You Can Run, But You Can't Hide: Reflections on John 21:1-19

April 07, 2013 by Alyce McKenzie

Continued from Page 1

Peter's reckoning doesn't end with being grilled by Jesus. He also is subjected to a grim vision of his own future, of a time when he, like Jesus, will be led where he doesn't want to go and will die a martyr's death (Jn 21:18).

There are as many responses to Easter today as there were then. Some flee from the strange news or consider it an "idle tale." Some worship at the feet of the Risen Lord. Some tell others the good news. And some return to their homes. But going home to hide from Jesus isn't an option for us any more than it was for Peter. For one thing, Jesus has forgiven us for whatever we have done or not done in the past. So there is no need to hide. For another, we can run, but we can't hide. He knows where we live. He stands on the shores of our lives. He stands at our front doors. And when we answer his knock, he has just two questions for us: "Do you love me?" and, if so, "What are you going to do about it?"

Sources Consulted

Raymond Brown, The Anchor Bible Commentary on John.

Andrew T. Lincoln, The Gospel According to Saint John.

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About Alyce McKenzie

Alyce M. McKenzie is the George W. and Nell Ayers Le Van Professor of Preaching and Worship at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University.

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