They Knew

8 The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. 9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
John 21:8-14
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They Knew
The Lord Jesus defeats death. It is something that no one expected. Men don't rise from the dead. The disciples couldn't understand Jesus' predictions: The Christ must suffer, die, and on the third day rise again. This is what it means to be the Christ. This is what it means to rescue and to save the lost. This is what it means to do the Father's will. They resisted him, they rebuked him, and they shook their heads when he told them he would rise. However, in the resurrection, they believed. This is now the third time that Jesus appeared alive to his disciples. It is not just a spiritual manifestation. This is the physical, risen Jesus, who cooks breakfast and then eats it with his disciples. This is the One who comes among you in preached Word and Sacraments given. This is the One that promises to come again to bring you to heaven to live with him there forever. And it is by faith that you know, too.