Definition: But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from John 21:4 together. It's a really important and slightly strange passage! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Jesus is on the shore of a lake (or maybe the sea), and his disciples are looking for him. They’re expecting to see him, but they don’t realize he's really there. Let’s unpack it: “But when the morning was now come…” – This is a poetic way of saying "It's getting late." The “morning” refers to the time of day. “…Jesus stood on the shore…” – Jesus is simply sitting or standing on the water, looking out at the horizon. “but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.” – This is the key part! The disciples were expecting to see him, they were anticipating his return. But he's just there . They didn’t realize he was still alive and present. What's the Significance? This verse speaks to a crucial moment after Jesus' crucifixion. It highlights several things: His Transcendence: Jesus isn't physically present in a way we can easily understand. He’s above the surface, beyond our grasp. The Afterlife: It shows that Jesus is still alive and active, even though he’s not with us in the same way. Disciples' Disappointment & Uncertainty: It emphasizes how deeply the disciples were grieving and confused – they expected him back but didn't see him. In essence, it’s a powerful image of Jesus’ presence being different from our earthly experience. He's not just there ; he is now . Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Talk about the symbolism behind this passage? Or perhaps offer a little more context on why it's important in Christian theology?