The Gospel Project: People are Restored

Intro Option 1:

Play zoomed in Jeopardy

Difficulty seeing up close

Same in life; can’t see meaning when too close

Mess up > give up

But bigger picture

Forgiveness matters for us and for others

Main Point: Jesus forgives and desires to restore fellowship with His own.

The risen messiah reveals Himself

John 21:1–6 ESV

1 After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish.

After Jesus appeared to them and showed his scars

In Galilee

Familiar place (returning to what they used to do)

They don’t know what to do

So they do what they know

And then, Jesus shows up!

Simple truth: “When we are uncertain what to do we should simply do our duty and God will guide.”

Why do you think Jesus chose to reveal Himself while the men were fishing?

Jesus meeting them in an ordinary place

They didn’t seek Him out; he came to them

When or how has Jesus met you where your are in everyday circumstances?

Main Point: Jesus forgives and desires to restore fellowship with His own.

The risen messiah reveals Himself

The risen Messiah enjoys relationship

John 21:9–14 ESV

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.

Jesus provides for physical needs

What is your relationship with Jesus like?

Sometimes God seems distant

But Jesus consistently seeks relationship

Jesus met the disciples needs. How is he meeting your needs?

The men are tired and hungry

Jesus takes His time to meet a need that they had

God cares about our needs

Main Point: Jesus forgives and desires to restore fellowship with His own.

The risen messiah reveals Himself

The risen Messiah enjoys relationship

The risen Messiah restores fellowship

John 21:15–17 ESV

15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.