SERMON OUTLINE:
(1). A Night of Defeat (vs 1-3).
(2). A Morning of Decision (vs 4-17).
(3). A Day of Dedication (vs 18-25).
(4). A Lifetime to Serve (vs 20-25).
SERMON BODY:
Ill:
• Explaining marriage to his four-year-old girl;
• The dad thought he was doing a good job.
• Bute she was as inquisitive, and as bright as a new penny.
• When he realised she was having difficulty in grasping the concept of marriage,
• The dad decided to pull out his wedding photo album,
• Thinking visual images would help.
• He turned over one page after another,
• Pointing out the bride arriving at the church, the entrance,
• The wedding ceremony, the reception, etc.
• "Now do you understand?" he asked.
• "I think so," the girl said, "is that when mommy came to work for us?"
• TRANSITION: Three years ago Peter started working (better word: serving) Jesus;
• He obeyed the call of Jesus; “To follow him”
• But as we pick up the story Peter has taken a detour.
• In fact he has been on an emotional roller coaster!
• In the previous week,
• He has gone from the giddy heights of Palm Sunday.
• Where he half-expected Jesus to be crowned king & maybe set up his kingdom.
• To the utter depths of despair on Good Friday.
• Where he watched Jesus nailed to a cross like a lump of meat!
• And then swept up to a mega high again, with the news of the resurrection.
• This has been one emotional roller coaster!
• In this chapter, Peter has gone home;
• Back to the ‘familiar’ shores of Galilee,
• (also known as the Sea of Tiberias and Lake Genesaret).
Peter and the other disciples are from that region and so they have gone back home:
• Note: You realise that Jesus and the disciples were northerners don’t you?
• Jesus like Peter and the others all had strong regional accents;
• (ill: And they probably liked mushy peas and brown sauce or the Israeli equivalent).
• There was one southerner among the twelve - Judas,
• But it’s probably best not to mention him!
Question:
• You might be wondering what are they doing in Galilee?
• Shouldn’t they have remained in Jerusalem,
• And that’s down in the South?
Answer: No! They should not be in Jerusalem.
• Twice in Matthew chapter 28 they were told to go Galilee:
• First: by an angel (Matthew chapter 28 verses 7).
• Second: by Jesus himself (Matthew chapter 28 verses 10).
• Who told them to go to Galilee, and he said he would meet them there.
Notice that no specifics are given as to exactly where in Galilee:
• So the disciples go home, back to families, friends and comforting surroundings;
• Back also to the place where they first met the Lord.
• I wonder if that’s what the Lord had in mind,
• Bringing back to this geographical location,
• Allowed him to once again remind them of their true calling?
(1). A Night of Defeat (vs 1-3).
Ill:
• Charlie Brown was complaining because his team always lost their games.
• Lucy attempted to console him with the words;
• “Remember, Charlie Brown, you learn more from your defeats than from your victories."
• Charlie Brown responds by saying,
• "Then I must be the smartest person in the world!"
• TRANSITION: We pick up the story with Peter losing, defeated.
• Peter’s decision to go fishing was not a good one.
• In Luke chapter 5 verses 1-11 Jesus had called him to leave fishing & follow him.
• Peter in these verses is returning to the old life he had before he met with Jesus;
• Notice everything in this scene speaks of defeat.
Four insights to that fact:
FIRST:
• It was dark – “It was night time” (vs 3)
• Is this a picture that Peter was no longer walking in the light?
• ill; Chapter 3:2 - John tells us that Nicodemus came “at night”;
• A picture of him being in spiritual darkness.
• ill; Chapter 13:30 - When Judas went out to betray Jesus we are told “It was night”.
• Once again a picture - his actions were evil – he was walking in darkness.
• For Peter he was working in the dark (vs 3)
• I can’t help but feel this is a picture of his spiritual condition.
SECOND:
• They had no direct word from the Lord.
• Instead of waiting and praying and fasting and seeking God.
• Peter decides to “Lean on his own understanding”,
• He decides to go fishing.
• His impatience distracted him into unproductive activities;
• Had he waited;
• Then his wise use of time & energy would have yielded a much better return
THIRD:
• Their fishing expedition ends in utter failure;
• Verse 3: “That night they caught nothing”.
• All night long they fished
• And they caught nothing!
• How frustrated Peter and the disciples must have felt;
• When time after time they lowered their nets and they pulled them up empty.
• Once again it is a great picture of someone outside of God’s will;
• In John chapter 15 Jesus had said “Without me you can do… nothing!”
• And here in this chapter we have Peter acting independent of Jesus;
• And all his efforts are in vain – worked hard all night to catch nothing!
FOURTH:
• Indication that Peter and the others were outside of the will of God is that;
• He and the others did not recognise Jesus when he appeared.
• Verse 4:
• “Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.”
• Is this a sign that their spiritual vision was dim;
• Notice Peter lead six other disciples astray – they also followed him fishing.
• Quote: “No-one sins in a vacuum”
• Sadly the other disciples had eyes focused on Peter and not on the Lord!
(2). A Morning of Decision (vs 4-17):
Ill:
• A husband and wife, prior to marriage,
• Decided that he would make all the major decisions;
• And she would make all the smaller decisions;.
• After 20 years of marriage, he was asked how this arrangement had worked.
• "Great! in all these years I've never had to make a major decision."
• TRANSITION:
• Peter had to make some important decisions;
• At first he gets it all wrong!
4Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
5He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”
“No,” they answered.
6He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
• At first light Jesus stood on the shore;
• No more night-time darkness, now it is first light;
• And in more ways than one – that light is beginning to shine on Peter.
• Jesus calls out to the disciples;
• But at first the disciples did not recognise him;
• They just saw him as a stranger on the shore.
• Note: There are a number of examples where the resurrected Jesus appeared to people;
• But was not recognised at first;
• e.g. Luke chapter 24 verse 15 on the road to Emmaus.
• The disciples did not recognise Jesus;
• It was probably that they were kept from recognising him.
Verse 5a: Jesus stands on the beach and calls out to them:
• “Friends” literally “Little children”,
• Colloquial to us like saying to a group of men;
• “Okay lads?” or “How are you doing boys?”
Now in the Greek langue (i.e. New Testament):
• You can ask a question expecting a negative answer.
• Jesus already knew that they had caught nothing.
• So his question lets the disciples know,
• That he knows already that they have caught nothing.
• So in verse 5: these embarrassed, unsuccessful fishermen admit their failure.
• Their reply was brief - they say “No”.
Note
• In verse 6 there is a change in attitude and results;
• When they obey the command of Jesus:
• After just a few minutes fishing with Jesus;
• They pull up their net and it is brimming with fish,
• And according to verse 11 each one is a whopper “Large fish”.
Principle to note:
• A few minutes with Jesus in control;
• Will accomplish more than a whole night of carnal efforts!
Note:
• There are a number of mini-miracles in this passage:
• (That is if you can have a mini-miracle! ill: Like saying you can be a little bit pregnant!)
• (1st): In verse 11: Peter is given miraculous strength to pull in the net;
• Verses 6: tells us that seven men were unable to do this.
• (2nd): The fact that the net did not breaking is also unusual and perhaps miraculous.
• Jesus takes something ordinary and does something extraordinary with it.
• (3rd): The fire of coals and the cooked breakfast of fish;
• Were almost certainly miraculous.
Notice: Everything that happens in this passage is meant to be ‘de-jar-vue’ for Peter:
• (1st): In verse 6: The amazing miracle of catching fish;
• Was meant to remind Peter of his first encounter with Jesus (Luke 5);
• When almost the exact same thing happened.
• (2nd:): In verse 9 the fire of burning coals:
• Was to remind Peter of his denial around another fire in High Priest’s court (John 18:18)
• (3rd:): The location – the sea of Galilee was to remind him of so many past experiences;
• e.g. Feeding the crowd of over 5,000 people.
• e.g. Catching a single fish and finding in the fishes mouth enough money to pay his tax.
• e.g. Jesus standing up and stilling a raging storm with just a simple command
(3). A Day of Dedication (vs 18-19).
Ill:
• Fritz Kreisler was an Austrian-born violinist and composer.[
• One of the most famous violin masters of his or any other day,
• And regarded as one of the greatest violinists of all time,
• On one occasion a woman rushed up to him after a concert and cried:
• "I'd give my life to play as beautifully as you do."
• Kreisler replied, "I did."
• TRANSITION: Kreisler was a man dedicated to his violin;
• Day after day, week after week, year after year…
• For three years Peter had been dedicated to Jesus;
• He left everything to follow him,
• But now he was in limbo, confused as to what to do.
Notice: verse 13:
• There is such a nice touch in this verse that the casual reader can easily overlook:
• Before Jesus met Simon Peter’s spiritual needs,
• He would take care of his physical needs.
• e.g. Peter had the opportunity to dry off,
• e.g. Peter had the opportunity to get warm,
• e.g. Peter had the opportunity to satisfy his hunger.
• e.g. Peter had the opportunity to enjoy some personnel friendship with Jesus.
Quote: Warren Wiersbe:
“There is a vast difference between sonship (being saved);
And discipleship (following the Lord).
Not all Christians are disciples.
When Peter sinned he did not lose his sonship;
But he did fall away from his discipleship.
For this reason Christ repeated his call; ‘Follow me’”
Note:
• Jesus recommissions Peter by way of a simple but heart-piercing question:
• And Jesus would ask Peter this same question three times (vs 15-17).
15When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17The 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.
• 3 times Peter had denied the Lord publicly,
• And Jesus gives him 3 opportunities to confess him publicly.
Notice how Jesus refers to Peter:
• The apostle John, the writer of this passage;
• Calls him “Simon Peter”,
• But in contrast Jesus doesn’t mention his new name Peter,
• But deliberately uses his old name “Simon, son of John”.
• With the name Simon, Jesus takes Simon Peter way back
• To the very start of their relationship.
• The key issue in question is Peter’s love for Jesus.
Question 1:
• The first question Jesus asks is: “Do you love Me more than these?”
• The word “these” isn’t identified;
Two possibilities as to what the Lord meant:
(1).
• It could mean more than “these fish, these boats and nets,”
• Referring to his occupation and his first love - fishing.
(2). It could also mean “these men,” referring to the disciples.
• Is Jesus referring Peter back;
• To his statement in Matthew chapter 26 verse 33:
• When he boasted and said:
• “Even if all the other disciples fall away on account of you, I never will.”
• So Jesus asks him;
• “Do you still claim to have a deeper love for me than these others”.
Answer 1:
• The New Testament was written in Greek;
• And they have a number of words for our English word ‘love’.
• These Greek words add a different emphasis or meaning when used.
• Here Jesus uses the specific Greek word ‘agapao’, the highest form of love.
• Jesus is asking Peter, “do you love me unconditionally?”
• Notice: Although Peter affirms this type of love in verses 15 & 16;
• By twice saying “Yes Lord!”
• He actually replies by using another Greek word for love,
• The word “phileo”,
• This word is often used to express deep friendship.
• So Simon Peter says to Jesus;
• “You know I’m very fond of You; we’re deep friends.”
• Now “Phileo” was a good word to use.
• And Peter probably used it because he is treading carefully.
• No more boasting without thinking.
• This time he will choose his words wisely!
• And in response to his answer;
• Jesus gives him a commission: “Tend My lambs.”
Question 2:
• Notice: in repeating the question, Jesus sensitively drops the phrase;
• “More than these.”
• This takes the pressure off,
• It allows Peter to search his heart to see where the Lord really fits in his life.
• Through his mind the words of Jesus roam,
• “Am I ready to now be totally devoted to Jesus?”
Answer 2:
• Simon Peter says; “You know I’m fond of You; we’re friends.”
• Again “phileo”, is the Greek word used:
• And once again;
• His reply draws a commission from Jesus: “Shepherd My sheep.”
Question 3:
• Jesus seems to say to Peter, “If you like that word so much let me use it”:
• So Jesus says: “Simon, are you fond of Me?”
Answer 3:
• Peter is grieved; yet he is honest about where the relationship is:
• “You know that I am fond of You . . . You know that I have a flawed love.”
• And so for a third time;
• Jesus commissions Peter: “Feed my sheep”.
Note: 3 Question and 3 answers:
• In these three responses from Simon Peter;
• The memory of his three denials are wiped away, ‘The slate is now wiped clean’.
• And so 3 times Peter is commissioned by Jesus,
• To ‘feed his sheep’ - the restoration is complete.
Ill:
• A number of years ago,
• An angry man rushed through the Rijks Museum in Amsterdam;
• When he reached Rembrandt’s famous painting ‘Nightwatch.’
• He took out a knife and slashed it repeatedly before he could be stopped.
• A short time later, a distraught, hostile man
• Slipped into St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rome ,
• He pulled out a hammer which he had smuggled in;
• And with the hammer he began to smash Michelangelo’s beautiful sculpture ‘The Pieta’.
• Two cherished works of art were severely damaged.
• But what did officials do?
• Throw them out and forget about them?
• Absolutely not!
• Using the best experts, who worked with the utmost care and precision,
• They made every effort to restore the treasures.
• By His sovereign grace,
• God the master restorer can bring good out of our failures – for his glory!
(4). A Lifetime to Serve (vs 20-25).
“Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, ‘Lord, who is going to betray you?’) 21 When Peter saw him, he asked, ‘Lord, what about him?’
22 Jesus answered, ‘If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.’23 Because of this, the rumour spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, ‘If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?’
24 This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.
25 Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.”
• You would think Peter would have enough on his mind in these verses;
• As he thinks through his own situation:
• Jesus has just told him to go and feed his sheep,
• And he has also told him the type of death he was going to die,
• And yet Peter is distracted or becomes preoccupied with another disciple;
• He sees John sitting nearby and he ask Jesus a question
• “Lord what about this man?”
• Maybe he wants to know if John is going to have to die for the gospel also?
• Are they all martyrs together or has he got a raw deal?
Notice how Jesus answers the question in verse 22,
“If it is my will that he remains until I come what is that to you? You follow me!”
• What Jesus is saying is simple and to the point:
• He tells Peter to mind his own business,
• Because Gods will for John is between God and John;
• And Gods will for Peter is between Peter and God
• So get on with your own calling and ministry,
• And let others get on with theirs.
TWO SIMPLE APPLICATIONS TO FINISH:
(a). I'm responsible for my actions
• Everyone here today is responsible for our own actions.
• Notice: Two times in his short response Jesus uses the word “You” to Peter.
• He says “What is that to YOU and YOU follow me!”
• Quote: Franklin P. Jones in The Wall Street Journal.
• “Be thankful for bad luck. Without it, you'd have to blame yourself.”
• Jesus tells Peter (and us) to get on with what God has told us to do,
• And let others do the same!
(b). I'm responsible for my God given talent
• Jesus gave Peter the command “to feed his sheep and to follow him”:,
• To do that he also enables us, he gives us the gifting/talent we need.
Ill:
• The African impala can jump to a height of over 10 feet;
• And cover a distance of greater than 30 feet.
• Yet these magnificent creatures can be kept in an enclosure in any zoo with a 3-foot wall.
• The animals will not jump if they cannot see where their feet will fall.
• They imprison themselves because they will not exercise ‘Faith’.
• TRANSITION: Too many Christians like the impala;
• Through lack of faith, they do not discover or use their gift!
• Remember, you have been gifted to do a few things well,
• One thing very well, and maybe even a few things quite well,
• But you cannot do it all.
• So God has given each believer in the Church gift, a talent, arole,
• In which were able to play a part.
• And you by faith you and I are called to minister in that area, or area's.
Quote:
"Too many people make cemeteries of their lives by burying their talents".
So these final verses in John’s gospel:
• I hope you appreciate they are a kind of ‘p.s.’ like you would find at the end of a letter.
• John has already concluded his gospel in chapter 20 verses 30-31.
“Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe[b] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
But in the ‘p.s.’ he reminds us that:
• I'm responsible for my actions
• I'm responsible for using my God given talent
• But that desire to serve, that desire to be involved;
• Flows out of those questions Jesus asked peter and asks each one of us:
• “Do you love?’
• For is we love him we will….
• Maybe in this case actions speak louder than words!
SERMON AUDIO:
https://surf.pxwave.com/wl/?id=pqY7ALBjX2EIjDaWHVtfggam58jaILaW
