In our last episode, we examined the deep lessons Jesus was teaching his apostles when he appeared to seven of them after his resurrection while they were fishing. His miracle of orchestrating the massive catch of fish was a direct throwback to his fishing miracle three years before, when Simon Peter finally gave up fishing to exclusively follow Jesus. The first fishing miracle was a message about giving up all else to follow Jesus and to learn to be fishers of men. The second fishing miracle was a message to now become those fishers of men and step up to lead and preach. Jesus’ next direct conversation with Peter in that context was his questioning the depth of Peter’s love for him. Why would Jesus ask such questions right after showing such confidence in Peter and the other disciples?

In this episode, we dive more deeply into that shoreline moment, uncovering how intentionally Jesus shaped Peter’s restoration and future calling. Jesus was purposefully reconstructing his memories. The miraculous catch mirrored Peter’s first call to discipleship, and now it marked the beginning of his call to preach and lead. From this setting, Jesus began reshaping Peter’s identity. Jesus asked three questions about love, but they were not repetitive. When Jesus asked, “Do you love me?” using the Greek word agapao, he was calling Peter to the self‑giving love that reflects God’s own character. Peter’s reply, using the Greek phileo, revealed great humility, as he no longer claimed more than he could live up to. Jesus accepted that sincerity and immediately entrusted Peter with responsibility: “Feed my lambs.”

Each question from Jesus expanded Peter’s mission. First, he was to feed the lambs—the youngest and most vulnerable followers of Jesus. Then he was to tend the sheep—guiding, guarding and keeping the maturing flock together. Finally, he was to feed the sheep—nourishing the entire community. These layers show Jesus moving Peter from follower to shepherd, from affection to sacrificial responsibility, resulting in a lifetime of powerful spiritual leadership.

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The crucifixion of Jesus was an event that absolutely overwhelmed his apostles and disciples. Even though Jesus had forewarned them of what was coming, they were still taken by complete surprise. In his great wisdom, Jesus arranged his post-resurrection appearances in such a way as to them to show them not only who he was, but what was to come. It is fascinating to see how he revealed more and more about their future with each appearance. When we get to his third appearance to a group of his apostles, Jesus came to them as they were fishing. What he did and what he taught related to fishing gave them a pointed and powerful lesson regarding their future!

In this episode, we slow down and walk through John 21 step‑by‑step, noticing how Jesus masterfully uses a familiar setting—the Sea of Galilee—to reshape the apostles’ understanding of their calling. These men were back on their home turf, doing the work they knew best, yet they were also in a season of uncertainty. Jesus had risen, but he was no longer walking with them daily. They were waiting, wondering and trying to make sense of what came next. Into that moment of confusion and routine, Jesus stepped with purpose.

It is a deliberate echo of an earlier moment—another empty night, another unexpected instruction, another overwhelming catch. By placing these two fishing events side‑by‑side, we can see how Jesus revealed how far the apostles had come and how much further they were about to go. The first miracle had been a call to follow. This one was a call to lead.

Through this encounter, Jesus showed them that their future work would require obedience even when the instructions seemed unusual, trust even when the results were unseen, and courage even when the task felt too large to carry. He reminded them that success in their new mission would never come from their own expertise, but from listening to his voice—even when they didn’t immediately recognize it.

This appearance at the Sea of Galilee becomes a living illustration about discipleship, leadership and the kind of faith required to become true “fishers of men.” It is a story of preparation and commissioning, and it still speaks powerfully to anyone seeking direction in seasons of waiting or uncertainty.

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We all love to tell the story of Jesus’ birth. We love the vulnerability behind God’s choice of Mary, the young woman who was engaged to Joseph to be Jesus’ mother. We love the humility of his being born in a stable because there was no room at the inn. We love the magnificence of the angel announcing his birth to shepherds and then having the heavenly host of angels praising and glorifying God. We love the reverential sobriety of the wise men coming with gifts for the small child, Jesus. Some of the things we don’t focus as much attention on are how God used specific individuals surrounding all of these events to speak in a prophetic way and outline in great detail what this series of incredible experiences would mean. Today we pause and consider the words of Zacharias and Elizabeth who were the parents of John the Baptist, Mary, the mother of Jesus, Simeon the prophet and Anna the prophetess.

Let’s begin with Zacharias, the Jewish priest who, because of his initial doubt, was struck mute by the angel Gabriel until the birth of his son John. This silence became a period of reflection, enabling him to connect Old Testament prophecies with Gabriel’s announcement. At John’s circumcision, Zacharias was again able to speak. He prophesied about both John’s role as forerunner and Jesus as the “horn of salvation.” His prophecy was powerfully based upon the words and promises of the Old Testament.

His middle aged and childless wife, Elizabeth, rejoiced at God’s mercy in giving her a son. Filled with the spirit, she recognized Mary’s child as her Lord and humbly celebrated Mary’s blessing. Mary herself responded with faith and praise, further echoing Old Testament themes of God’s mercy, strength and justice.

After Jesus’ birth, Simeon, an aged and devout man who had been promised he would see the Messiah before death, prophesied about Jesus as salvation for both Israel and the Gentiles. Again, Old Testament prophecies were clearly linked to the work that Jesus would later accomplish.

Anna, an elderly prophetess, added her testimony, giving thanks and speaking of redemption to those awaiting Jerusalem’s deliverance.

Together, these accounts show God’s spirit orchestrating events and inspiring faithful individuals to proclaim truths that connected Old Testament promises with New Testament fulfillment. Their obedience, humility and prophetic insight highlight the broader plan of redemption for all, unfolding through Jesus’ birth.

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If you haven’t noticed, our world in a very big way has lost its grip on the value of gratitude. Instead of having a thankful heart for whatever our opportunities we may have and what we may receive, we seem to double down on living with a sense of entitlement. We can look at this and wonder where we went wrong! The fact is this issue is the result of human imperfection and has been around for a very long time. The story of the Ten Lepers in Luke 17 reminds us of this. Leprosy—once a living death—left its victims isolated, disfigured and desperate. Yet when Jesus healed ten lepers, only one returned to give thanks. Why does thankfulness matter so deeply to God? And what does this ancient disease reveal about the spiritual condition of humanity today?

This whole healing account offers a profound spiritual metaphor for sin and redemption, emphasizing the transformative power of gratitude and faith. Leprosy, a devastating disease in biblical times, aptly pictures the isolating, disfiguring and numbing effects of sin. Victims were socially ostracized, legally declared unclean and forced to live apart from society. When Jesus healed ten lepers, only one—a Samaritan—returned to express gratitude, highlighting the rarity and depth of true thankfulness.

One uniqueness regarding this particular account is that the healing was not immediate; Jesus instructed the lepers to go show themselves to the priests, requiring faith before any visible change occurred. Their obedience mirrors the future resurrection, where humanity will walk toward complete healing through faith, not instant transformation.

Progressive decay: Leprosy worsens over time, just as sin deepens without divine intervention.

Numbness: Leprosy dulls pain, leading to self-harm; sin desensitizes conscience, causing spiritual damage.

Isolation: Lepers were cut off from community; sin separates us from God and others.

The Samaritan’s gratitude was immediate and passionate, even before being officially declared clean. His response exemplifies the kind of faith that transforms—not just heals. Jesus’ phrase “your faith has made you well” implies both physical and spiritual restoration. This phrase appears only three times in the New Testament, each time marking a deeper healing tied to faith and gratitude.

While God’s mercy is freely given, gratitude is the evidence of transformative faith. The Samaritan’s return to glorify God reveals the heart posture God desires—faith expressed through gratitude, even in adversity.

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When examining God’s word as a whole, it quickly becomes evident that Jesus’ resurrection was the most awe-inspiring marker in the entire Bible. This recognition entices us to search out the specific leading Jesus gave to his followers on his first resurrected day. What did our Lord say and do to build a foundation for God’s plan to continue developing?

There were several unique and inspiring messages that Jesus relayed to his followers on that first day of his resurrection.

Jesus’ first resurrection day messages focused on prophetic fulfillment as he encouraged His followers to overcome fear, embrace their mission and recognize their role in God’s plan. His method of teaching—through empathy, scriptural clarity and patient revelation—transformed grief into joy and doubt into conviction.

Jesus’ resurrection was not just a miraculous event but a turning point that redefined his followers’ faith, understanding and purpose. This encourages us to embrace faith, trust in God’s plan and courageously share his message.

The post What Was the Message of Jesus After His Resurrection? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

Of the many experiences Jesus had the night before his crucifixion, his time in the Garden of Gethsemane stands out as a place of contrast and transition. When Jesus and his eleven apostles entered the garden, it was a welcoming place of peace and solitude. He told eight of them to stay together and to watch and pray. He took Peter, James and John further into the garden. It was there Jesus additionally asked these three friends to watch and pray, for he was experiencing grief, distress and sorrow. Jesus’ visit to this beautiful garden would now become the place of a pleading prayer to his Father. 

Jesus’ reliance on prayer as he prepared for the trials ahead was profound. His prayers revealed his desire to avoid separation from God, as well as the silence required during accusations of blasphemy. In the distress of praying over these things three times, he demonstrated faith, discipline, obedience and resilience, modeling a path for Christians to follow. Meanwhile, his closest friends failed to provide the support Jesus sought, which highlights our human frailty.

When Judas arrived to betray him, Jesus calmly embraced his destiny, showing dignity and control even as betrayal unfolds. Jesus responded to Judas’ kiss of friendship as the sign of betrayal – not with anger and emotion – but with a clear and undaunted focus. He essentially told Judas to finish what he had started.

It was only a short time later that upon observing what was happening, Peter leaped into action. He grabbed a sword and wounded the ear of the servant of the high priest. Jesus again stepped up and stopped the violence. His message was again clear and simple as he emphasized peace over violence. He them healed the injured man.

The entire Garden of Gethsemane experience reveals Jesus’ willing sacrifice, his steadfastness in the face of betrayal and suffering, and his unwavering commitment to God’s will. It invites observers to ponder how they might face challenges with the same godly grace and discipline. The Garden of Gethsemane serves as a powerful testament to Jesus’ humanity, faith and submission, offering profound lessons on resilience, prayer and trust in divine purpose.

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When Jesus came to earth 2,000 years ago, he came to pay the price for Adam’s sin by willingly offering himself as a just and equal ransom price to redeem Adam – and therefore the entire human race – from sin and death. To prepare for his coming as a man, God sent the angel Gabriel to deliver preparatory messages to John the Baptist’s father Zacharias, and to Jesus’ mother Mary. Joseph would be guided by spiritually driven dreams. When Jesus was born, a whole host of angels made the announcement to some lowly shepherds who were in the fields with their flocks. When this angelic announcement came, it was prefaced with some beautiful words of assurance, “Fear not!” This reassuring “fear not” sentiment would echo repeatedly throughout Jesus’ entire ministry!

To be able to tell someone who is afraid to “fear not” and actually have a reassuring effect on them is powerful. Think about the strength those two words can have when someone is in a situation that for whatever reason, has overwhelmed them. To say “fear not” is to say that whatever is scaring you doesn’t have to. It is to say that you can be equipped to handle whatever it is that is coming your way. It is to replace fear with peace and assurance.

It’s eye-opening to think about how often the words “fear not” were proclaimed before, during and after Jesus’ ministry. What is even more impressive is who uttered these words and the authority with which they were spoken. Angels spoke these words several times before Jesus was born. Because these angels were sent from God, their messages were delivered with divine authority. When angels told Zacharias, Mary and a group of shepherds to “fear not,” they were relaying God’s personal assurances.

Looking into the ministry of Jesus, we see this pattern of assurance continue. There were several instances where Jesus told his followers to “fear not.” When we begin looking into these varied accounts several significant observations begin to emerge. First of all, the life Jesus brought to his followers was like nothing they had ever previously seen or experienced. The magnitude of wisdom, miracles, teaching and challenges to their normal lives proved to be beyond their expectations. “Fear not” would not only become a common phrase they would hear from Jesus, but it would also be a necessary one as well.

Check out our December 23, 2024 podcast, “Why Did the Angel Say “Fear Not”? for more. We touch on the angel’s messages of assurance that prepared the key players and the world for the birth of Jesus. Then we focus one at a time on the several “fear not” messages Jesus spoke. We find a thrilling pattern of care and guidance for his followers at every level of their newfound discipleship. Join us and see how the lessons of their “fear not” experiences can bring us strength and comfort as we walk with Jesus today.

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Let’s begin by stating the obvious: the world is a mess! Now, we all know the world has been a mess for a very long time, so the question is, is this even news? The answer is yes, it is! Our present-day mess has everything to do with the ability to be connected with as many perspectives on and interpretations of truth as we would like. We can now easily and often categorize, judge or ignore anything and everything that doesn’t fit into our personal worldview. All of this brings us to a place where we effortlessly define good and evil according to preference and not principle. We believe Jesus died and was resurrected to redeem the world from sin, and yet, we are now so much further from godly principles than ever before. How can we harmonize these seemingly conflicting thoughts?

We are currently witnessing continuous decline of Christianity throughout our world. Such a decline can easily lead us to the conclusion that Jesus’ mission to save the world is crumbling before our eyes. Such a conclusion would not only be a mistake, but it would also actually hide the truth. John the Baptist introduced Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” Near the end of his ministry, Jesus spoke of his crucifixion and of drawing ALL men to himself. In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul tells us that ALL die in Adam and ALL will be made alive in Christ. All of this sounds great, but it certainly does not look like it’s happening.

When Jesus prophesied about his second coming, he explained that the conditions of the world would be severely degraded, as in the days of Noah. When we look at the immoral and evil that existed then, we can certainly see its parallel today. Jesus not only makes this comparison to alert us of coming trouble, but also to assure us he knew things would look hopeless. The flood of Noah’s day fundamentally changed the way the world worked. Jesus was telling us the time of trouble would also do the same thing. However, this trouble would open the door for God’s kingdom as well.

Okay, so far we seem to be just going down the rabbit hole of death and destruction! Where does Jesus “saving the world” come into play? Check out our April 1, 2024 podcast, “If Jesus’ Resurrection Saved the World, Why is it Such a Mess?” for answers. We consider the prophecies of trouble and destruction within the context of the whole message of the Bible. Beneath the surface we can see the core reasons Jesus came to earth and gave himself as a ransom sacrifice. We collect the varied puzzle pieces the Old and New Testaments give us. Once assembled, these pieces present a breathtaking picture of just how Jesus DOES save the world. Join us as we document and appreciate these dramatic biblical lessons!

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The world around us moves so fast that it’s easy to forget to pause and consider just how profoundly God has blessed us. In the United States, somewhere tucked in between the massive Halloween parties and the exhilaration of Christmas, Santa Claus, presents and fun, is a holiday called Thanksgiving. While we won’t take the time to discuss how it came to be, we do want to remember why. Thanksgiving’s origin was actually simple. It was proclaimed to pause and consider just how profoundly blessed those settlers were to have lived through a hard winter and now experience a harvest in preparation for the next hard winter. In short, the thanksgiving they gave was to God above, period. Today we’ll talk about a similar thanksgiving to God but under the biblical name of Ebenezers.

Back in the days of ancient Israel, even before they had a king, Samuel was God’s prophet for the people. In spite of Samuel’s presence, a series of events led them down a road of essentially abandoning God for over 20 years. Finally, under Samuel’s leadership, they begin to turn back towards God. As their enemies the Philistines are preparing to attack, the people urged Samuel to pray to God for their deliverance. God does miraculously deliver them, and Samuel immediately places a big rock as a remembrance of their experience and proclaims, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” He names the rock Ebenezer.

That’s it. Other than being the name of a location, Ebenezer is not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible. So, why would we be focusing on this one little experience with a named rock for lessons about gratitude? The conclusion is that like so many other things in Scripture, there is an incredible substance beneath the surface. Think about it, this rock was just an ordinary boulder in its natural form. Why not carve it into a shape? Why not engrave something on it? And why name the rock “Ebenezer,” of all things? And why say, “Thus far” the Lord has helped? Did Samuel think God was going to change His mind?

Check out our November 20, 2023 podcast, “What is Your Ebenezer?” for answers. We dig into all of these questions and find an amazing depth of wisdom in the answers. With the principles we uncover, we trace Ebenezer-like experiences in the New Testament. We find that both Jesus and the Apostle Paul used these principles as valuable ways of capturing the gratitude we should have when God delivers us.

It’s incredibly easy to get caught up in the current of world events, social media and the dramas of every day. All of this is really about gratitude and finding practical ways to keep thanksgiving relevant in very specific ways. It turns out, Ebenezers can be powerful and significant tools to remember God’s deliverance with heartfelt thanksgiving, if we know how to use them. Join us and learn what the prophet Samuel taught by simply naming a rock!

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In our last episode, we spoke with our good friend and brother in Christ, Howie Clare, from New Zealand. We met him through our Christian Questions ministry several years ago. Howie’s life had forever changed when his wife of 12 years left him with no explanation. To try and help him cope with his profound sorrow and loss, his son suggested he listen to Christian podcasts, and that’s how he found us. He not only became a listener, he also reached out to us via e-mail which led to our meeting him via Zoom and studying with him. All of this led to several other changes in his life as his hunger for and enlightenment through scriptural truth drove him to many unforeseen steps and life decisions.

There’s no way around this truth. The only thing we can do is decide what we want this changed life to look like and then pursue that vision as best as we can. Of course, such pursuit is never an easy or even comfortable task. Rather, it requires a dramatic shift in how we face that experience. This adjustment alone is where many of us lose our desire to overcome and we end up succumbing to the trauma never leaving our hearts or minds. We then live in its shadow and only ever catch glimpses of life under the warmth of the sun.

Howie faced that choice and struggled, as he had determined that he would “press into God” for his answers. Those answers came, but as is the case with most things of great value, they came with a cost. The price for freedom from his tragic loss was change. If he wanted true freedom in Christ, he would have to embrace a level of Christian living and spiritual focus he had never before experienced.

This new level of thinking and focus began with addressing the very core of his Christianity. He had to look at what he had been instructed to believe were Bible-based teachings and be willing to question them. Why? Jesus said that to be his disciples we need to continue in his word, and then knowing the truth would make us free. Howie began to realize this meant personally delving into the Bible and its teachings – not just sitting back and being taught. He began to realize that freedom in Christ was the result of maturity in Christ, not just a feeling.

Howie’s journey brought him to several conversations with his pastor and several decisions about following the truth of Scripture instead of the traditions of a denomination. His journey brought him face-to-face with the abandonment that had left him so broken. Check out our July 31, 2023 podcast “Does Biblical Truth Really Make Us Free? (Part II)” for more. Join us for this inspiring story as we track Howie’s steps, changes and determination that drove his journey towards freedom in Christ.

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