Recognizing Resurrection (John 21:1-19)

Recognizing Resurrection

May 4, 2025

John 21:1-19

By John Gribas

About a week ago, my wife, Lana, and I attended a wonderful symphony concert at ISU. As we were finding our way to our seats before the performance, I noticed someone in the row just behind where we were about to sit. She seemed to be looking directly at me intently, smiling, leaning forward in her seat slightly—with that “I definitely know you and am making a connection with you” expression on her face. Was she, maybe, actually looking past me at Lana or someone behind us?

Then she said it. “Hello, John!” Yikes! I had absolutely no idea who this person was.

After a bit of awkwardness, I got up the courage to admit that. Turns out she was a new member of my own academic department just finishing her first year here. Double yikes!! Since I work almost exclusively in the Dean’s Office now, I have only met this person a time or two. Even so, I felt bad because I really should have recognized her.

Recognition. It isn’t always an easy thing. My guess is at least some of you can relate.

And maybe the disciples there at the Sea of Tiberias from the gospel reading today could also relate. As it says in verse 4, they “did not know that it was Jesus.” Not until after Jesus spoke to them and offered what must have seemed hauntingly familiar fishing advice (that is, to cast the net on the other side of the boat). Advice which led to an equally hauntingly familiar outcome (that is, a sizeable catch). Then, John recognized and shared his recognition with Peter and the others. “It is the Lord.”

Doesn’t this seem weird to you? I mean, I’ve read or heard this passage of scripture dozens if not hundreds of times. I’ve never really given it much thought before. Perhaps because of familiarity, I just accepted what happened at face value. Jesus was there. The disciples didn’t recognize him…at least not at first. No big deal.

But this time, as I read and reflected on this passage in preparation for sharing with you today, it struck me differently.

If you think about it, this just doesn’t make sense. I mean, many of these disciples, John and Peter for sure, had spent the last three years with Jesus—from what I see in scripture, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And Jesus wasn’t just one among a larger group of wayfarers—he was “the guy!” How could they not recognize him? Even if they were far enough away from shore to make it difficult to see, what about the sound of Jesus’ voice? It doesn’t seem plausible.

Some might rightfully point out that Jesus had died. Convincingly through the horrific process of crucifixion, no less. These disciples knew that. Some had likely witnessed it. With that as their very recent experience, it would make sense that the last thing they would be expecting is to bump into Jesus on the shore of the Sea of Tiberias—or anywhere else, for that matter.

But that really isn’t a good explanation for the recognition problem. It is probably true that people don’t expect to bump into those they know have passed away. However, recall the first verse in the section of scripture I just read.

“After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples.” Showed himself AGAIN! We know that this wasn’t the disciples’ first post-resurrection encounter. Something like this had happened before—a number of times. Recently.

After his death and resurrection, Jesus had appeared…

First, to Mary Magdalene at the tomb. Apparently, Jesus later appeared to other women who also were visiting the tomb. These women testified of their encounters to Peter and the other disciples.

Then, on the road to Emmaus where Jesus joined two disciples for a long walk, an enlightening conversation, and a meal.

Then to the apostles who were in Jerusalem, locked away out of fear.

Then to the apostles in Jerusalem again, this time including Thomas.

And now, to these disciples fishing on the Sea of Tiberias, also called the Sea of Galilee…where they did not recognize him. In fact, those encountering the resurrected Jesus failed to recognize him in most of these gospel episodes.

Doesn’t that seem strange?

I thought and thought about this. Ultimately, I didn’t come up with any good explanations for why these individuals failed to recognize Jesus. But even if the scripture I read from John 21, along with these other gospel accounts, don’t offer an answer to “Why?,” they do tell us something that I think is important to consider…

Even for the most devoted followers of Jesus, it can be very difficult to recognize resurrected things.

I’ll say that again. Even for the most devoted followers of Jesus, it can be very difficult to recognize resurrected things.

What kinds of resurrected things? Well…Jesus, for one. But, actually, I think we may be surrounded by a lot more resurrection stuff than we might imagine. I think that because of things Jesus told us.

He told us that whatever we do (or don’t do) for the least of these, we do (or don’t do) for him. So I guess in a way, in the lives of the least of these, the resurrected Jesus may be walking right past us pretty regularly. Or maybe it would be truer to say we are walking right past him.

He told us that he is the resurrection and the life and that those who believe in him, even though they die, will live, and that everyone who lives and believes in him will never die. Doesn’t this suggest that we—we who believe in him—are living, now, as resurrected people? Do you believe that? Do you recognize yourself as a resurrected thing?

He told us that the Kingdom of God is at hand. That it is here. It is now. And what is the Kingdom of God if not the resurrected world?

When you look around today, what do you see? Do you see a resurrected world? I gotta admit, most of the time I don’t. And I imagine that is true for many.

I don’t know why resurrection is so difficult to recognize. But I believe that, as people of God, part of our purpose is to help others see a resurrected world—see the Kingdom of God.

Maybe a good place to start is by letting others see some resurrection in our own lives. And maybe if we consider the gospel reading for today, as well as some of the other post-resurrection moments from scripture, and if we look to Jesus as a model, we might tease out some things that could help us do that.

Here are some things I see Jesus modeling…

First, embrace humility.

Consider the incident when Mary Magdalene stood crying at the tomb and Jesus showed up. She thought he was the gardener. Not the risen son of God, but a lowly gravesite gardener. Jesus didn’t say, “What? You think I’m a gardener?? Come on! I just conquered death for you and for all humanity for all time!!” Nope. He asked why she was crying and who she was looking for, and he said her name. “Mary.” Then she recognized him.

Humility. Empathy. Personal connection. These things can help others recognize resurrection in your life.

Second, be willing to invest real time and real conversation.

Jesus joined two men on the road to Emmaus, and he walked with them. He apparently walked with them for a good long while because when they stopped and invited him to stay for a meal it was getting dark. Along the way, Jesus joined in on the conversation they were already engaged in. He didn’t interrupt. He didn’t shift the conversation to suit his own concerns and purposes. He JOINED their conversation. In the end, he was invited to stay for more…and he accepted. And in the meal they shared, they recognized Jesus.

Investing time. Sharing the road. Joining the conversation. Accepting an invitation if it is offered. These things can help others recognize resurrection in your life.

Third, show up and keep showing up, and don’t hide your wounds.

Jesus came to visit a group of disciples in Jerusalem. They were cooped up together, essentially hiding. Worried about the authorities who might be trying to track them down. When Jesus showed up, they thought he was a ghost. Not a surprise. Someone just “appearing” or somehow walking through a locked door can lead to that conclusion.

But, ultimately, they recognized Jesus because he came with a greeting of peace…and with an appetite! He ate a piece of fish. He got close enough for them to feel his breath. He empowered them with the Holy Spirit and with a charge to forgive. Oh, and he showed them his crucifixion wounds.

In fact, Jesus appeared later to the same group in the same place again. This time, Thomas was there. Thomas who said he would not believe this resurrection story unless he touched those wounds himself. Jesus showed up and gave Thomas that opportunity.

Showing up, and showing up again. Being close and human—someone who breathes the same air and eats the same food. Someone who also has hurts and wounds. Don’t forget to look for an opportunity to remind them that they are children of the divine, imbued with the spirit of their creator, and therefore called and empowered to forgive. And bring a little peace along. These things can help others recognize resurrection in your life.

Fourth, meet them where they are.

In the gospel reading today from John 21, the resurrected Jesus shows up on the shore of the Sea of Tiberias. Seven disciples—seven fishermen—are doing what they do. Casting nets. Jesus goes to where they live and work and sweat. He had to get up really early to be there, because that is when fishermen fish. And he helped them in that work. And, surprise-surprise, he ate with them.

Not sure what the connection is between eating and resurrection recognition, but it sure seems like there is something there.

Scripture says that, after this, “none of the disciples dared to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ because they knew it was the Lord.”

Getting up early if you need to. Going to where they live and work and sweat. Helping and working up a sweat yourself. Sharing in a meal…maybe preparing it. These things can help others recognize resurrection in your life.

Finally, recognize the resurrection in them.

After they had eaten together there at the Sea of Tiberias, Jesus does something a little perplexing. Seemingly out of nowhere, he asks Peter, “Do you love me?” In fact, he asks Peter this three times. Why? Peter must have wondered why, himself. He was probably a bit confused. We are told he was hurt at that third “Do you love me?” But each time, Peter assured Jesus that, yes, he loved him.

Did Jesus ask three times because he wasn’t convinced that Peter really meant it? I mean, Jesus would have reason to question this disciple’s devotion given what had happened not long before—Peter denying Jesus in the courtyard of the high priest, Caiaphas.

But I think it was just the opposite. I don’t think Jesus doubted Peter’s devotion. I think Jesus knew that Peter doubted his own devotion—if you will, Peter doubted that there could be any “resurrection stuff” in his life after his earlier abject failure.

And so, just as Peter had denied his lord and teacher three times, Jesus gave Peter an opportunity, three times, to affirm his love. To remember the charge he was given as the rock upon which Jesus’ church would be built. Jesus gave Peter the opportunity to re-recognize the resurrection in his own life.

Seeing the inherent value in others’ lives, even when and especially when they cannot see it themselves. And engaging in ways that remind them that they have value and are valued as part of the Kingdom of God. These things can help others recognize resurrection in your life…and in their own.

Recognizing resurrection does not seem to come easily. But may we look to the life of the risen Jesus, following his lead and engaging with others in ways that reveal resurrection—reflected in our own lives, in the lives of others, and in all creation.

Amen.