them.
Or us.
My friend Tony Robinson gave a talk at the conference I am attending. He quotes Samuel Johnson from Man of Letters.
Never be afraid to remind people of the obvious - it’s what they most often forget.
If those who spent the most time with Jesus need reminding, Christians all need reminding that Jesus keeps showing up.
When we gather on Sunday, Jesus will show up. Paul will open the Scriptures and help us remember the Good News. I will be preaching in Virginia Sunday morning. My assigned text is Ruth 1:6-21. Pray for me. I will pray for my Church Family and Paul as he brings the Words of Jesus to everyone here.
Glad I’m Your Pastor,
Todd