In the glorious aftermath of the resurrection, Jesus appears to his friends. Rev Dr Mike Frost allows us to overhear their conversation. And Jesus' constant message continues to ring out - following him looks like loving our neighbour.

Michael Frost is the Vice Principal of Morling College and the Director of the Tinsley Institute. Michael has written extensively on a missional paradigm for the church in a post-Christian era. He has pastoral experience in several Baptist churches in Sydney.

Daily Reading

When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.”  So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.

Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.

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: 9-19 (NIV)

If you’d like to read more of the Easter Story across the long weekend, today we’d recommend you read John 21.

Go Deeper

What does a Lord who makes breakfast on a beach for his friends, tell you about the kind of King we have?

What does Jesus say to Peter?

While Peter had a particular role to play in the early church, what do we learn about the dynamic involved in loving Jesus?

Pray

Give thanks to God for the Lord Jesus and his love for us! Take time to consider your love for Jesus, and ask for help as you follow him into love of your neighbour.

As we come to the end of the series, bring before God one particular local neighbour or vulnerable neighbour you feel called to grow in love toward in the weeks ahead. Ask for his blessing, wisdom and strength for fruitful service.

Take it Further

Thank you for joining with us in this series. Nic Mackay, Common Grace’s Board Chair, joins the dots between the Love Thy Neighbour series and the vision of the Common Grace movement. Check it out and we look forward to going together on the journey into Jesus-shaped justice together!

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We are thankful for the Bible Society's partnership in the Love Thy Neighbour Devotional Series