Easter 3: Making it Right and Finding Your Seat at the Table Again

The Neighborhood Church

John 21 is a post-credits scene that rolls after the Gospel story ends in chapter 20. This dream-like sequence of fishing, breakfast, and a walk on the shore wraps up the loose end hanging over Peter's story. Does Peter get another chance after denying Jesus? What about us when we fail? Do we have a chance to hear Jesus' voice and come back to the table? NOTES -- // SCRIPTURE FOCUS -- John 21 // John 21 is a make-it-right-story: 1) for John to wrap up a loose end in the story of church leader and 2) for Jesus to remind us that every new day is a chance to hear his voice and come back to him. // Shame lies to us about who we are and what is possible. Jesus calls us to find our place at the table again. // The Church's "Make-it-right Prayer" (Prayer of Confession): Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen. (BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER) // We're all books coauthored by Jesus in the library of what he's said and done. We are not our worst moments. Our story is not finished. Jesus is resolving and restoring our loose ends and Jesus will bring us through to the end.