John 21: 15 - 25
There are so many fascinating parallels in this chapter of John. Jesus seemed to intentionally use circumstances and trains of thought to remind the apostles of previous encounters and miracles. He needed to remind them - to remind Peter - of the things of "first importance". Let's consider a few:
1. The miraculous catch of fish. Jesus had done that for Peter before Peter decided to follow Him. Jesus does it again ... remember, Peter ... Jesus has all power and authority.
2. Jesus feeds them breakfast ... verse 13 tells us that Jesus "took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish." He had done that before - this miracle of feeding - to 5000+ earlier in his ministry. Jesus does it again here ... remember, Peter ... Jesus is the source of sustenance, of life.
3. Jesus asks Peter 3 times if he loves Him. Why three times? Perhaps because Peter had failed to acknowledge his own love for Jesus three times the night of Jesus' trials. Each question from the lips of Jesus countered one of the betrayals from Peter. Remember, Peter ... don't forget again that you are a disciple of the Lord.
4. As Peter answers each of Jesus' questions about loving Him, Jesus reminds Peter of his call, his work, his commission. Jesus reminds him, "Feed my lambs", "Take care of my sheep", and "Feed my sheep." It is as if Jesus is saying to Peter, "Don't go back to fishing. I have called you out for a higher purpose. I have work for you to do. You are to be a rock in my coming 'church'. Remember, Peter."
5. Then after giving Peter a preview of his end, Jesus says, "Follow me!" Interesting ... that was what Jesus had said to Peter when He first called him into discipleship. Same words. Same mission. Remember, Peter!
Now, for you and I. Have you veered off track? Has a failure or two or three caused you to doubt your usefulness in God's kingdom? Have you wandered back into a previous way of life out of habit? Do you feel that God cannot use the likes of you. You're not strong enough. You're not smart enough.
If any of those things can be said of you right now, go back and read John 21 again.
Here is what we know about Peter. He listened. He heard. And he never denies his relationship with the Lord again.
Have you forgotten who you are? Listen to Paul as he reminds us in Ephesians 2: 11 - 22
If you use navigation tools on your phone or in your car, occasionally you will hear the voice say, "Off course. Correcting." Are you "off course"? If so, why not stop right now and spend some time in prayer asking God to correct your course and get you back on track. Peter is a great example. We can "follow" his example as he follows Jesus!
1. The miraculous catch of fish. Jesus had done that for Peter before Peter decided to follow Him. Jesus does it again ... remember, Peter ... Jesus has all power and authority.
2. Jesus feeds them breakfast ... verse 13 tells us that Jesus "took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish." He had done that before - this miracle of feeding - to 5000+ earlier in his ministry. Jesus does it again here ... remember, Peter ... Jesus is the source of sustenance, of life.
3. Jesus asks Peter 3 times if he loves Him. Why three times? Perhaps because Peter had failed to acknowledge his own love for Jesus three times the night of Jesus' trials. Each question from the lips of Jesus countered one of the betrayals from Peter. Remember, Peter ... don't forget again that you are a disciple of the Lord.
4. As Peter answers each of Jesus' questions about loving Him, Jesus reminds Peter of his call, his work, his commission. Jesus reminds him, "Feed my lambs", "Take care of my sheep", and "Feed my sheep." It is as if Jesus is saying to Peter, "Don't go back to fishing. I have called you out for a higher purpose. I have work for you to do. You are to be a rock in my coming 'church'. Remember, Peter."
5. Then after giving Peter a preview of his end, Jesus says, "Follow me!" Interesting ... that was what Jesus had said to Peter when He first called him into discipleship. Same words. Same mission. Remember, Peter!
Now, for you and I. Have you veered off track? Has a failure or two or three caused you to doubt your usefulness in God's kingdom? Have you wandered back into a previous way of life out of habit? Do you feel that God cannot use the likes of you. You're not strong enough. You're not smart enough.
If any of those things can be said of you right now, go back and read John 21 again.
Here is what we know about Peter. He listened. He heard. And he never denies his relationship with the Lord again.
Have you forgotten who you are? Listen to Paul as he reminds us in Ephesians 2: 11 - 22
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
If you use navigation tools on your phone or in your car, occasionally you will hear the voice say, "Off course. Correcting." Are you "off course"? If so, why not stop right now and spend some time in prayer asking God to correct your course and get you back on track. Peter is a great example. We can "follow" his example as he follows Jesus!
No comments:
Post a Comment