A Second Chance

Thesis: Jesus gives second chances to those willing to take them.

Intro.: Announce text: John 21--a resurrection appearance of Jesus to his disciples.

I. A FISHING STORY (21:1-14). < Read and comment ... >

A. After Verse Three:

1. Peter, James, & John are fishermen by trade.

2. Why do they go back to the "old life" and bring others with them?

a. Fearful of Roman & Jewish authorities.

b. Discouraged that Jesus has not ushered in the KOG.

B. After Verse Six:

1. Peter, James, & John are probably experiencing "deja vu."

2. The first time they had met Jesus was by the Sea of Galilee after a fruitless night of fishing (Luke 5).

a. Jesus entered their boats and taught the people.

b. "Put out into deep water and let down nets for a catch."

c. "We've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."

C. After Verse Seven:

1. "The beloved disciple" knows who it is!

2. Peter, impulsive man that he is, jumps in! (Think he'd walk on water?)

D. After Verse Eleven:

1. Why 153?

a. Was it because there are 153 countries in the world?

b. Was it because there are 153 varieties of fish in Sea of Gal.?

c. Was it because there are 153 ethnic groups in humanity?

2. No. Somebody counted them!

a. Why not the first time (Luke 5)?

b. Boat was sinking and the nets were breaking! Not now.

II. SITTING AROUND THE FIRESIDE.

A. < TRANSITION >:

1. Pleasant story. Happy ending. Disciples are ready to go off and die for their faith. Right? Wrong!

2. Why do you suppose none of them dared ask Jesus who he was?

a. Was it because they didn't wish to spoil a sublime moment?

b. Or was it because each had something else on their minds?

B. I wonder what Simon Peter is thinking about?

1. Maybe the first time he met Jesus (Luke 5).

a. Remember what he said when the boat sank & nets broke?

b. "Go away from me Lord!; I am a sinful man!"

c. He didn't say that this time.

2. Maybe he's thinking about the last time he had eaten with Jesus.

a. JESUS: "You will all fall away ... for it is written: `I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered."

b. PETER: "Not me, I'll never deny you! I'm ready to die!"

c. JESUS: "I tell you the truth, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times."

3. Maybe he's remembering that night in the courtyard.

a. Denies Jesus three times.

b. Do any of the other disciples know? (No)

c. What do you think Peter wants to do now more than anything, but can't?!

III. JESUS FORGIVES PETER (21:15-19).

A. After Verse Fifteen: Who are the "these"?

1. Do you love me more than these guys love me? (Can't answer!)

2. Do you love me more than you love these guys? (Can answer!)

B. After Verse Seventeen:

1. Why does Jesus ask Peter the same question three times?

2. Peter denied Jesus three times!

3. Peter is forgiven!

IV. A SECOND CHANCE.

A. 2 Cor. 5:17--"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new!"

1. Do you believe that verse?

2. Do you really believe that the old has gone?

B. What that means is this: You are not a person that God cannot forgive!

1. Whatever you've said, done, felt--no matter how ugly or shameful-- can be forgiven in Christ!

2. You can start over!

3. The past does not have to control the future!

Conclusion: Do you want a second chance?