Understanding Key Events in John's Gospel: Faith and Commissioning

Peter's Three Denials and Reflection

The Gospel of John illustrates Peter's denial differently than the other Gospels. In John's account, in between each denial, Peter is given a slight amount of time to reflect and think about what he has just done. Each time Peter denies Jesus, he considers his actions and then denies Jesus again, totaling three times. This narrative structure indicates that Peter, and indeed all of us, tend to turn away from God despite our love for him, suggesting a fundamental human weakness.

The Trial: Caiaphas, Pilate, and the Inscription

Caiaphas wanted Pilate to execute Jesus. Pilate did not initially agree, but Caiaphas convinced him by arguing that a rebellion would start if he did not comply. Once Jesus was crucified, Pilate placed a sign over his head that read: “JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” This inscription greatly upset Caiaphas, who asked Pilate to remove it. Pilate refused, stating firmly, “What I have written, I have written,” indicating that the decision was final and could not be changed.

Mary Magdalene and the Risen Christ

When Mary Magdalene arrived at the tomb, she first saw two angels. Subsequently, she saw Jesus but was initially unable to recognize him, mistaking him for a gardener or perhaps a thief who had stolen Jesus' body. She only realized it was Jesus when he called her by name: “Mary.”

Jesus then instructed her to go tell the other disciples that he would be one with God. He also told her to let him go and stop lamenting his death. This moment teaches us a profound lesson: we should not mourn over death but instead celebrate the promise of rebirth and eternal life.

The Gift of the Holy Spirit and Thomas's Doubt

After his resurrection, Jesus visited the disciples and bestowed upon them the Holy Spirit. Thomas, however, was not present during this initial appearance and was reluctant to believe the accounts unless he received tangible proof. At a later moment, Jesus revealed himself to Thomas and told him to believe and not to doubt or constantly require a sign.

This narrative holds significant relevance for modern society, where many doubt Jesus because they lack physical evidence or a miracle witnessed firsthand. The lesson remains clear:

• We must believe in Jesus.
• We must stop demanding physical signs or evidence.
• Faith is believing without seeing.

Restoring Peter: "Tend My Sheep"

Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him. Peter affirmed that he did love God three times. Following this affirmation, Jesus gave Peter a crucial commission: “Then tend my sheep.”

This command signifies that Jesus wanted Peter to look over the Church for him and continue the mission of spreading Christianity. This echoes the earlier declaration where Jesus stated that Peter was the rock upon which he would build the church. By accepting this responsibility, Peter was given significant power and authority over the nascent Christian community.