When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs (John 21:15).
Scripture reading for May 15th is John 21:1-17
My wife and I just ended our search for a new church. Our first Sunday at this church (https://www.churchofstandrew.us/) was on Mothers Day. The sermon that day was nice but it was specifically themed for that day, and both of us were excited and anxious to hear what a normal Sunday sermon would be. We just wanted make sure we were in a church that taught the Word of God, grounded in the Word of God. We didn't want to hear pie in the sky you can have it if you pray for it theology. You can probably come up with a few of the preachers I'm referring to. They are a dime a dozen out there, and tend to live well (a lot more well than they people they preach to). We were not disappointed in our new pastor (Alex). He gave very good biblically based sermon grounded in the word of God. Just what we were hoping for.
Now on the sermon. The sermon was about Jesus bringing everything around full circle to his disciples (well to 7 of the 11 that were present that morning). On top of that you also had the poignant scene of Jesus rehabilitating his Rock and chosen leader of the disciples.
Still heartbroken and not sure what to do, the boys decided to return to their pre-called roots and do a little fishing. And much like their first encounter with Jesus (prior to pledging to follow Him) they had a long night out on the water with nothing to show for it. And like a the scene from 3 years prior a man called from the shore out to boys asking how the night went. Told about being unsuccessful He suggested to try throwing the nets out one more time on the right side of the boat. Peter reluctantly both times took the unsolicited advise and threw the nets as suggested. The nets become so full of fish that they seem ready to explode. Side note, am I only one that finds it intriguing the Bible tells you the exact number of fish (153).
At this point John realizes he's seen this movie before and knows who is dispensing this advise and immediately makes sure Peter (along with everyone who reads his book) that he recognized/realized who this man was first. Much like when he made sure all who read his book, and Peter, know that he beat Peter to the empty tomb of Christ. There seems to be lots of privilege when one pens a book. For further proof of this privilege see Moses describing himself as a "beautiful baby" in Exodus 2:2.
Peter upon hearing this from John, and knowing quickly he was correct could not contain his excitement and for the 2nd time in his life jumped out of the boat to go meet the Lord. Another example for Peter being Peter. So desperate and needful to be with his Lord again. To leave behind the most shameful moment in his life when he denied he even knew the man. Just a thought, how many people in need of forgiveness and restoration were actually able to receive this from God face to face.
Upon arriving Peter sees that Jesus had already breakfast readying for them. How cool of God incarnate to prepare a meal for you. He then asks for some of the fish they had just caught to supplement what was already cooking. Peter than realizes that it might be a good idea to help the rest of the fellas get the boat and the haul ashore. I have no way of knowing right now but if these men where polled they'd have to say this was the best breakfast they've ever had, and probably the best anyone in history had ever had. I can only imagine the 4 disciples not present to this day must still be kicking themselves.
Now for the main event from the sermon. The restoration, forgiveness, and love for Peter the Rock. Can you imagine the anguish and pain Peter felt from the time the cock crowed for the 3rd time up until this moment on the shore. If we are all honest we've all let God down in much the same way with our words and or our deeds. Maturity is when you can finally admit it to yourself and they to God and the world. But as God is want to do, there first will be a little stick before the carrot is offered. The first time Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him it must have seemed like a innocent question. But this is where the brilliance of God shines thru. The second time it hits Peter just as it was intended. Having to admit and assure God that he loves him in front of his peers becomes painful and embarrassing to Peter. The third time must have seemed like piling on to Peter. I'd like to think if Peter didn't realize it in the moment he did later what the point to this was. You deny me 3 times, you then must assure me 3 times that you not only love me but will show that love to my sheep, to my lambs. As I said full circle. First encountered fishing, and then restored after fishing. The circle of love complete. From that moment forward no longer just fishers of fish, but more importantly fishers of men.
And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Mat 4:18
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