On This Wise: When Jesus Shewed Himself
On This Wise:
When Jesus Shewed Himself
Text: John 21:1
After the resurrection, Scripture records not merely that Jesus appeared, but how he appeared. John writes, “After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.” That phrase, "on this wise," means “in this way” or “after this fashion.” It appears seven times in Scripture, and every occurrence ultimately finds its meaning in Jesus Christ. From the priestly blessing of Aaron, to the birth of Christ, to Israel’s deliverance, to the resurrection, and even to God’s seventh-day rest, the Bible consistently teaches that God reveals himself with purpose, order, and intent. Christ never appears haphazardly. When he shows himself, it is always significant.
The word shewed simply means appeared, yet when Jesus Christ appears, heaven and earth are never unaffected. His manifestations are not dramatic interruptions but divine appointments. In John 21, the disciples have returned to the familiar work of fishing. They are not seeking a vision; they are simply trying to move forward. It is after these things of confusion, fear, failure, and waiting that Jesus appears once again.
First, his appearance is PUNCTUAL. Scripture repeatedly uses the phrase after these things to teach that God acts at precisely the right moment. After the wilderness, Jesus fed the five thousand. After uncertainty, he walked again among the people of Galilee. After judgment, heaven erupts with praise. What appears to us as delay is often divine preparation. John Broadus rightly observed, “What appears to us as delay is often the very preparation necessary for the fullest revelation of Christ.” B. H. Carroll echoed the same truth: “God’s movements are never hurried, never delayed. He works by plan, and his plan is perfect in its timing.” Jesus did not come to the shore early or late; he came exactly when he was needed. One day, after the things of this present age are complete, he will again appear right on time to receive his bride in glory.
Second, his appearance is PUNCTUAL. John carefully notes that “Jesus shewed himself…shewed he himself.” Christ did not send a messenger. He did not dispatch an angel. He came personally. This truth reaches back to Genesis 22:8, where God promised to provide himself a lamb, a promise fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. He became the sacrificial Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. He purchased the church with his own blood. Andrew Fuller captured this reality well when he wrote, “The gospel reveals not a distant Deity, but God in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself.” The same Lord who came personally to redeem fallen man will one day come personally to receive his own sheep.
Third, his appearance is PERPETUAL. John tells us this was the third time Jesus showed himself to the disciples. Earlier appearances brought peace; this appearance brings reconciliation and restoration, particularly for Peter. The faithfulness of Christ is not limited to a single moment. He shows up again and again—after failure, after fear, after denial. God returned to Jonah after rebellion, to Moses in the desert, and to Jacob after deception. Adoniram Judson, reflecting on years of suffering, testified, “If I had not felt the continued presence of God, I must have perished in the midst of my trials.” Christ does not vanish after the first meeting; he faithfully returns.
Fourth, his appearance is PARTICULAR. Jesus appeared to his disciples. He began his earthly ministry by calling individuals, and he concludes this scene by ministering to them. He knows the number of hairs on their heads. He knows his sheep by name, and they know his voice. Scripture repeatedly shows God personally calling his servants: Samuel, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Daniel, among many others. God never saves or shepherds people as an anonymous crowd.
Fifth, his appearance is PURPOSEFUL. Jesus came to the Sea of Tiberias because that is where his disciples were. This was familiar ground, a known place, and a deliberate meeting. The Lord always knows where his people are. When he comes to us through his word, conviction, or comfort, it is never accidental. He speaks precisely what we need, and exactly when we need it. He met with Moses at the burning bush, Elijah in a still small voice, Balaam through the mouth of a donkey, and Paul through the brightness of his glory. God has a message, and he knows how and when to deliver it.
Finally, his appearance is PASTORAL. When Jesus speaks with Peter, he speaks as the Good Shepherd. He entrusts his sheep to Peter’s care, calling him to feed and tend the flock. A true shepherd gives his life, watches the welfare of the sheep, and faithfully feeds them. Christ still shepherds his people today, caring for lambs and sheep alike through his shepherds, the Pastor or a congregation.
When Jesus shows himself, it is always on this wise: always on time, always personal, always faithful, and always purposeful. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Our responsibility is not to force his timing, but to trust his presence.
When Jesus Shewed Himself
Text: John 21:1
After the resurrection, Scripture records not merely that Jesus appeared, but how he appeared. John writes, “After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.” That phrase, "on this wise," means “in this way” or “after this fashion.” It appears seven times in Scripture, and every occurrence ultimately finds its meaning in Jesus Christ. From the priestly blessing of Aaron, to the birth of Christ, to Israel’s deliverance, to the resurrection, and even to God’s seventh-day rest, the Bible consistently teaches that God reveals himself with purpose, order, and intent. Christ never appears haphazardly. When he shows himself, it is always significant.
The word shewed simply means appeared, yet when Jesus Christ appears, heaven and earth are never unaffected. His manifestations are not dramatic interruptions but divine appointments. In John 21, the disciples have returned to the familiar work of fishing. They are not seeking a vision; they are simply trying to move forward. It is after these things of confusion, fear, failure, and waiting that Jesus appears once again.
First, his appearance is PUNCTUAL. Scripture repeatedly uses the phrase after these things to teach that God acts at precisely the right moment. After the wilderness, Jesus fed the five thousand. After uncertainty, he walked again among the people of Galilee. After judgment, heaven erupts with praise. What appears to us as delay is often divine preparation. John Broadus rightly observed, “What appears to us as delay is often the very preparation necessary for the fullest revelation of Christ.” B. H. Carroll echoed the same truth: “God’s movements are never hurried, never delayed. He works by plan, and his plan is perfect in its timing.” Jesus did not come to the shore early or late; he came exactly when he was needed. One day, after the things of this present age are complete, he will again appear right on time to receive his bride in glory.
Second, his appearance is PUNCTUAL. John carefully notes that “Jesus shewed himself…shewed he himself.” Christ did not send a messenger. He did not dispatch an angel. He came personally. This truth reaches back to Genesis 22:8, where God promised to provide himself a lamb, a promise fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. He became the sacrificial Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. He purchased the church with his own blood. Andrew Fuller captured this reality well when he wrote, “The gospel reveals not a distant Deity, but God in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself.” The same Lord who came personally to redeem fallen man will one day come personally to receive his own sheep.
Third, his appearance is PERPETUAL. John tells us this was the third time Jesus showed himself to the disciples. Earlier appearances brought peace; this appearance brings reconciliation and restoration, particularly for Peter. The faithfulness of Christ is not limited to a single moment. He shows up again and again—after failure, after fear, after denial. God returned to Jonah after rebellion, to Moses in the desert, and to Jacob after deception. Adoniram Judson, reflecting on years of suffering, testified, “If I had not felt the continued presence of God, I must have perished in the midst of my trials.” Christ does not vanish after the first meeting; he faithfully returns.
Fourth, his appearance is PARTICULAR. Jesus appeared to his disciples. He began his earthly ministry by calling individuals, and he concludes this scene by ministering to them. He knows the number of hairs on their heads. He knows his sheep by name, and they know his voice. Scripture repeatedly shows God personally calling his servants: Samuel, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Daniel, among many others. God never saves or shepherds people as an anonymous crowd.
Fifth, his appearance is PURPOSEFUL. Jesus came to the Sea of Tiberias because that is where his disciples were. This was familiar ground, a known place, and a deliberate meeting. The Lord always knows where his people are. When he comes to us through his word, conviction, or comfort, it is never accidental. He speaks precisely what we need, and exactly when we need it. He met with Moses at the burning bush, Elijah in a still small voice, Balaam through the mouth of a donkey, and Paul through the brightness of his glory. God has a message, and he knows how and when to deliver it.
Finally, his appearance is PASTORAL. When Jesus speaks with Peter, he speaks as the Good Shepherd. He entrusts his sheep to Peter’s care, calling him to feed and tend the flock. A true shepherd gives his life, watches the welfare of the sheep, and faithfully feeds them. Christ still shepherds his people today, caring for lambs and sheep alike through his shepherds, the Pastor or a congregation.
When Jesus shows himself, it is always on this wise: always on time, always personal, always faithful, and always purposeful. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Our responsibility is not to force his timing, but to trust his presence.
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