John 21

Jesus teaches the disciples that following Him means He is Lord of our everyday lives, our ministries, and our futures.

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. 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.”

Intro:

Do you ever feel like you are trying to follow Christ but still feel like a failure?

Obedience by faith has led to confusion because the results were less than we expected and the cost was higher than we ever imagined.

It is in those moments the object of our faith is revealed

The supreme Christian principle regarding following Christ (John 15:5).

5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

We may experience seasons of frustration that serve a purpose we can’t see. As we follow Jesus, there may be days, weeks, months, even years when it feels as if we are failing or just in spiritual limbo.

There are days I feel like a failure as your pastor, their father, Christina’s husband.

Jesus is teaching the disciples and us a vital lesson: following Christ means my confidence must not be in my own strength but must be in his sovereign power and promises.

Remembering where we’ve been

Chapters 13–17 Jesus’ final preparation and instructions to His disciples before He dies.

Chapters 18–19 chronicles the arrest, betrayal, and crucifixion.

Chapter 20 declares the wonderful truth of the resurrection.

Now chapter 21 begins with a story about... fishing?

The story about fishing is one final picture of life, John wants his readers to know. You can’t do it on your own. You don't have all the answers nor the ability, nor the resources, nor the wisdom, therefore follow the one who does.

Jesus teaches the disciples that following Him means He is Lord of our everyday lives, our ministries, and our futures.

What Does It Mean to Follow Christ (As Lord)?

The object lesson; Peter

Peter’s arrogance - boldness - carelessness & failure

No disciple took greater comfort in his own work, effort, and moral standing than Peter. Nothing he said lacked confidence.

John 13:8 - Wash my feet? Never!

John 13:36-38 - I will follow you even to death.

There was little doubt in his mind he could do whatever he set his mind to. It didn’t seem to register he was imperfect, he had faults and failures, and he was a sinner.

Peter has already had some life lessons about himself. He has blown it, publicly denied his Lord.

The Lord has one more grace-filled lesson.

Remember what the old Puritan preacher Richard Sibbes said: “There is more mercy in Christ than sin in us” (“The Bruised Reed”).

Jesus is the Lord of our lives (vv.1-14)

Let’s go fishing! (vv.1-3)

After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. 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 will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

There is something powerful about going home. At home, we remember not only where we came from but who we are.

If we have a place we call home, then we can understand why Jesus instructed the disciples to return to Galilee after his resurrection to await him.

Before his crucifixion, Jesus instructed them, “After I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee” (Mark 14:28), a directive reinforced by the angel’s report to the women in the empty tomb (16:7).

Galilee was the region where Jesus had proclaimed his kingdom in holy words and mighty deeds, gathering his new Israel before returning to Jerusalem to bear the cross.

It was on a Galilean hill that Jesus had spoken his Sermon on the Mount.

It was in these waters that Jesus called Peter, James, and John to leave behind their fishing nets and become “fishers of men” (Matt. 4:19).

The most reasonable assumption is that they went in obedience to the Lord’s command (Mk. 14:28; 16:7 par.).

Why fishing? Well they were professional fishermen

The reality: When we don’t know what to do in life we will always do what we know how to do. They knew fishing?

And just like last week in Thomas’ life:

Jesus, The merciful (Shows up)

Have you not caught anything? - v.4-6

4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6 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.

First, he asked them as to the success of their labors according to the flesh: “Children, do you have any fish?” (John 21:5).

His purpose was not to berate them for failure but to have them pronounce with their own lips, “No, we have no fish.”

They had to see and admit that their methods were failing.

Second, Jesus then gave them a command: “Cast the net on the right side of the boat.”

It amounts to no more than the command to let down their nets. If the disciples are not expecting Jesus to appear, and do not recognize the man on the shore, it is hard to see how Jesus’ exhortation to throw the net on the starboard side greatly differs from advice contemporary sports fishermen have to endure (and occasionally appreciate): ‘Try casting over there. You often catch them over there!’

This was attached with, third, his promise of blessing: “you will find some” (21:6).

The point was not where they were to fish but how: in careful attendance on his Word.

Do we see the Life lesson for following Christ? We need Christ's wisdom and to follow Christ’s instructions. We need to wait on Him not just stay busy.

It’s the Lord! - v.7-8

7 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.

Stripped to clothed to jump in the water?

John sees and responds

Peter hears and jumps in.

What is noteworthy is that on that prior occasion, when Peter recognized the deity of Christ, he fell to his knees and begged Jesus to leave him: “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord,” he said (Luke 5:8).

Recognizing the presence of the holiness of God, Peter did the reasonable thing in confessing his sin and unworthiness.

Peter, as a believer, longs to draw near to the Lord even in the midst of his failures.

Come and eat vv.9-14

12 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. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

Pink comments: “Even in His resurrection-glory He was not unmindful of their physical needs. Ever thoughtful, ever compassionate for His own, the Saviour here showed His toiling disciples that He cared for their bodies as well as their souls.”

Paul writes: “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19).

Even more blessed than meeting our material needs, Christ provides the spiritual refreshment and satisfaction for which our hearts long, when we make a priority of coming to him in regular communion and prayer.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock,” he says. “If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” (Rev. 3:20).

V.14 - this third appearance is purposeful:

He desires to take off the load on Peter that’s robbing him of his peace and joy.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” he offers. “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt. 11:28–29).

Is your soul at rest?

Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water’ ” (John 7:37–38).

Don’t miss this: In times of fear and confusion resist the desire to stay busy but instead seek the Lord thru Prayer, thru Gratefulness, thru singing, thru meditating on His word even if you must force-feed it to yourself. Jesus desire to dine with you; he desires peace, rest, and to put you back on His mission.

Jesus is Lord of our ministry (vv.15-19)

Ministry? Who me?

Ministry is serving the Lord - in his work, in his way, with his strength, according to his direction and for his glory

Peter didn’t need to be more active in ministry he need to repent and be restored first to Christ then to ministry.

We do not work for our joy, we work from our joy.

Jesus arranged this encounter not to shame Peter but to restore Him.

Peter would have looked at the charcoal fire, his mind suddenly turning to another charcoal fire that had burned outside the high priest’s residence on the night of Jesus’ arrest.

Ex: My testimony ???

In times of discouragement something the best way forward is to look back and remember how Jesus, the merciful showed up in your life.

If you love me (Restoration) take care of my people(commissioning) (vv.15-17)

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.

Restoration

‘Do you love me more than these other disciples do?’ (which of course assumes they are still present). This makes sense.

Peter has always been able to advance the strongest personal boast. On the night Jesus was betrayed, while others were growing quiet, Peter could insist, ‘I will lay down my life for you [not “We” and “our”!] (13:37).

But physical courage was not enough that night, and it was Peter also, spirit willing but flesh weak, who publicly disowned the Lord.

Whatever potential for future service he had, therefore, depended not only on forgiveness from Jesus but also on restoration amongst the disciples.

But that is not the end of the matter. Three times Jesus asks the same question. When Peter is particularly grieved (v. 17), it is not because Jesus has changed verbs, but because the same question is being asked for the third time.

Many have made a big deal out the use of the word for love agape & phileo. These are often used interchangeably and not the point.

Peter is grieved when Jesus asked him the 3rd time.

Commissioning

This ministry ‘is described in verbs, not nouns: Tend, feed, not be a pastor, hold the office of pastor.

And the sheep are Christ’s sheep, not Peter’s. Not, Tend your flock, but Tend my sheep’ (Barrett, Essays, pp. 165–166). That Peter fulfilled the terms of the service required of him receives its best attestation in 1 Peter (esp. 5:1–4).

Our ministry is motivated by our love for Christ.

The basic principle of ministry:

The church belongs to God (not to any one person(s): Pastor or the members)

The head of the church is Jesus, not a man. He is the one we are to follow. His sheep, His lambs

Serving God’s people is a Lordship issue, not something you rotate off of or get to an age where you “did your part already”

The church needs to be on a strict diet of Scripture.

Ex: No salt for me!

There is no substitute for eating healthy

No substitute will do. Only God’s Word will nourish the sheep and bring growth. Only his Word both confronts and restores.

1 Pet 2:2–3

2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

After breakfast, Peter and Jesus go for a walk with john following

Jesus is the Lord of our future (vv.18-25)

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.”

Peter, you going to give your life for me; follow me

John says these cryptic words of Jesus here—“you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you”—were Jesus’ prophetic forecast for how Peter’s life would end.

Nevertheless, Jesus said to Peter, “Follow Me,” and despite this cross hanging over his head for thirty years, Peter did just that.

He followed Jesus and he fed the Lord’s sheep.

It was the uniform testimony of the early church that Jesus’ prophecy was fulfilled in the early days of the Roman emperor Nero’s persecution, around a.d. 64

What about Him? - v.21

21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!”

Even restored Peter is still Peter

A common mistake that Christians and sometimes churches make is to expect everyone’s experience in following Christ to be exactly the same

Church planting and thinking that in 2-4 years will be like PW in Gastonia. If not…. Are we a failure?

Mind your own business - v. 22

22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!”

The Lord has a job for each of us to do, and what others do is ultimately none of our business. Each of us must do what God has assigned to him or her to do, and fulfill the mandate of Christ.

Heb 11:32-39 (Dont close your bibles)

​​32 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. 36 Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— 38 of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

So What?

Will you follow Jesus as Lord?

Following Jesus means our priorities will be radically altered. Instead of serving ourselves, we will serve those who are part of the church—his sheep.

What does it mean to follow Christ?

Following Christ mean you forfeit your plans in order to accomplish his plans in your life for his mission.

James Montgomery Boice observes: “These are the ones who do Christian work—normal people, with all the failings we are heir to, not fictitious characters of superhuman faith and fortitude.”

These are not perfect people but simply people willing to follow Him by faith and trust him to design the journey that brings Him glory and our joy and then be willing to unashamedly live it in order to display Christ where on the mountain top of victory or in a bed of affliction, we exist to display Christ, to enjoy Christ and lead other to do the same.

Heb 12:1-3

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Do Not Grow Weary

3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

Prayer Focus - Joey & Seven Oaks

Adam Mehaffey & Chad Swanner

Pray for the elders as they make important leadership decisions.

Prayer for The overall health of the church.

May the church continue to grow in their love for God and each and the unsaved.”

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9:30 prayer time