Jesus restores Peter to service giving him an opportunity to affirm his love three times just as he denied Jesus three times. In this we see Jesus' command for all those who love Him. We are called to tend sheep. We are called to make disciples. This call is fueled by a love for Jesus and it is a call that costs your life.

Abram comes off the heels of an formalized covenant promise from God, yet he still doesn't have an heir. Sarai and Abram decide to help God's promise along by using a custom of the day to have a child. Instead of waiting on the promise of God, they use worldly means to accomplish what they think is God's purpose.

Jesus uses a fishing trip to illustrate how the disciples will live on mission as they serve the now risen Christ. This fishing trip will remind Peter, John, and James of the day that Jesus first called them to follow Him and become fishers of people. They will be forced to face the reality, and practically apply Jesus’ words, "without me you can do nothing." In this event, we will also come to see more fully that Jesus alone is the provider and the nourisher of his weary and hurting servants.

Abram questions God's promise which has yet to be fulfilled years after it was made. God responds by making a covenant with Abram in the most dramatic way imaginable. In this the gospel is foreshadowed.

In verses 24-31, the disciples will hit their first roadblock. They will come face to face with the impossibility of living on mission in their own power. One of their own, Thomas, refuses to believe their testimony. How could they ever hope to convince anyone else when one of the 12 won’t even listen? John gives us the answer as He shows us the power of the risen Christ. Only an encounter with Jesus changes hearts. Sunday we examine Thomas’ encounter and see how John himself (in v. 30-31) connects Thomas’ experience with ours today. Our calling to make disciples is a supernatural one accomplished by the word of the gospel, as the Spirit moves upon it. Even in a drastically changing world, we have a mandate from the King of kings who is with us as we fulfill it - even to the end of the age!

Abram is embroiled in an international war in order to save his nephew Lot. This leads to an interaction with two kings that shows Abram is growing in his faith according to the promise.

Jesus sends His disciples just as He was sent. They are given Peace, power, and authority to engage in the mission of making disciples.

Mary discovers the empty tomb and in this section we see what the resurrection means for us. The empty tomb is evidence that the grave has been forever conquered. Because He lives we also have a hope that conquers despair. Mary is called out of her despair when she realizes Jesus is alive. And finally, like Mary, we are given a mission and a message to carry in this world.

The Psalmist exhorts all creation to break forth in joyful praise because of the wonderful works that God has done. This Psalm inspired the writing of the Hymn, Joy to the World.

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