Page 17 - Florida Sentinel 4-13-18

The conclusion of the Gospel of John contains two distinct sections. The first section deals with Peter’s reinstatement, while the second section deals with confidence that John pro- vides. Jesus has risen from the dead but not ascended to the Fa- ther. He appeared to His disci- ples several times (John 20:15, 20:26–29, 21:5–23), and now on this last occasion, Jesus places Peter in a shepherd role over His flock.
The Scripture for this week’s lesson reads”
John 21:15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.
16 Jesus repeated the ques- tion: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.
17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.
18 “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.”
19 Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”
20 Peter turned around and saw behind them the disciple Jesus loved—the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked, “Lord, who will betray you?”
21 Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?”
22 Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.”
23 So the rumor spread among the community of be- lievers that this disciple would- n’t die. But that isn’t what Jesus said at all. He only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”
24 This disciple is the one who testifies to these events and has recorded them here. And we know that his account of these things is accurate.
25 Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be writ- ten.
After Jesus’ resurrection,
Peter and a few of his fishing partners were at the Sea of Tiberias. Three whirlwind years of Jesus’ ministry had ended. He was crucified and risen, and no longer walked with them daily. Without a vision for his future, Peter decides to go back to the work he did before meeting Jesus—he announces that he is going fishing, which seems like a good idea to everyone (John 21:3).
But after fishing all night, they caught nothing. The next morning, someone calls to them from the shore ask- ing if they caught any fish. Peter answers no, and the stranger suggests throwing the net on the other side of the boat. Since a person standing on the shore could often see the schools of fish, Peter obliged. The catch was enormous—153 in fact (prob- ably counted by Peter him- self)!
John exclaims, “It’s the Lord!” and Peter jumps into the water and swims ashore (21:7). The disciples en- joyed fish and bread pre- pared by Jesus Himself
Commissioning
(John 21:15–17)
Before Jesus commis- sions Peter for service, He must first reinstate him. Peter’s three denials of Jesus (John 18:15–27) are can- celed by his three confes- sions of love for Jesus. After Peter’s confession comes a command to care for the flock. Peter will have to put his faith into action. Jesus is restoring Peter to leadership and wants him to demon- strate his love by taking care of His flock.
Do you love Jesus enough to commit your life to serv- ing Him wherever you go or do?
Consequences (John 21:18–22)
Following Jesus is not easy. Immediately after com- missioning Peter to take care of His flock, Jesus tells him the ultimate consequences that await him. Peter is in- formed that following Him will cost Peter his life (vv. 18–19).
Church history tells us that Roman Emperor Nero crucified Peter, who felt un- worthy to die like Jesus and requested that his cross be
Follow Me John 21:15–25
turned upside down.
Peter’s death is bitter-
sweet—bitter because he would be crucified, but sweet because his death would glo- rify God.
Soon after Jesus com- mands Peter to follow Him, he begins to ask about the other disciple, John (v. 20). Since Peter is known for get- ting distracted (Matthew 14:29–31), Jesus is there to
remind Peter to focus on his mission and tells him again to follow Him (v. 22). Why is it difficult to prepare for the sacrifice necessary in fol- lowing God?
Clarity and Confidence
(John 21: 23–25)
John provides both clarity and confidence for readers.
He concludes his book by clearing up a rumor about
himself (v. 23), that John would not die until Christ re- turned; this was not what Jesus said.
This is important because if John did not clear up this rumor, some might not have not believed the Gospel after he died. John concludes by telling his readers that all that Jesus did is not written in this book (cf. John 20:30–31).
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