God is looking for effective amateurs not ineffectual experts

Peter Synopsis video.

Show saddleback kids video - but stop at the point they decide to go fishing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ppb9bKX1r7k

The Bible Knowledge Commentary 21:1–3

The disciples had gone to Jerusalem and had experienced a tumultuous series of events: the Triumphal Entry, the expectation of a new kingdom, a betrayal by a trusted friend, near arrest, denial of Jesus by their leader Peter, the agonizing crucifixion of Jesus, the Resurrection, and the manifestations of the risen Lord. Understandably they were confused and unsure of the future.

Three times Peter said he did not even know the Lord (18:17, 25, 27); now three times he said he loved the Lord (21:15–17). No matter how great a person is, he may fall (cf. 1 Cor. 10:12). But God’s grace and forgiveness will restore the repentant. This provision of grace would be important, for the church would soon face great persecution and even church leaders would waver in their commitments.

People revert to type when they don’t know what to do.

John 21:1–6 The Message

1 After this, Jesus appeared again to the disciples, this time at the Tiberias Sea (the Sea of Galilee). This is how he did it: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed “Twin”), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the brothers Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter announced, “I’m going fishing.” The rest of them replied, “We’re going with you.” They went out and got in the boat. They caught nothing that night. 4 When the sun came up, Jesus was standing on the beach, but they didn’t recognize him. 5 Jesus spoke to them: “Good morning! Did you catch anything for breakfast?” They answered, “No.” 6 He said, “Throw the net off the right side of the boat and see what happens.” They did what he said. All of a sudden there were so many fish in it, they weren’t strong enough to pull it in.

John 21

John 21:1–11 The Message

1 After this, Jesus appeared again to the disciples, this time at the Tiberias Sea (the Sea of Galilee). This is how he did it: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed “Twin”), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the brothers Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter announced, “I’m going fishing.” The rest of them replied, “We’re going with you.” They went out and got in the boat. They caught nothing that night. 4 When the sun came up, Jesus was standing on the beach, but they didn’t recognize him. 5 Jesus spoke to them: “Good morning! Did you catch anything for breakfast?” They answered, “No.” 6 He said, “Throw the net off the right side of the boat and see what happens.” They did what he said. All of a sudden there were so many fish in it, they weren’t strong enough to pull it in. 7 Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Master!” When Simon Peter realized that it was the Master, he threw on some clothes, for he was stripped for work, and dove into the sea. 8 The other disciples came in by boat for they weren’t far from land, a hundred yards or so, pulling along the net full of fish. 9 When they got out of the boat, they saw a fire laid, with fish and bread cooking on it. 10 Jesus said, “Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught.” 11 Simon Peter joined them and pulled the net to shore—153 big fish! And even with all those fish, the net didn’t rip.

It is well known fact that people revert to type or to habit when they don’t know what to do.

I remember when I worked for LCC there was a senior manager who when the pressure was on and decisions needed to be made would hide under piles of paperwork, procedure and bureaucracy.

I work with someone now that when things are getting serious needs rather than figuring our the main problem he will busy himself with every small task possible, he focuses on support calls rather than face the issue lead his team through it. He is a whirlwind when he does I sometimes think about inventing a big issue when I need the support queues shrinking.

Peter was the same he had gone through a lot of disappointment, fear and probably anger at himself through the course of the last few weeks. Now he was left with a few others (lots of believers had scattered) waiting.

Sure they had seen Jesus a few times, but they had no idea what to do. They were told to wait.

There was no plan, no action.

So what did Peter do he - he went fishing. He returned to what was familiar to him.

Reverting to type can be comforting. I can bring us the security that we crave in times of change but it can also prevent us stepping into our destiny. God often puts a promise on our lives, a prophesy may be spoken to us and we often have to wait.

That waiting period can be hard, we can lose focus on what we are called to do and settle into doing the things that we have already done. we can miss the time to act in our new callings.

We can end up going through the motions but not reaping the rewards.

Richard Rohr - Religion is one of the safest places to hide from God.

Catching Nothing - even though they were experts

Peter and the others were skilled fisherman. They had gone out probably before daybreak. They knew the times of the day, the seasons the location and the sea states that we bound to deliver a catch. They were experts in this. They had repeated this exercise day in day out since they were boys. But this time was different. Everything went well, the nets were perfect except for one thing - No fish.

As individuals we can listen to preachers, we can read books, we can go to the most professional worship services. We can get trapped into religious practices.

We can try to copy the ways of people we see and hear but if we are not following the path that God has called us to we will not see the results.

You can’t live someone else’s life with Jesus.

Simply following the motions, attending the services, having the books on your bookshelf being a ‘church goer’ may make you an expert in the practices but does not give results.

Even

Peter and the others were experts at this, they would have been on the boat wondering what was going wrong. When Jesus appeared on the shore.

Experts and amateurs shine when God steps in

Calling to them “Friends, haven’t you got any fish”. This one sentence reveals a lot about the heart of God and how he approaches us when we are walking outside of his will, even though what we are doing may be well intentioned.

The word friends here is not one that means acquaintances or people I know and get along with but that is the end of it. The word is paidia, which means refers to children. We could interpret this as Jesus calling out to his disciples as Hey Lads, a very familiar, I know you, were close friends and in some ways that would be a good translation as it conveys something closer than mere friends. The word also speaks of concern and caring and a wish for good.

It precedes a question that we have to assume that Jesus already knew the answer to - ‘haven’t you any fish?’

Through my years I have often found that the way God challenges me to stop doing something or start doing something is to ask me a question that is blindingly obvious, one that if was totally honest I already know the answer to, one that God certainly knows the answer to.

When I stop and answer honestly, that is when I find God through the Holy Spirit, or through others helps me to move forwards.

As Peter and the others aligned themselves with the reality that despite being experts, despite doing everything right they had no fish - Jesus called to them,

“Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some”

The story tells us that they did and their nets were full.

When God instructs and we align with that instruction - Experts and Amateurs shine.

It was at this point the John recognises Jesus and Peter the ‘hot head’ grabs his clothes, Jumps out of the boat and leaves the others to bring the fish.

John 21:8–14 NIV

8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.

Just a bunch of fishermen

There are a few things I find intriguing about this part of the passage.

Firstly the accuracy of the number of fish. You will undertsand that some numbers in the bible are symbolic and convey meaning.

12 - representing completeness - as in the 12 tribes or 40 representing a considerable length of time. 40 years in the wilderness or 40 days fasting but do you know what 153 represents?

I means that they are fisherman. Fisherman remember things like that, they would have been used to counting the fish so they could divide them up between them. I love this little addition to the story. This along with the way it is John that recognises Jesus - just as he had at the tomb, the way Peter is still such a hot head and jumps out of the boat gives the bible such authenticity - it is not just a well prepared, document setting out to give a set of instructions - it contains ‘the stuff of life’ the little details that say these are real people, like you and me, with their personalities, their doubts and disappointments. If Jesus loved them, if He wanted to spend time with them, if He could use them, then the same is true of you and me.

God’s provision always outstrips mans

The other thing that intrigues me is that Jesus already has fish. The fire is lit, the bread and fish are cooking. The disciples had this huge haul of fish, Jesus had told them how to get them and yet here Jesus was providing food for the disciples.

When God calls us to do things it is for us and for others, God does not need us to do things for Him. We become an expression of his love. His provision for us always outstrips anything we can provide.

I get the feeling that the key sometimes with God is not that he will tell me what to do to get the results, he guides me what to do to get a result but it is that obedience that seems to be what brings the result in a way that we can never have imagined.

I think of the time that we had the mission here, how we fasted and prayed, put on events, really pushed through. How many people came to the church from that out reach Zero. How many came to know more of God - probably lots, what I do know is that shortly after that the church grew. The growth was not a result of what we did but I get the feel that when we step out as God desires he joins us in some form of unequal partnership. One where we may get a bunch of slimy fish but where God turns it into a meal, bringing - nourishment, fellowship and love.

We have a habit of blowing situations out off all proportion when we over estimate the significance of us not doing something or not doing something well. God has this habit of taking our actions that may even be failures in our eyes and blowing the results out of all proportion in how our obedience lets His Kingdom reign.

Peter restored.

Sitting over that fire Jesus looked at Peter and asked “Do you truly love me more than these?”

Earlier Peter had denied Jesus beside a fire, now beside another fire the Jesus started a public restoration of Peter.

John 21:15 The Message

15 After breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Master, you know I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

It seems a strange thing for Jesus to ask, do you love me more than the other disicples?

Jesus wasn’t setting up a competition - the disciples were good enough at doing that for themselves.

Three times Peter said he did not even know the Lord (18:17, 25, 27); now three times he said he loved the Lord (21:15–17). No matter how great a person is, he may fall (cf. ). But God’s grace and forgiveness will restore the repentant. This provision of grace would be important, for the church would soon face great persecution and even church leaders would waver in their commitments.

John 21:15–19 The Message

15 After breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Master, you know I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He then asked a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Master, you know I love you.” Jesus said, “Shepherd my sheep.” 17 Then he said it a third time: “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was upset that he asked for the third time, “Do you love me?” so he answered, “Master, you know everything there is to know. You’ve got to know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 I’m telling you the very truth now: When you were young you dressed yourself and went wherever you wished, but when you get old you’ll have to stretch out your hands while someone else dresses you and takes you where you don’t want to go.” 19 He said this to hint at the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And then he commanded, “Follow me.”

Jesus was reminding Peter of the big proud promises Peter had made about not abandoning Jesus, not failing his friend even if others would.

Big promised about not abandoning Jesus, not failing his friend even if others would.

Jesus’ question do you love me more than these was not setting up a competition between the disciples. They were quite good at making their own comparison. Jesus was reminding Peter of the proud statement that Peter had made in

Matthew 26:33 NIV

33 Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”

Matthew 26:35 NIV

35 But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.

Matt. 26

Luke 22:33 NIV

33 But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”

Luke

John 13:37 NIV

37 Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”

John 13:

With these promises in mind - there Peter was, knowing that he had not managed to follow thorough on any one of those promises.

There Peter was, knowing that he had not managed to follow thorough on any one of those promises.

There Peter was knowing how he had made those assertions so publicly and had failed publicly as well

But with him was Jesus who knew that he would fail, who knew he would not be able to keep those promises.

There was the risen Lord who knew that when Peter made those oaths he meant every word of them, from the bottom of his heart he was committed.

John 21:15–19 NIV

15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “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. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

Jesus also knew that Peter, if given the chance, would follow through on those promises and more.

Three times Peter said he did not even know the Lord (18:17, 25, 27); now three times he said he loved the Lord (21:15–17).

And three time Jesus affirmed him and commissioned him to serve.

The bible warns us that, no matter how great a person is, he may fall 1 Corrinthians tells us

1 Corinthians 10:12 NIV

12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!

It is howe that person reacts after that that matters and how God reacts to that person.

The way Jesus reacts to Peter shows how God’s grace and forgiveness will restore the repentant. This provision of grace would be important, for Simon Peter, for the early believers and what would become the church that would soon face great persecution and even church leaders would waver in their commitments.

We live in a world where persecution of Christians is increasing. The Bishop of Truro’s report to the Foreign and Commonwealth office has some grim reading, here in the UK we are fortunate to be at the easy end of this. But like the one in nine Christians world wide who suffer extreme persecution or the 2625 Christians imprisoned each year for their faith or the 11 Christians killed each day because they love Jesus. we need God’s Grace in our lives if we are to persevere in our walk, if we are not to remain experts in what we do, experts in achieving little for the kingdom.

God’s grace invites us to stop being ineffectual experts and start becoming effective amateurs - as God invites us to do new things, and take the next step of the journey with him.

How many of us have promised to do something for God and haven’t followed through. Life got in the way? It became too hard or the results took too long.

It may have been a private promise and yet you feel this disbars you from moving forward.

It may have been a public promise, you may have started to live life differently,

You may have started to lead something, to be prominent in your walk with Jesus.

But you have stopped now and you you feel that you can’t try again - What would others think?

. But God’s grace and forgiveness will restore the repentant. This provision of grace would be important, for the church would soon face great persecution and even church leaders would waver in their commitments.

Peter denied Christ at the time Jesus the man needed his friends most and yet here is Jesus restoring him, commissioning him, sitting down and eating breakfast with him as grace , love and acceptance s poured out.

That Grace, that love, that acceptance is available today. Jesus is longing to restore you, to give you that instruction to let down the nets on the other side of the boat.

He is waiting to give you the opportunity to stop doing the familiar and partner with you in a new adventure. A journey starts with a single step. A commitment to put aside the broken promises of the past, or the things that have not gone as planned and to enter into an un even partnership with God, a partnership where you make yourself available and He brings Himself and His Kingdom to bear.

Prayer.

D

Experts and amateurs shine when Godd steps in