Jesus Rose from the Grave; Now What?

John is eager to describe another encounter b/t Jesus and the disciples after Jesus’ resurrection. John describes 3 but there are more. In the first ch. of Acts, Luke tells us that Jesus appeared to his disciples over a period of 40 days after his resurrection. That’s where we are on the church calendar.

Eastertide = 50 days b/t Easter and Pentecost.

You get the sense that Peter and the others were wondering what comes next. We’ve apprenticed with Jesus for a long time. Jesus was crucified and rose again. Now what?

Perhaps they thought their part was over. Perhaps parents or wives were pressuring them: following Jesus was OK for a season but it’s time to earn a living again. Return to the family business. Catch fish!

Most of these disciples were raised on boats like this. Yet they got skunked on this trip. They caught nothing all night.

But Jesus wasn’t done with them. He wasn’t letting them retire. He never intended them to stop following him. But there they are fishing the Sea of Galilee, in the dark all night, w/o success.

As the first rays of sunshine come over the Golan Heights and across the Sea of Galilee, the disciples see Jesus. He’s on the shore, shining brightly in the early morning light. But the disciples didn’t recognize him. They followed the unknown man’s instructions and cast the net on the starboard side of the boat. Jesus’ identity dawned on them only after they netted an enormous number of fish.

That’s when they knew who was talking to them from the shore. Peter couldn’t wait for the others. In typical fashion, he jumped overboard and raced to Jesus. They had unfinished business.

Jesus fed his disciples breakfast, then he took a little walk with Peter. It was the moment Peter dreaded, yet hoped for. Time to deal with the awkwardness between them.

Maybe you remember: Jesus and Peter were interrogated at the same time (John 18). Peter and another disciple had followed Jesus and his guards to the high priest’s courtyard. They stood outside while Jesus was questioned about his disciples and his teaching. As he joined the others and warmed himself at the fire, Peter faced questions too.

H3X he was asked if he was one of Jesus’ disciples.

3X the most outspoken disciple denied even knowing Jesus

Peter’s denials are particularly hurtful because just a couple hours earlier Peter pledged to lay down his life for Jesus.

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

Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times! John 13:37–38 (NIV)

That kind of betrayal hurts both parties. Distancing himself from Jesus strains their relationship. As they walk along the shore, Jesus goes where the pain is. Jesus addresses Peter’s guilt & shame.

One commentator described it vividly:

The three questions correspond to Peter’s three denials. Three for completeness, yes, but three also for reminder. The smell of the charcoal fire lingers. Peter’s night of agony—and Jesus’ own night of agony—returns. But because of the latter, the former can be dealt with. Jesus is the Passover lamb who takes away the sin of the world, Peter’s sin included, your sin, my sin.[1]

Maybe you’ve been there.

I remember, years ago, a fellow pastor described a farm accident. B/c he hit the gas instead of the brake, his brother died. It was his fault. Sorting out his guilt with God after his brother’s funeral was where he learned how deep and wide God’s love is and how Jesus’ death covers over all his sin and guilt and shame. He became a pastor so others could experience it too.

You can experience it too. When we confess what we’ve done wrong, God lifts the punishment and guilt for our wrongdoing off of us and puts it on Jesus. On the cross, Jesus atones for all our denials, betrayals, shortcomings, and sin. Jesus’ resurrection proves that your sin is covered. You are raised with Jesus to new life; new service.

That’s a remarkable thing about Peter’s restoration – and yours. Jesus doesn’t just pat people on the back and say, “It’s okay.” Jesus invites Peter back on the team. Jesus invites Peter to share his job.

Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

Unclear: These boats? These friends?

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

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

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.”

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. John 21:15b–17 (NIV)

The Good Shepherd gives Peter responsibility for feeding his lambs, taking care of his sheep, and feeding Jesus’ sheep. Peter is given a new challenge, a new opportunity, a new adventure. He’s not let go to slink off to Galilee and return to fishing. Peter and the other disciples are given work to do for Jesus.

It’s the same with us. Whether you’re a deacon or elder, whether you mow the church lawn, or are loving and generous to your neighbour, your service and Christ-like behaviour has its roots in the love you have for Jesus and the forgiveness you have received.

All our service in God’s Kingdom – volunteering, following your God-given vocation, or striving to love God & neighbour – is rooted in our love for God and the forgiveness from Jesus.

Qs to ponder:

Do you love Jesus more than these?

Do you love him w/ heart, soul, mind, and strength?

Does your love for Jesus drive you to serve him wholeheartedly?

Are you ready to lay down your life for him, laying down your life for his lambs?

Yet it’s humbling. Peter and the other fishermen are non-essential workers. They are highly valued! Redeemed at a price.

Yet they fished alone in the dark w/o success.

Only after Jesus was revealed in the morning light, only when they followed Jesus’ instructions were they successful. Even more humbling, when they came ashore, Jesus already had fish – and bread – cooking on the fire. Jesus invited Peter to add to the breakfast. But Jesus provided the meal w/o their help.

It’s a helpful perspective. Sometimes we feel like we need to work hard or God’s Kingdom won’t grow. Not true. We’re non-essential workers. Both humbling and a relief. I hope you’re okay with that!

For his own good pleasure, God takes us along on the journey. He guides our actions, provides insight and words, and works with us and through us. But from start to finish, building the church is God’s work. We’re along for the adventure!

[1] Wright, Tom. John for Everyone.