Last words matter deeply: the last words of a dying character in a movie, the last words we hear our loved ones say, the last words we imagine we will offer when our time has come. We spend this week contemplating the last words of Jesus, offered 2,000 years ago, and extending to be offered to us here and now. We might feel as unqualified and shame-filled as the disciples experiencing the first Easter, but God’s call to us is the same. Be disciples who make disciples. This is our true identity.

Last words matter deeply: the last words of a dying character in a movie, the last words we hear our loved ones say, the last words we imagine we will offer when our time has come. We spend this week contemplating the last words of Jesus, offered 2,000 years ago, and extending to be offered to us here and now. We might feel as unqualified and shame-filled as the disciples experiencing the first Easter, but God’s call to us is the same. Be disciples who make disciples. This is our true identity.

Last words matter deeply: the last words of a dying character in a movie, the last words we hear our loved ones say, the last words we imagine we will offer when our time has come. We spend this week contemplating the last words of Jesus, offered 2,000 years ago, and extending to be offered to us here and now. We might feel as unqualified and shame-filled as the disciples experiencing the first Easter, but God’s call to us is the same. Be disciples who make disciples. This is our true identity.

The most faithful disciple becomes the most disappointing. Peter denies Jesus three times in the midst of his trial and death on the cross. Yet three times on this shore Jesus tasks Peter to feed his sheep, to tend his flock, to love those whom Christ loves. Peter’s identity is transformed from failure to faithful once again, through the forgiveness and grace of God.

The most faithful disciple becomes the most disappointing. Peter denies Jesus three times in the midst of his trial and death on the cross. Yet three times on this shore Jesus tasks Peter to feed his sheep, to tend his flock, to love those whom Christ loves. Peter’s identity is transformed from failure to faithful once again, through the forgiveness and grace of God.

Can we imagine the silence of the disciples’ shame? The deep regret, worry, and shame permeating the hearts of every one of these disciples? The silent hours spent looking into an uncertain future? In the midst of these moments Jesus arrives and offers what Jesus has always given to humanity: healing, wholeness, and redemption.

Can we imagine the silence of the disciples’ shame? The deep regret, worry, and shame permeating the hearts of every one of these disciples? The silent hours spent looking into an uncertain future? In the midst of these moments Jesus arrives and offers what Jesus has always given to humanity: healing, wholeness, and redemption.

Can we imagine the silence of the disciples’ shame? The deep regret, worry, and shame permeating the hearts of every one of these disciples? The silent hours spent looking into an uncertain future? In the midst of these moments Jesus arrives and offers what Jesus has always given to humanity: healing, wholeness, and redemption.

Can we imagine the silence of the disciples’ shame? The deep regret, worry, and shame permeating the hearts of every one of these disciples? The silent hours spent looking into an uncertain future? In the midst of these moments Jesus arrives and offers what Jesus has always given to humanity: healing, wholeness, and redemption.