Dear Partner in Preaching, This “epilogue” to John’s dramatic and symbolic Gospel, while perhaps not part of the “original” Gospel, nevertheless does not disappoint. Indeed, it provides a clue not only to the questions and fate of this early Christian community but sheds light on key elements of our life as disciples today. Scholars have posited a variety of reasons for this additional chapter: questions about the fate of the “beloved disciple,” the need to rehabilitate Peter as the Johannine community moved closer to other communities more familiar with Peter’s significant role in the early church, the need to “position”...

John 20:1-18 Kkkkatie, beautiful Katie, You’re the only gggirl that I adore. When the mmmoon shines, over the cccowshed, I’ll be waiting for you by the kkkitchen door. Dear Partner in Preaching, Not my typical beginning to this letter, I know. But then again, this isn’t your typical Sunday. So allow me to explain…. Because the song I referenced above never failed to bring a smile to the face of my daughter when she was a toddler, it always came in pretty handy when she was upset. Whether recovering from a bruised knee or a lost contest with her older brother for some toy, my daughter Katie invariably responded to my singing, first...