Third Sunday of Easter
The Risen One Reinvigorates Us
These are the readings for the Third Sunday of Easter.
God’s Word for This Week
It’s usually not that we don’t know what to do. It’s that we lack the oomph, the energy to do it. Jesus rose from the dead in part to re-energize us for service to God and to each other. “The LORD, the LORD is my strength and my song. He has become my salvation.”
First Lesson – Acts 9:1-19a
Whom did Jesus say that Paul was persecuting?
Jesus said that Paul was persecuting Jesus himself. What comfort this gives! Jesus so dearly loves those who trust in him that if someone attacks us, he is attacking our Lord.
What was God’s means to convert Paul?
Paul was converted the same way we all came to faith: through the power of God’s Holy Word. The Word came to Paul in two ways—words in his ears and words connected with water in the gift of Holy Baptism.
What kind of future did God promise to Paul?
God did not promise Paul an easy road, any more than he promises any of us a downhill “coast” into God’s eternal kingdom. He told Ananias, “I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
Second Lesson – Revelation 5:11-14
What great irony does John hear as innumerable angels sing Jesus’ praise?
John hears the angels sing, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain …” But Jesus did not die for the angels, he died for us sinners.
How many things do the angels say that Jesus, the Lamb, is worthy to receive?
The Lamb, the angels sing, is worthy to receive seven things: “Power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise.” Seven, significantly, is the number for completeness in Revelation and many other places in the Bible. That is, Jesus is worthy to receive complete worship from all creation.
Gospel – John 21:1-14
How many times had Jesus appeared to his disciples before this blessed incident along the shore?
John says this was now Jesus’ third appearance. The previous two times were in Jerusalem: Easter evening and the following Sunday evening. (See John 20.)
How many fish did Peter and the others catch?
Peter and the others caught 153 fish. This is not trivia but the mark of an eyewitness account.
What is ironic about Jesus fixing fish over a fire?
The last time Jesus and Peter were involved with an outdoor fire, Peter denied that he even knew Jesus. (See John 18:18.) Now Jesus will officially reinstate Peter.
