Fishing and Feeding

Feed My Lambs

Opening Illustration

Mohamed Ali was asked once “If you could be anywhere in history .. anytime .. where would you most like to be ?” .. at this time he had already converted to Islam .. an American version .. and he said “I’d like to be outside the tomb on that first Easter morning” fascinating .. Islam states that Jesus was never crucified in the first place … you see Mohamed knows that if it’s true that Jesus walked out of the tomb that Sunday everything in the world is different

Mohamed Ali was asked once “If you could be anywhere in history .. anytime .. where would you most like to be ?” .. at this time he had already converted to Islam .. an American version .. and his answer to the question was intriguing .. he said “I’d like to be outside the tomb on that first Easter morning” that’s a fascinating answer for someone who is a practicing Muslim, a religion that states that Jesus was never crucified in the first place … you see Mohamed knows that if it’s true that Jesus walked out of the tomb that Sunday everything in the world is different

If Jesus is who He claims to be .. the Son of God .. there is only ONE response from every one of us .. repentance .. bow the knee before him

Is death really defeated? Is there hope? Our trouble is that we rarely take this question seriously .. we need a reality TV show that traces someone’s last days dying of cancer .. then it’s the ONLY question we want answered … is there a way to defeat death? .. could it be that someone who was dead ..dead .. torn apart ..buried ..decaying type dead .. could someone like that come back to life? Well we have to consider the evidence .. did it make any impact on people? Did it transform lives?

Today we finish up the series on John’s gospel .. he has wanted us to see Jesus and understand who He is .. the Son of God .. and that believing in Him we will have life in His name () Well the ultimate proof is the resurrection… and the gospel could have finished last chapter with .. John, Mary, the disciples .. even Thomas believing .. and they all lived happily ever after. The END!

Not so .. John finishes by stressing that the disciples are WITNESSES of these things .. there lives are about MISSION .. Jesus has started a MINISTRY that continues until His return

In fact ALL of Jesus followers are SENT .. there is a vital work to be done

The gospel centers on the resurrection being a real event .. John wants us to know that they are WITNESSES to Jesus being alive in BODY after He was crucified

Filling the Nets

Babies vulnerable .. eg sad when left on a step outside the hospital .. baby in the garbage bin

Some while later .. at the sea of Galilee (or Tiberias) .. 7 of the disciples were hanging around and Peter says a very sensible thing .. “I’m going out to fish” so they all get out in the boat and fish all night .. catching nothing .. there are shades of

Babies need feeding .. changing .. clothing .. 24/7 help and care

Early morning and there’s a guy on the beach “Good morning friends! Did you catch anything for breakfast?”(Message)

It’s Jesus but they don’t realise that .. and the wording is like a friendly poke in the ribs ..How are you doing boys .. meanwhile Jesus has some fish sizzling on the BBQ Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.”

Ever get that when you’re fishing .. bit of advice ..you need a smaller hook .. different bait … lighter line … you should have been here last week ..

Now these professionals maybe shrugged their shoulders and thought …”what have we got to lose?” and they put the advice of the bloke on the beach to use and there’s a huge catch .. 153 large fish ..(of course you count them!) .. they can hardly pull them in

This miraculous event jogs the mind of John .. he knows who this guy is .. “It’s the Lord” … Peter puts his clothes on and jumps in the water .. while the others in boat row to shore dragging the net in with this heap of fish

When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. .. 153 to be precise .. of course you count them!

Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

been here before .. wouldn’t think these professionals would take any noice of this “mate” on the beach .. BUT .. whatever .. and = so many fish they can hardly pull them in .. big haul of fish .. John works out that the bloke on the shore is Jesus .. Peter gets dressed and jumps in to swim to Jesus .. He can’t wait .. the others staggering in with this large haul

Jesus is barbequing fish on the beach and tells them to bring a few of there’s over .. Throw another fish on the Barbie .. and enjoy breakfast

They don’t have to ask, they know it is the Lord .. mannerisms? Voice? … scars on his feet and hands are pretty obvious but putting ourselves in their shoes this is a hard thing to get your head around .. their friend was crucified .. he was dead but something has happened that had never happened before .. someone rose from the dead, defeated death – they are still coming to terms with it YET .. the whole scene EMPHASISES that Jesus was there with these 7 disciples …. Eating, talking, laughing .. Jesus is not some disembodied spirit floating around .. a different body .. a resurrected body .. but John wants us to know that it wasn’t just a chance one-off meeting the disciples had with Jesus .. on regular occasions Jesus fellowshipped with His friends .. the disciples are WITNESSES

What is this miraculous event? Is this a memory jogger .. Jesus fed 5000 with fish and bread?

Remember my power .. remember who I am .. I am the king .. I am the living water .. I am the bread of life .. I am the Passover Lamb who takes away the sin of the world .. I have defeated death … well remember all that I am is not just a “personal journey” .. but this news has to get out

The disciples have been catching large fish .. miraculously .. with the Lord’s help .. it has always been the plan that we become .. FISHERS OF MEN .. Jesus is underscoring the work .. NB when Jesus saw them on that first occasion in the upper room .. remember He said .. “I SEND YOU” … in the power of the HS and with the mission of declaring the message of FORGIVENESS

BUT .. it’s more than that … it’s vital work in sharing our faith .. being witnesses of what we believe .. fishing for people .. drawing in the catch .. BUT THEN WHAT?

This is where we go from FISHING .... to SHEPHERDING … or more particularly to .. FEEDING

Spiritually we need to be cared for .. especially when new to the faith .. people are being called on to believe .. to becomes disciples .. and people are saved but .. what then??

Becoming a Christian is like starting your life all over again .. so much to learn .. getting to know God .. the focus of this last chapter to refocus on so much of what Jesus has been talking about .. what He has preached etc

Jesus wants people to come into a relationship with Him .. He wants news christians to be cared for .. encouraged .. helped to grow up to maturity .. and that means .. FEEDING

What is this miraculous event? Is this a memory jogger .. Jesus fed 5000 with fish and bread?

And there are those who will care for the spiritual lives of others .. shepherds .. elders .. leaders who really act as the UNDER-SHEPHERDS .. look after God’s people .. coz our main shepherd is Jesus

Remember my power .. remember who I am .. I am the king .. I am the living water .. I am the bread of life .. I am the Passover Lamb who takes away the sin of the world .. I have defeated death … well remember all that I am is not just a “personal journey” but this news has to get out

Jesus spoke to them: “Good morning! Did you catch anything for breakfast?”

hey boys friends … have you got any food .. (having a go at them) meanwhile Jesus has some fish sizzling on the BBQ

Throw in on he other side .. been here before .. wouldn’t think these professionals would take any noice of this “mate” on the beach .. BUT .. whatever .. and = so many fish they can hardly pull them in .. big haul of fish .. John works out that the bloke on the shore is Jesus .. Peter gets dressed and jumps in to swim to Jesus .. He can’t wait .. the others staggering in with this large haul

They put another fish on the Barbie and enjoy breakfast

NOW .. as Jesus does so often .. and John records and writes .. there is an explanation about the events that have just taken place

The disciples have been catching large fish .. miraculously .. with the Lord’s help .. it has always been the plan that we become .. FISHERS OF MEN .. Jesus is underscoring the work .. NB when Jesus saw them on that first occasion in the upper room .. remember He said .. “I SEND YOU” … in the power of the HS and with the mission of declaring the message of FORGIVENESS

BUT .. it’s more than that … vital work in sharing our faith .. being witnesses of what we believe .. fishing for people .. drawing in the catch .. but then what?

This is where we go from FISHING to SHEPHERDING … or more particularly to .. FEEDING

Feeding My Sheep

Jesus takes Peter aside .. little stroll up the shoreline .. pick it up v.15 … “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

It’s like a skipping CD .. 3X Jesus asks if Peter loves Him … and 3X Jesus gives the same response .. Feed MY sheep .. the ones I’m entrusting to you … it’s all ACTIVE .. show that love by DOING SOMETHING .. take care of them .. shepherd them. Feed them.

When we were in Qld there was a single guy in our congregation who drove the council garbage trucks .. early one morning he happened to hear muffled baby cries going from the wheely bin he was about to dump in the truck. Sure enough they lifted the lid to see quite a new born baby crying it’s lungs out

It was a call to police .. trip to the hospital … Babies vulnerable .. and of course very disturbing thinking of the mother’s mental state to to do something like that

Babies vulnerable .. eg sad when left on a step outside the hospital ..

Babies need feeding .. changing .. clothing .. 24/7 help and care

Spiritually we need to be cared for .. and especially when new to the faith .. people are being called on to believe .. to becomes disciples .. and people are saved but .. what then??

Becoming a Christian is like starting your life all over again .. so much to learn .. getting to know God .. the focus of this last chapter to refocus on so much of what Jesus has been talking about .. what He has preached etc

Which is why I prefer the term PASTOR to MINISTER or REVEREND … it’s the job description .. pastor the people of God by teaching them the Word of God .. feed the Lord’s LAMBS

Jesus wants people to come into a relationship with Him .. He wants news christians to be cared for .. encouraged .. helped to grow up to maturity .. and that means .. FEEDING

And there are those who will care for the spiritual lives of others .. shepherds .. elders .. leaders who really act as the UNDER-SHEPHERDS .. look after God’s people .. coz our main shepherd is Jesus

This is very clear .. pastors have to be people who LOVE JESUS more than anything / anyone and if you love Jesus then TEACH His people well .. nurture them .. help them .. take care of them

Here at CRPC there are elders .. leaders who have been appointed to lead .. Phil, Dave, Al, Doug, Brad and myself. The spiritual oversight is our responsibility entrusted to us. We are accountable to the CHIEF SHEPHERD Jesus

Jesus is very powerfully making a point with Peter in these verses .. for good reason .. Peter just a couple of weeks ago had denied Jesus .. denied he was a FOLLOWER .. a DISCIPLE of Jesus .. Peter had abandoned Jesus even after proudly saying He would die with Jesus .. even if all the others abandoned Jesus. So it’s sorta the ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

“Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” .. you can imagine Jesus glancing around .. fishing boat .. nets .. fish ready for market .. his brother Andrew .. the other disciples he’d lived with the last 3 yrs .. Do you love me more than these .. everything in your world?

“Yes, Lord, … you know that I love you.” .. Yet .. Jesus who knows all things .. asks again .. and a third time and notice Peter’s response .. Peter was HURT when Jesus asked him a third time “Do you love Me?” .. that word HURT is the same as describing Jesus when He was DEEPLY MOVED IN SPIRIT .. tears of grief and pain and anger .. you can imagine a tear or two rolling down his face as Peter says “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Peter the big tough burly fisherman has been reduced to tears .. Jesus has pushed and pushed .. seems a bit harsh but the air needs to be cleared .. Peter is eyeball to eyeball with Jesus who he denied 3X .. it can be a little giggle .. Of course I love you .. BUT ..that’s not going to cut it .. Jesus gets to Peter .. it hurts .. yes Jesus I failed you .. yes I mouthed off far too confident in my strength .. but you know Jesus deep down that I love you

Yes .. Jesus does know it .. but wants to hear it from Peter and wants Peter to feel the power of these moments .. Yes Peter I know that you love me .. and yes there is forgiveness .. and I’m refreshing what it is I want you to do .. your work is still before you .. feed the sheep .. the people of God

It’s a sobering point yet encouraging

APPLICATION

Friends are you a disciple of Jesus ? Then you’d have to say that YOU love Jesus .. more than anything .. is that true .. more than family and friends and career. Yet I’m sure that you .. like me .. have failed him

It’s so encouraging isn’t it .. though there’s been times when I’ve let down my Lord .. times when I’ve played the coward .. not said or done what I knew I should as a Christian .. Y’know .. I bow to peer pressure sometimes .. I back away from being distinctive in my behaviour and I feel lousy .. yet it’s not the unforgivable sin.

It certainly pains us and rightly so when we consider the pain Jesus went through for you and I. And yes we should be praying for strength and courage the Spirit gives ..

AND it’s important to confess and go to the Lord and repent and ask for forgiveness ..knowing He is just and shows mercy. He knows our thoughts .. He knows our actions .. we need to deal with it not shrug our shoulders and ignore it.

Jesus isn’t like us. We tend to give people a bit of a chance but then if they’ve let us down they’re written off .. filed under U for UNRELIABLE .. or under F for FAILURE

And for Peter .. this love for Jesus will end in martyrdom … arms stretched out .. led where he doesn’t want to go (v.18) .. tradition says Peter was crucified upside down during Nero’s persecution 30 yrs later .. Peter apparently declaring that he was unworthy to be crucified in the same position as his Lord.

Yet we need to see how important teaching the Bible is .. feeding the sheep .. the lambs

Illustration

When we were in Qld there was a single guy in our congregation who drove the council garbage trucks .. early one morning he happened to hear muffled baby cries coming from the wheely bin he was about to dump in the truck. Sure enough they lifted the lid to see quite a new born baby crying it’s lungs out

It was a call to police .. a fast trip to the hospital … Babies are vulnerable .. and of course very disturbing thinking of the mother’s mental state to to do something like that

Babies need feeding .. changing .. clothing .. 24/7 help and care

Spiritually we need to be cared for .. and especially when new to the faith .. people are being called on to believe .. to becomes disciples .. and people are saved but .. what then??

Becoming a Christian is like starting your life all over again .. so much to learn .. getting to know God .. the focus of this last chapter to refocus on so much of what Jesus has been talking about .. what He has preached etc

Jesus wants people to come into a relationship with Him .. He wants news christians to be cared for .. encouraged .. helped to grow up to maturity .. and that means .. FEEDING

And there are those who will care for the spiritual lives of others .. shepherds .. elders .. leaders who really act as the UNDER-SHEPHERDS .. look after God’s people .. coz our main shepherd is Jesus

This is very clear .. pastors have to be people who LOVE JESUS more than anything / anyone and if you love Jesus then TEACH His people well .. nurture them .. help them .. take care of them .. and do that willingly … Peter .. for the next 30 yrs .. never loses the importance of what Jesus is saying .. in he says this

Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Here at CRPC there are elders .. leaders who have been appointed to lead .. Phil, Dave, Al, Doug, Brad and myself. The spiritual oversight is our responsibility entrusted to us. We are accountable to the CHIEF SHEPHERD Jesus

And if you call CRPC your spiritual home you have a relationship to the leaders

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.

and

Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.

In a world where people just want their own FREEDOM to do whatever they want to do, this sounds a bit restrictive .. why should I take direction from others? Listen to spiritual direction from the Bible?

Coz this is how Jesus has instructed us .. we are HIS SHEEP .. those for whom He lay down His life () His sheep LOVE the SHEPHERD .. His sheep hear His voice .. they want to know their Shepherd well .. take His direction .. follow in the way He sets before us knowing that He walks with us. Sometimes that will challenge us .. rebuke us .. we need that correction and guidance .. that’s the work of the shepherds

Jesus hasn’t appointed tyrants .. or overbearing leaders. Godly leadership comes from a servant heart .. servants who walk with Jesus .. love Jesus .. and want to encourage faithfulness. You gladly follow those who have your best interests at heart .. who show devotion to Christ … people who are prayerful

Will they be perfect? No .. but they should be GENUINE .. a humble heart to accept correction .. a readiness to say sorry if needs be .. they won’t be Jesus but you just want them to be men who know Jesus and follow Him .. have breakfast with Him

Please pray for us .. or continue to pray for us .. there are some important decisions to be made not the least of these is encouraging GROWTH .. which needs some thought and prayer … another VENUE .. is there a way to put a basic building on our Sneaths Rd site … multiple services .. etc

We as a session have just started a course called the VINE PROJECT we are wanting to work at how we all might be better disciples of Jesus and how our ministries can be encouraged and developed. As we’ve been seeing , being faithful followers is integral to growing the church .. reaching people .. maintaining our zeal to reach the lost

How can we better equip ourselves to do the work Jesus has called us to do? We need to pray? We need to keep in step with the Spirit .. that’s why we need leaders who live after God’s own heart. Are we doing all that the Father wants us to do as His church .. His sheep. We are not just a collection of individuals .. we are BODY .. an ORGANISM .. not an ORGANISATION. We need to be taught well .. to listen well .. and to be careful to follow all that Jesus has taught us .. He is the one SENDING US .. there is a privilege and responsibility to be FISHING .. to be looking to Jesus for help and direction but confidently being a WITNESS to the truth we know .. Jesus died for us .. so that we will be right with God .. forgiven. Jesus has rescued us from the domain of DARKNESS and transferred us to the KINGDOM OF LIGHT. That’s our purpose.

CONCLUSION

The death and resurrection of Jesus are FOUNDATIONAL. I was handed a note the other day that said : Easter says you can put truth in a grave but it won’t stay there!

Jesus has died in our place .. given us LIFE! Proof of that is the resurrection. That life is ETERNAL LIFE. Knowing the ETERNAL God.

Undeserved .. all of His grace. Jesus has .. rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins ()

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins

Easter is NOT the end. Jesus has done EVERYTHING to assure us that we can have confidence in our salvation … He has prepared a place for us … He has given us His Spirit the down payment .. the deposit of that salvation

()

Until Jesus returns we are ALL part of the FISHING .. seeking the LOST .. those in DARKNESS

Jesus is the LIGHT .. The gospel is the POWER OF GOD .. lets be united in our obedience to the MISSION Jesus has given us .. lets do everything we can to be fed by the LORD as we read and hear God’s word