I.             Introduction

A.          John 21:1-17     After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: 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 are going with you also." They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any food?" They answered Him, "No." 6 And He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. 7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. 9 Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish which you have just caught." 11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. 12 Jesus said to them, "Come and eat breakfast." Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, "Who are You?" -- knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish. 14 This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.    15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, 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 again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, 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 Jonah, 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 all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep. (NKJV)

B.          The gospel writer seemed to have concluded his history with the foregoing chapter; but with a new matter occurring, he begins again. He had said that there were many other signs which Jesus did for the proof of his resurrection. And in this chapter he mentions one of these many, which was Christ’s appearance to some of his disciples at the sea of Tiberias.

C.          Outline Verses 3-17

1.            Back to business (verses 3-8)

2.            Breakfast with Jesus (verses 9-14)

3.            Peter’s restoration (verses 15-17)

II.           Application

A.          Think on the events that the disciples had come through in the immediate past. The mountain tops and the valleys coming so quickly together.  Yes, they knew that Jesus had risen from the dead and that they would never be the same after experiencing life with Jesus, but things were different than they were before.  Jesus had appeared to them on two prior occasions, but things were different than they were before, they did not have the day in and day out fellowship with Jesus and they had not yet received the baptism of the Holy Spirit or the direction and empowerment that would come later. What would they do now?

B.          Back to business

1.            John 21:3 Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We are going with you also." They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. (NKJV)

2.            For his part, says Peter, I am going fishing; "We are going with you also," say they. Some might think they made a mistake in returning to their boats and nets, which they had left; but there is no indication later on that the Lord was displeased with them. Instead I think that it was commendable in them; for they did it, to redeem time, and not be idle. They perhaps were still thinking of what they believed to be the soon coming of the Kingdom of God and remembering the story told concerning faithful stewardship that Jesus taught them:

a)            Luke 19:11-13     Now as they heard these things, He spoke another parable, because He was near Jerusalem and because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately. 12 Therefore He said: "A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. 13 "So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, 'Do business till I come.' (NKJV)

3.            They were not yet appointed to preach the resurrection of Christ. Their commission would soon come. It is possible that Jesus had directed them to say nothing of his resurrection till after his ascension or even until after the pouring out of the Spirit, and then they were to begin at Jerusalem. Now, in the mean time, rather than do nothing, they would go a fishing; not for recreation, but for business. That they might help to support  themselves and their families and not be a burden to anyone.

4.            It is interesting to take notice of the outcome of their effort: They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing.

a)            The disciples were still in the process of learning that without Him they could do nothing.

C.          Breakfast with Jesus

1.            He had necessary provision ready for them. When they came to land, wet and cold, weary and hungry, they found a good fire there to warm them and dry them, and fish and bread, everything they needed for a good meal.

a)            We do not need to be curious in asking from where the fire, and fish, and bread, came, any more than where the meat came which the ravens brought to Elijah. The one who could multiply the loaves and fishes could also make new ones if he pleased, or turn stones into bread, or send his angels to get it, where he knew it was to be had. It is uncertain whether this provision was made ready in the open air, or in some fisher’s cabin or hut upon the shore; but here was nothing stately or delicate.

b)            We may be comforted in this instance of Christ’s care of his disciples; he has everything required to supply all our wants, and knows what things we need. He kindly provided for those fishermen, when they came weary from their work; for those shall be fed who trust in the Lord and do good. It is encouraging to Christ’s ministers, who he has made fishers of men, that they may depend upon him who employs them to provide for them.

c)            If they should miss of encouragement in this world, should be called upon as Paul was to hunger, and thirst, and fastings often, let them content themselves with what they have here; they have better things in reserve, and shall eat and drink with Christ at his table in his kingdom.

D.          Peter’s Restoration

1.            John 21:15-17 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, [son] of Jonah, 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 again a second time, "Simon, [son] of Jonah, 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 Jonah, 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 all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep. (NKJV)

2.            When Christ entered into this dialogue with Peter.—It was after they had dined: they had all eaten, and were filled, and, it is probable, were entertained with such edifying conversation as our Lord Jesus used to make his table-talk. Christ foresaw that what he had to say to Peter would give him some uneasiness, and therefore would not say it until they had eaten, because he would not spoil his dinner. Peter was without a doubt aware that he had incurred his Master’s displeasure, and could expect no other than to be rebuked for his treachery and ingratitude.

3.             “Was this how you show kindness to your friend? Did not I tell you what a coward you would turn out to be?’’ No, he might rightfully expect to be dropped from  the roll of the disciples, and to be expelled the sacred college. Twice, if not three times, he had seen his Master since his resurrection, and he said not a word to him of it. We may suppose Peter full of doubts upon what terms he stood with his Master; sometimes hoping the best, because he had received favor from him in common with the rest; yet not without some fears, lest the rebuke would come at last that would pay for all.

4.            But now, at length, his Master put him out of his pain, said what he had to say to him, and confirmed him in his place as an apostle. He did not tell him of his fault hastily, but deferred it for some time; did not tell him of it at an inappropriate time, to disturb the company at dinner, but when they had dined together, in token of reconciliation, then Jesus conversed  with him about it, not as with a criminal, but as with a friend.

5.            Of special interest to me in this account, is the use of two different words for love.  The first time Jesus asks the question, “do you love Me more than these?", Jesus uses the word Agape` and the Peter responds, I Phileo you

6.            The  Greek word AGAPE  according to Vine is used to denote Christian love, whether exercised toward the brethren, or toward men generally, is not an impulse from the feelings, it does not always run with the natural inclinations, nor does it spend itself only upon those for whom some affinity is discovered. Love seeks the welfare of all, and works no ill to any, love seeks opportunity to do good to ‘all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith,’

7.            Phileo is brotherly love, it can be intense with great affection but it does not reach the same plain as AGAPE.

8.            Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him  with divine love and Peter responds, Lord I have great affection for you. Again the question is repeated, Peter, do you AGAPE me? The response comes again from Peter, Lord I have a great affection for you.  The third time Jesus asks Peter, do you have brotherly affection for me.  The text tells us that Peter was hurt because Jesus asked Him the third time, do you have affection for me. Peter responded, “Lord you know all things;  You know that I have affection for you.”

9.            The application that I see here is that Peter before his denials, before Calvary, before the Resurrection would have responded to the first question, Lord I AGAPE you more than anyone else, even if everyone else fails you I will still AGAPE you.  Now Peter was responding in humility, Lord I give you all of the affection that I am capable of giving to you.  Jesus you know all things including the condition of my heart, if fact you know me better than I know myself.

10.         Please note that three times Jesus commands the following, “Feed my lambs”, “Feed my sheep”, “Feed my sheep” respectively.  The demonstration of the condition of Peter’s heart would be demonstrated throughout his life in fulfillment of these commands. Care for the flock of God was of utmost concern to Peter Listen to what he write near the end of his first letter:

11.         I Peter 5:1-4     The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords 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 does not fade away. (NKJV) 

III.          Conclusion

A.          Outline Verses 3-17

1.            Back to business (verses 3-8)

2.            Breakfast with Jesus (verses 9-14)

3.            Peter’s restoration (verses 15-17)

B.          Peter had reproached himself for his sins, and therefore Christ did not reproach him for it, nor tell him of it directly and, being satisfied in his sincerity, the offense was not only forgiven, but forgotten; and Christ let him know that he was as dear to him as ever. With this example he has given us an encouraging instance of his tenderness towards those who are repentant, and this has taught us, in similar manner, to restore such as are fallen with a spirit of tenderness.

!! C.          Stanley Jones writes about a crucial moment in his life when he found himself on his way to what could have been a spiritual disaster:   For months after my conversion, I was running under cloudless skies.  And then suddenly I tripped, almost fell, pulled back this side of the sin, but was shaken and humiliated that I could come that close to sin.  I thought I was emancipated and found I wasn't.  I went to the class meeting - I'm grateful that I didn't stay away - went, but my music had gone.  I had hung my harp on a weeping willow tree. As the others spoke of their joys and victories of the week, I sat there with the tears rolling down my cheeks.  I was heartbroken.  After the others had spoken, John Zink, the class leader, said: "Now, Stanley, tell us what is the matter."  I told them I couldn't, but would they please pray for me?  Like one man they fell to their knees, and they lifted me back to the bosom of God by faith and love.  When we got up from our knees, I was reconciled to my heavenly Father, to the group, and to myself.  I was reconciled.  The universe opened its arms and took me in again.  The estrangement was gone.  I took my harp from the willow tree and began to sing again - the Song of Moses and the Lamb, especially the Lamb.  The cross was my refuge and my release.  That was a very crucial moment in my Song of Ascents, the moment when I lost my music.  My destiny was in the hands of that group.  I was a very bruised reed; suppose they had broken me?  I was a smoldering wick; suppose they had snuffed me out?  Just a criticism:  "I told you so.  Too good to be true.  He was riding for a fall."  But they never uttered a criticism, or even thought of one, as far as I could see.  The reaction was nothing but redemptive love.  That group became redemptive.  I saw and experience the power of redemptive love incarnate in a group. ("A Song of Ascents")