Topic: The Lesson Peter NEVER Forgot – Discover the Book by Dr John Barnett 21 November 2021
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The Lesson Peter NEVER Forgot
We have come to Peter’s final lesson, the one he never forgot. In fact, to the end of his life he was talking about Christ’s wondrous love and forgiveness that restored, renewed, and allowed Peter back into ministry.
In his letters he spoke of that love when he said: Peter 4:8 “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”
Jesus promised Peter a new beginnings and offered complete forgiveness and no condemnation.
In a real sense those seven Jesus met on the shore, represent all of us here today, whoever we are, wherever we are going or have been—Jesus wants to restart and redirect our lives.
Jesus spoke to them two thousand years ago, but through His Word, He is also speaking to us today.
Also Read: Open Heaven 21 November 2021 –Topic: THE TONGUE IS A FIRE
John 21 is amazing in many ways. Unseen on the shore, Jesus waited for them to realize how empty and fruitless it is to step away from following Jesus. It is very hard to follow Jesus. Paul called it agonizing, and so it was. But hard as it is to follow Jesus, it is far worse to not do so! That was the lesson Jesus led them though that morning.
1. Jesus wanted them to know they couldn’t do anything on their own (vv. 1-3). “… and that night they caught nothing.”
2. Jesus wanted them to know He won’t bless anything done apart from Him (vv. 4-5). John 21:4-5 “But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No.”
3. Jesus wanted them to learn to follow His directions for their lives (v.6). John 21:6 “And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.”
4. Jesus wanted them to know that He blesses obedience. (vv. 7-11) John 21:7-11 “Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea.8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish.9 Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread.10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken.”
5. Jesus wanted them to share the joy of His Presence through life (vv. 12-13). John 21:12-13″ Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”—knowing that it was the Lord.13 Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish.”
6. Jesus restored Peter in public, showing all of them the only motive for ministry Christ accepts is LOVE. (vv. 15-17). John 21:15-17 “So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, 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.”16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.
Have you ever stopped thinking that what you do externally for Christ makes you any more pleasing to Him? It is in His unchanging love that we rest. Peter did so to the end of his life.