Peter Reinstated Outline

John 21 ESV

After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. 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. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 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. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. 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. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 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. 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. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. 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.” 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.” 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. 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.” (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.” Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?” This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true. Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

Restoration by the Shore: Peter's Reinstatement

Bible Passage: John 21

Summary: In John 21, we see the post-resurrection appearance of Jesus, where He reinstates Peter after his denial. This encounter reveals deep themes of forgiveness, restoration, and the call to service.

Application: This sermon can encourage Christians who feel unworthy due to past mistakes and failures, reminding them that Jesus offers forgiveness and a fresh start. It speaks to the power of grace and the calling each believer has in their life, emphasizing that our past does not define our future in Christ.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that no matter how far we fall, Jesus is always ready to restore us and reinstate us into His purpose. It highlights the importance of faithfulness in service despite our failures, showcasing God’s unending love and grace.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage reflects the overarching Christological theme of redemption and reconciliation. Jesus not only fulfills the role of Savior but also the Restorer, demonstrating that He seeks personal relationships with His followers, even after they stray.

Big Idea: Jesus's love and grace restore us to a place of purpose, regardless of our past failures, inviting us into a continuous relationship of service.

Recommended Study: Consider diving into the historical context of Peter’s denial and the significance of his reinstatement in the first-century church using Logos. Explore commentaries that focus on the Greek terms used during the reinstatement, especially ‘feed’ and ‘shepherd,’ as they reveal deeper meanings about leadership and care within the church. Engaging with homiletical resources might also help you effectively convey the message of hope and restoration.

1. Presence at the Shore

John 21:1-6

You could use these verses to illustrate how Jesus appears to His disciples by the Sea of Galilee, prompting them to recognize His ongoing presence even when they least expect it. This moment sets the stage for restoration, showing that Jesus meets us in our daily lives, offering guidance and abundance, even when we feel lost or insufficient. By focusing on the miraculous catch of fish, we might see a reminder of Jesus's provision and intention to restore us to our true purpose.

2. Pursuit of Forgiveness

John 21:7-11

Perhaps emphasize Peter's eagerness in this passage, as he jumps into the water to reach Jesus. This demonstrates the importance of recognizing Jesus's forgiving nature and our need to pursue Him actively when we have strayed. The big idea is expanded with Peter's willingness to seek Jesus's presence, suggesting that even after failure, our earnestness to reconnect with Him can lead us to restoration and joy, showcasing Christ's role as Restorer.

3. Provision for Service

John 21:12-17

In these verses, Jesus reinstates Peter, asking him three times to feed and take care of His sheep. Maybe focus on how Jesus's repeated questions and commands to Peter symbolize complete forgiveness and a renewed calling. This can communicate that Jesus restores us not just for our sake but to entrust us with the responsibility to care for others, despite our past failures. Christ's grace empowers us to serve anew, symbolizing the universal call to spread His love.

4. Pathway to Purpose

John 21:18-25

This concluding section offers insight into our journey with Christ. You might highlight how Jesus predicts Peter's future, showing that our path isn't free from difficulty, but it is meaningful and appointed by God. The focus here could be on embracing our unique calling, trusting in Jesus’s guidance for our future. Despite past failures, Christ’s restoration leads us into a purposeful life following Him. His love equips us to handle whatever comes, sustained by His enduring commitment.

When Peter denies Jesus, it serves as a harsh reminder of human fragility. However, Jesus doesn’t approach Peter with condemnation but with profound love and purpose. Each time He asks, 'Do you love me?', He emphasizes restoration over guilt. This illustrates a profound truth: God’s desire is to heal and reinstate those who have failed. Peter’s reinstatement unleashes a mission that transforms the early church, symbolizing that our failures can become the foundation for future faithfulness.