Peter Eats Fish 1642
Notes
Transcript
One of the things I find interesting about this scripture, is for most of my life I have always thought Jesus and Peter were alone when this conversation took place, but what is important to pick up on is they weren’t alone. All the guys who had gone fishing when Peter brought up the idea have just had breakfast with Jesus, he has prepared and given them the nourishment they need for both their soul and their physical bodies, and now while they are all sitting together Jesus speaks to Peter. I tell you this now, because I want you to keep all of this in mind as we encounter this story, I think it will play an important role in what we see happening.
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.
As we read this story, your mind may have triggered back to the tons of parallels to what we saw in John 18. And it is John 18 where Peter had denied Jesus three times. So let’s take a look. The scene this morning we know from John 21:9 is Jesus has prepared the fish over a charcoal fire, which is similar to what we saw in John 18:18
18 Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.
This morning we see
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.”
On the night of Jesus trial:
17 The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.”
This is the very first parallel.
Next
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.”
25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You also are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.”
And the third.
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.
26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?”
27 Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed.
And as they sit and commune together, Jesus has spoken directly to the heart of Peter. I can only imagine Peter has the moments he denied Jesus playing over and over again in his head thinking he is completely disqualified from ministry. He probably feels like a failure and perhaps that is the reason he went back to fishing in the first place, because he doesn’t think he is good enough to do what Jesus has asked him to do so he went back to what was comfortable. And Jesus is speaking to EVERY single one of those instances. He is rebuilding Peter through every single time he denied him.
There are so many things in our lives when it comes to following Jesus we use to make ourselves feel awful about what we have done and speak to our doubts. We all get to places just like Peter, we look at how many times we have messed up and we think, there is no way Jesus will fix it this time, there is no way he actually wants me. This story reminds me a lot of the night I finally accepted my call into ministry. I was at a worship service on a Christian College campus the night after the Passion of the Christ came out. It just so happened that night the projector was broken and they were singing a lot of new songs I didn’t know the words to like You Are My King that we sung just last week, because the churches I had attended only sung hymns. So I reserved myself to prayer, and it was while I was praying and everyone was singing the Lord called me into ministry, and I would love to tell you I was agreeable from the start, but I wasn’t. In fact, I started arguing with the Lord in my prayer time, I said, “Why me Jesus, there are so many people better than me, pick someone who has followed you their entire life. You don’t want me, I haven’t always been the best example, just pick someone else.”
It was at that moment the music stopped and 5 students got up on stage with their backs to the audience, and one by one they turned around and started speaking, “Why me God? Choose Johnny, he’s so much better than me, he’s always loved you,” and it is the exact argument I am having in my head. One by one in turn they all decided to take the call God had given them, and in my prayers I said, Okay, I’ll do it.
This scene this morning reminds me of that, where Jesus speaks directly into our doubts to restore us and get us to the places he has originally called us and he restored him to service. Remember, Peter was a fisherman, Jesus told him he would be a fisher of men and in this moment he is giving new wording to his ministry, and telling him to be a shepherd.
DO SOMETHING HERE
18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.”
19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”
Look at what Jesus tells Peter the cost of discipleship is, in the end, it will mean death. What I don’t want you to hear this morning is me saying for every single one of us in this room, we can know that following Jesus will mean we will be put to death for his cause. That isn’t what I am saying, but what you can see in this interaction is that following Jesus will be marked with pain and suffering. This is the kind of thing you preach and you some people would say thanks preacher for the good news, and go home feeling a little bad about themselves, but this should give you comfort.
We should know from these words that we can trust Jesus even in the difficult times, even when life is getting hard it doesn’t mean we are out of his will or he has forgotten about us. We can see in the life of Peter often times it just means we are following the path he wanted us to follow and we are living through some of the things while we didn’t prepare for them, Jesus still knew about them so we can know he is still with us in the middle of it. Even in the difficult, even in the things that will cause us hurt and pain, we can know we are in the right path if we are following Jesus.
Bible Passage: John 21:15-23
Bible Passage: John 21:15-23
Summary: In this passage, Jesus restores Peter after his denial and calls him to shepherd His flock, revealing His deep love and purpose for Peter's life despite past failures.
Application: This sermon can help Christians understand that no failure is beyond God's grace and that He can restore us and give us a new purpose, encouraging them to embrace their calling despite their shortcomings.
Teaching: The sermon conveys that God offers forgiveness and restoration, emphasizing that our past does not define our future with Him. Just as He reinstated Peter, He invites us to step into our roles in His mission.
How this passage could point to Christ: This passage showcases Jesus's role as the Good Shepherd who not only calls His disciples but restores and equips them for service, pointing towards His redemptive work throughout Scripture.
Big Idea: God's grace restores and calls us into His service, reaffirming that no matter our past, we have a future in Him.
Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the nuances of Peter’s restoration in light of his denial, perhaps examining the Greek terms used for 'love' in Jesus’s questions. Delve into commentaries in your Logos library on the broader context of John’s Gospel to highlight the significance of Jesus's post-resurrection appearances. Investigating variations in translation can also provide insight into the emotional depth of this exchange.
1. Reassurance through Restoration
1. Reassurance through Restoration
John 21:15-17
You could explore how Jesus intentionally restores Peter by asking him three times if he loves Him, mirroring Peter's threefold denial. This restoration is an act of grace and reaffirms Peter's role, emphasizing that past failures do not disqualify us from future service. Discuss the significance of the Greek words for love used in this dialogue and what they reveal about Jesus's approach to restoration. This point encourages believers to accept Jesus's grace and reaffirmation, understanding that He desires to reinstates us into our calling despite our shortcomings.
2. Realignment with Resolve
2. Realignment with Resolve
John 21:18-19
Perhaps focus on Jesus prophesying Peter's future, highlighting the cost of discipleship and the deep transformation Christ brings. Though Peter's journey will entail sacrifice, it signifies a life fully aligned with God's will. This point could encourage listeners to embrace the difficult aspects of following Jesus, trusting that His plans, even involving suffering, lead to glorifying God and fulfilling our divine calling. This aspect reinforces our assurance in Christ's redemptive plan, cultivating perseverance in faith.
3. Redirected to Our Path
3. Redirected to Our Path
John 21:20-23
Maybe delve into Peter's curiosity about John's destiny, only to be redirected by Jesus to focus on his own path. This teaches personal responsibility in our walk with God, emphasizing that our calling is uniquely tailored by Christ. Jesus's response to Peter underscores the importance of concentrating on our individual journeys without comparison, fostering contentment in our unique callings. This sermon's point encourages believers to trust Jesus with their paths and humbly serve Him where they are placed.
From Denial to Destiny: Peter's Journey
From Denial to Destiny: Peter's Journey
Bible Passage: John 21:15-23
Bible Passage: John 21:15-23
Summary: In this passage, after His resurrection, Jesus engages Peter by asking him three times if he loves Him, symbolically overturning Peter's earlier denials and establishing him as a leader in the early Church. This moment is not only a personal restoration for Peter but also a pivotal point where Jesus outlines the nature of true discipleship and obedience.
Application: This sermon can empower believers to realize that their past mistakes do not dictate their future potential. By embracing God's call with sincerity and commitment, they can step into their God-given roles, fully equipped to serve others with love, demonstrating the transformative power of grace in their lives.
Teaching: The teaching here centers on how Jesus restores and commissions Peter, emphasizing that authentic love for Christ naturally leads to fulfilling His command to shepherd His people, demonstrating that discipleship involves action tied closely to our love for Christ.
How this passage could point to Christ: This passage illustrates the multifaceted nature of Christ's work—He restores, commissions, and empowers His followers, indicating the depth of His love and the breadth of His mission as seen throughout Scripture, ultimately leading to the establishment of His Church.
Big Idea: God’s restoration equips us for His purpose, inviting us to lead a life of love and service despite our failures.
Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider investigating the implications of the three-fold question of Jesus concerning love, and how it reflects a profound understanding of relational restoration. Utilizing commentaries in your Logos library could be beneficial in unpacking the cultural and theological significance of Jesus's instructions to Peter about feeding His sheep. Also, explore the broader Johannine context to highlight how this encounter enriches the understanding of Christian leadership.
1. Restoration through Repetition
1. Restoration through Repetition
John 21:15-17
Perhaps you could explore how Jesus' thrice-repeated question to Peter serves as a restoration and reinforcement of his commitment, symbolically countering his earlier denials. This demonstrates that Jesus not only forgives but also entrusts His mission anew, propelling Peter from his past failures into a future driven by love and leadership. You might teach that our failures can become pivotal moments where God redefines our purpose, urging congregants to accept His call courageously.
2. Recalibration for Discipleship
2. Recalibration for Discipleship
John 21:18-19
You could focus on Jesus' foretelling of Peter's future, which encapsulates the depth and gravity of true discipleship—one marked by sacrifice and ultimate devotion. This prediction highlights that genuine love for Christ may lead us into challenging yet purposeful paths. No matter the cost, adhering to Jesus' path is underscored. This could encourage listeners to willingly embrace God's roadmap, recognizing the honor and cost in living out one's faith.
3. Refocus on Following
3. Refocus on Following
John 21:20-23
Maybe draw attention to Peter's distraction when he inquires about John's role, and Jesus' redirection to focus on his path. This underscores the importance of concentrating on one's God-given mission without comparison. Jesus' instruction to "follow me" becomes a personal call to faithful commitment. This narrative can inspire believers to steadfastness and to understand that their walk with Christ should be unique, free from the burden of comparison.
A Shepherd’s Heart: The Call to Love and Lead
A Shepherd’s Heart: The Call to Love and Lead
Bible Passage: John 21:15-23
Bible Passage: John 21:15-23
Summary: This passage describes a pivotal moment where Jesus reinstates Peter after his denial by commanding him to feed and care for His sheep. It highlights Jesus's profound love and intimate connection with His disciples, emphasizing that true love for Christ is demonstrated through service and leadership in the community of faith. Peter's restoration not only affirms his role among the apostles but sets a template for all believers about responding to God's grace with action.
Application: The sermon can help Christians to understand that true love for Jesus is shown in how we care for others. It encourages them to embrace their role within the church community, prompting them to serve, nurture, and guide those around them as an expression of their love for Christ while fostering unity in the body of Christ.
Teaching: This teaching centers on the active dimension of love in Christ's command—serving others as a response to His love. It emphasizes that leadership in the faith community is an essential aspect of discipleship and that Christians are called to reflect Christ’s loving and sacrificial nature in their lives.
How this passage could point to Christ: The passage illuminates Jesus as the Good Shepherd, who not only lays down His life for the sheep but also entrusts His followers with the responsibility of shepherding others. This extends His mission through His disciples, echoing throughout Scripture as God's redemptive plan enfolds in the lives of believers.
Big Idea: Our love for Christ compels us to actively serve and shepherd those around us in faith, embodying His compassion and care.
Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider examining the leadership qualities expressed through Peter’s restoration in light of ancient shepherding practices, which may provide powerful illustrations for modern-day service in the church. Utilizing your Logos library to look into the cultural context of feeding sheep could reveal insights into the nature of pastoral care. Additionally, studying other biblical examples of shepherds in Scripture may enrich your understanding of this role’s significance in both the Old and New Testaments.
1. Peter's Profound Rehabilitation
1. Peter's Profound Rehabilitation
John 21:15-17
You could emphasize how Jesus addresses Peter directly, reaffirming his love despite past failures. This point reflects the reconciling nature of Christ's grace and how it calls each believer to serve despite weaknesses. By examining Peter's threefold affirmation of love, you could encourage congregants to understand that their love for Christ should lead them to role in the nurturing care of His sheep—other believers and those in need. This suggests that nobody is disqualified from service due to past mistakes, as Christ's love restores and commissions.
2. Peter's Future Sacrifice
2. Peter's Future Sacrifice
John 21:18-19
Perhaps highlight how Jesus predicts Peter’s challenging future, symbolizing the cost of discipleship. It suggests that true love for Christ involves being willing to face hardships and sacrifice in service to others. By unpacking these verses, you could inspire your audience to count the cost of following Christ, understanding that shepherding others might lead to difficult paths. Love for Christ is not just affection but a commitment that involves sharing in His sufferings and enduring trials for the sake of the Gospel.
3. Peter's Personal Calling
3. Peter's Personal Calling
John 21:20-23
Maybe illustrate how Peter’s curiosity about John's fate redirects him to focus on his own call to love and lead. This point encourages believers to remember that each person's path and call might be different, emphasizing the importance of following Christ personally and authentically. You could advise congregants to avoid comparing their journey with others, and instead, concentrate on fulfilling their unique role within the Church. This underscores the individuality of God’s call and the need to serve where He places us.
