COMMUNION THROUGH THE EYES OF PETER 3 12
- Luke 22:14-23
“Do this in remembrance of Me”. What is it we are to remember about Jesus? What is this memorial meal to remind us of? This morning, let’s talk to Peter and ask him what jumps out at him, what he remembers about Jesus.
In 1 Corinthians, Paul says that we are to examine ourselves before we share in this meal, so that we do not do so unworthily. Let’s ask Peter of his memories and use those to prompt our own self-examinations.
Peter, if all of the heavens were paper and all the oceans made of ink, there would not be enough to record all that Jesus has done, but what are the things about the life and ministry of Jesus that specifically come to mind when you think of Him?
I. I REMEMBER THE DAY HE CALLED ME
- Luke 5:1-11
I had been with Jesus before. I had heard Him teach before. I saw how He interacted with the Samaritan woman. I had seen Him interacting with the crowds, but this day was different.
… explain Jesus teaching that day, crowds pressing, getting into the boat, etc.
We had been fishing all night, worn out, …
We caught so many fish that we could barely handle them all.
It was on that day that my eyes were opened and I realized that I was dealing with someone Who was unique and different …
** My friend, do you remember the day Jesus called you? Have you come before Him and admitted that you too are a sinner, that you cannot save yourself and that you need His help and His salvation?
II. I REMEMBER HOW QUICK HE IS TO HELP ME EVEN WHEN I DISAPPOINT HIM
- Matthew 14:22-33
Tell what happened.
I took my eyes off of Jesus and began looking at the storm and the waves and the stuff going on around me and I said, “This is impossible.” I forgot that all things are possible through Him.
I began looking at the difficulties and began to sink. I called Him and even though I had disappointed Him again, He helped me. He saved Me.
My friend, have you become discouraged, depressed or disillusioned? I want you to know that Jesus will answer your prayer, that He will respond to your cry today, just as He did to Peter’s so long ago.
Before we share in this memorial meal together, would you say, “Lord. I’ve taken my eyes off of You. I’m seeing the hardships, the obstacles and the difficulties and have forgotten about Your strength, Your power, Your love, and Your faithfulness. Lord Jesus, please forgive me for my doubts …
I remember the day He called me. I remember how quick He is to help, even when I disappoint Him.
III. I REMEMBER HOW QUICKLY I CAN FALL.
- Matthew 16:13-20
Tell of interview and interaction. Jesus was pleased at what God had revealed to Peter and I imagine Peter was pleased that he seemed to be growing as a follower, but then he stumbled.
- Matthew 16:21-23
I put my will, and my plans, and my desires ahead of God’s plan. I got out of His will. …
Let me ask you this morning my friend, is your primary goal to please Jesus? Jesus said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness …”
Is that where you are this morning? If not would admit it and ask God for His help in realigning your priorities and goals?
IV. I REMEMBER THAT JESUS KNOWS ME BETTER THAN I KNOW MYSELF
- Matthew 26:31-35; 69-75
I said I would never deny Jesus and when I said it, I meant it with all of my heart. But I did deny Him. Tell story …
Jesus knows me better than I know myself.
Some of you this morning, think you’re doing pretty good in your walk with the Lord. But, sometimes we are unable to see ourselves as we truly are. Would you stop right now and ask the Lord if there are any sins in your life that need to be confessed, if there are any sins in your life that you need to deal with?
Jesus knows you better than you know yourself.
V. I REMEMBER THAT JESUS WILL FORGIVE ME EVEN WHEN I DON’T DESERVE IT
- Mark 16:6-7
Go and tell His disciples and Peter. There were some who had the idea that I was no longer a disciple. I certainly knew that I didn’t deserve to be a disciple after the way I denied Jesus before all of those people. I denied I even knew Him. I called down curses and swore that I didn’t know Him.
What is one of the first things that happened on the day He rose. He had an angel send ME word! He still cared about Me. He still forgave me. Can you imagine?
My friend, I want you to know that Jesus will forgive you this morning as well. I don’t care what you have done. I don’t care who you have hurt. I don’t care how long you have run, Jesus loves you and will forgive you if you ask Him.
Will you this morning, ask Jesus to examine you and to forgive you …?
VI. I REMEMBER THAT JESUS WILL STILL USE ME.
-Acts 2:14-15, 37-41
In spite of all I had done and in spite of how I had let Jesus down, He still chose to use me. He didn’t give up on me…
Some of you this morning feel defeated …
You’ve given up on God ever using you. I want you to know that God loves you, He will cleanse and fill you, and that He can still use you.
He used David after he fell.
He used Jonah after he disobeyed.
He used Peter and he denied, and He can use you as well. Perhaps this morning you need to confess that you’ve given up trying to fight the good fight. You’ve given up trying to serve or to be used by the Lord. You’ve just been coasting. Well let me tell you, “The Lord did not leave you here to sit, soak, and sour.” He has a job for you. He has something for you to do. You need to get off your duff, quit believing that defeatist junk the Devil’s been feeding you, and get back in the war. You may have been injured. You have lost a battle, but the war is not over and God is not through with you.
You may be old and tired, but there is no retirement plan in God’s program this side of heaven. There are still fortresses to be stormed. There are captives to be freed. There are loved ones to be saved, and some of you have quit.
You need to confess that this morning and ask the Lord to give you a vision for how He wants to use you in the days ahead.
* Prayer & serve Lord’s Supper
