After these things, Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias (
Some years ago, my wife purchased some concert tickets that included a backstage pass. These tickets were not issued to everyone, but were considered VIP. I’m not sure how important I felt at the time, but it was a fascinating experience to go backstage and meet the band. It’s one thing to watch a concert from out front, but quite another to see the members up close and personal backstage.
I think of this experience whenever I think of Easter—and of the many kinds of shows we work to create each week in youth ministry. Often, we spend a great deal of time creating our weekly gatherings, large events, retreats, mission experiences—and our hope is that somehow, through the big experience and our efforts, that a group of teenagers will encounter Jesus.
I appreciate this interlude in John’s Gospel where Jesus appeared to a small group of disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. It happened, “After these things”—all the hype, various miracles, appearances and finally the aftermath of the resurrection. Most of the people had gone home or become bored with following Jesus, and then Christ returned to where it all began: to the Sea of Galilee. Only a few faithful followers remained.
This is an important episode in the resurrection appearances of Jesus. It demonstrates to us that we cannot orchestrate a new life or a new experience for other people—especially teenagers. Sooner or later, they must experience Christ firsthand for themselves. After the lights have dimmed and the sound has died away, we are left with discovering Jesus in the familiar places of daily existence. Christ did not appear to the disciples on the mountaintop or on a large stage—but in the familiar surroundings of their work, in the quiet morning.
It is important for us as youth leaders to remember these things and to celebrate Easter in this way. The real question isn’t: Can we create a bright-light experience so teenagers can see Jesus? The real question is: Will our teenagers see Jesus next Tuesday at school, or three months from now when they are feeling lonely or afraid, or next spring when they graduate?
The big stage might be where it’s at for Easter, but we all hope for a backstage pass. That’s where we meet Jesus face-to-face. That’s what Easter is all about.
