|
Jesus
Appears In Galilee
Introduction:
Jesus
appears to his apostles (without Thomas) and commissions
them as ambassadors of peace. A week later, he appears to
them again with Thomas. Thomas acknowledges Jesus as both
Lord and God and now he appears to them a third time by the
Sea of Galilee.
Sermon
text: John 21
Body:
1.
Jesus provides (verses 1- 14)
(verses 1- 2) Seven
of Jesus's apostles are gathered by the Sea of Galilee,
waiting for him to appear. He had promised to meet them
there (Matthew 28: 10).
(Verse 3) Peter,
never the one to sit still, decides to go fishing. He is
probably restless. No doubt Peter remembers that this was
the same lake that saw him walking on the water until his
faith faltered. The other six apostles followed suit. They
spend the entire night without catching a single fish!
(verses 4- 6) As
the early morning sun rises, the apostles are in their boat
about 100 yards offshore. They see a man standing on the
beach but don't recognize that it is Jesus. He asks them if
they have any food. When they reply, no, he tells them to
cast the net on the right side of the boat, and they will
catch some. The net is so full that they cannot pull it in.
(Verse 7) John
recognizes Jesus first. Peter is the first one to act. He
dives in fully clothed to meet his Lord.
(verse 8) The
disciples rowed to the shore, dragging the net with them
(verses 9 and 10);
Jesus was already ready for breakfast when they arrived! He
came to provide for them.
(verse 11) Peter
drags the net in with 153 large fish.
(verse 12, 13)
Jesus, even after his resurrection, shows a spirit of
service.
(verse 14) he
appears two times in Jerusalem, with and without Thomas.
2.
Jesus restores (verses 15- 19)
(verse 15) This
verse begins a very revealing exchange between Jesus and
Peter. Peter had previously boasted of a love greater than
the other disciples (Matthew 26: 33). His answer shows more
humility than was shown in the upper room. Peter understands
his weaknesses.
(Verse 16) Jesus
repeats the same question- the same answer is given
(verse 17) Jesus
repeats the same question again with the same answer given.
Peter had denied the Lord three times back in
Caiaphas’s house. Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves
him. No doubt Peter was grieved because he knew Jesus asked
him three times, which corresponds with his three denials.
Our Lord knew Peter had to deal with this incident so he
could lay it to rest and get on with his life in a very
heartwarming way; Jesus wants Peter to understand that if
Peter loves him, restoration is possible. It is not mere
sentiment, but devotion, affection, and the desire to
sacrifice for the welfare of the one so loved. Jesus not
only forgives Peter but reassures him that he wants Peter
back. Jesus still believes in Peter. Jesus entreats his
sheep to him- a very important work
(Verse 18, 19)
Jesus informs Peter there would be a price to pay for
following him. Peter would be killed for the cause of
Christ. Jesus expected complete commitment, even to the
point of death.
(verse 20, 21)
after hearing the words of Jesus, Peter asks about John's
future- will it include martyrdom 2? He may have wondered if
he was the only one of the apostles who would be killed for
the cause of Christ.
( verse 22- 23).
Jesus tells Peter not to worry about John and to ensure he
follows Faithfully. Levels of sacrifice vary.
(verses 24- 25) John recorded only a
small part of all that Jesus did.
3.
Jesus is always ready to
take us back. As long as we are
willing to turn to him, he is willing to accept. Jesus does
not expect sinless perfection, but he does expect devotion.
Just because you may have failed him in the past does not
mean we no longer love him. Peter fell in a moment of
weakness. So do we all on occasion. Recall Peters words in
one Peter 4: 8. We have the assurance that he still believes
in us and wants us back.
4.
Jesus reminds us that there is
a cost involved in following him
(Matthew 16: 24) if anyone desires to come
after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and
follow me. (Revelation 2: 10) be faithful unto death, and I
will give you the crown of life.
Read aloud the last two verses of 2 Peter:
2 Peter 3:17-18, “You therefore, beloved,
since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall
from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error
of the wicked; 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now
and forever. Amen.”
Conclusion\ invitation:
Peter
understood what it meant to confess Jesus as Lord. Have you
yet to confess him and be immersed for the forgiveness of
sin? If so, have you been confessing him before your
friends, your core workers, your family? Do you need to come
back to Jesus? He's willing and ready to receive you.
June 21,
2020
Prepared by
Bobby Stafford
The church
of Christ at Granby, MO
Located at
516 East Pine St.
P.O. Box 664
Granby, Mo. 64844
(417) 472-7109
For more
lessons and Sermons, please visit
granbychurchofchrist.org/
granbychurchofchrist.com/ |
The
church of Christ
