Calvary Bible Church - Pastor Ken’s Weblog

Scripture for Sunday, March 30, 2008
John 21:
“This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. 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.”

Resurrected Lord

There are at least ten distinct appearances of the Lord Jesus in His “resurrection body” recorded for us in Scripture. There are twelve, if you count His appearances to Paul and then later to the apostle John as recorded in Revelation; but at least ten “post-resurrection, pre-ascension” appearances. Those are the recorded appearances.

Twice in these final chapters of his Gospel, John states that not everything Jesus did was recorded or written down. There is no reason to doubt that He had more encounters with the disciples than those that are recorded, but those recorded are sufficient to establish the truth of the matter. I think this one is probably my favorite of them all, in fact, it is one of my all-time favorite Bible stories, and I have a lot of favorites! Just to set the background, this event was prior to the meeting in Galilee that the Angel and Jesus told the women to tell the disciples about in Matthew 28.

It was of course after He appeared to them on the evening of Resurrection Day, when they were locked in the house, fearing persecution and possible execution for being His disciples and afraid to go to Galilee as He had instructed them, and after He met them still there in Jerusalem a week later and confronted Thomas. After the Passover celebration people left Jerusalem and traveled back to their homes, it was natural for the disciples to return to Galilee, and Jesus had said they would see Him there. This story takes place while they were waiting further word on His meeting with them.

John 21:1-3: “Afterward (After His appearance a week after the resurrection in the house when He confronted Thomas) Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus) (Historically called “Doubting Thomas” from the previous story), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. John mentions seven of those remaining of the original twelve. They were hanging-out together, undoubtedly trying to figure out what in the world was going on and just what exactly they were to do now. Peter, the leader, has an idea. “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” Sometimes, when your entire world has been turned upside-down, going back to a familiar place and task is comforting and helps you to work through the issues. A night on the sea, familiar tasks and familiar friends probably seemed like good medicine for the disciples. They may also have had a practical reason to fish. One commentary pointed out that it is quite possible that the financial support they had while with Jesus may have stopped after His death due to persecution fears, they may simply have needed to fish in order to meet their monetary needs. “ So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.” It wasn’t because they didn’t know what they were doing or didn’t put forth the effort, it was because a sovereign God had a plan.
Verses 4-7: “Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.” (This seems to be a common aspect of His resurrection appearances, but this time it may have simply been a combination of the low light of early morning and the distance from the men in the boat, coupled with the fact that they did not expect to see Jesus. Has He ever shown up when You didn’t expect to see Him?) “He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” I hate to admit it, but here again is an instance where the NIV does a poor job of translating a word. Jesus literally called out “Little Children” or “My Children,” some even translate it “Lads”, but “My Children” is probably the best translation. It was a term of endearment; these were in fact Christ’s children! And He didn’t ask because He didn’t know, He wanted them to acknowledge their need.

Not knowing who He was or His intent, their answer was rather curt, as if speaking to a stranger who was looking to purchase some of the nights catch. “No,” they answered. He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” You can’t help but wonder if Peter was experiencing a little deja-vu’ right about then, can you? You remember the story. Luke 5:1-11 “One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, he saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.”

Interesting, isn’t it? Andrew and Peter were brothers, probably the “we” referred to in the boat with Jesus, and James and John were his partners, in the other boat. Here they are again, this time together in a boat, receiving instructions from the Carpenter on how to catch fish! We don’t know why they would take the advice of a kindly stranger on the shore, after working all night and catching nothing, but they did. “When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.” Isn’t that something to think about?

Together, in their own strength, they were unable to haul the net in because of the great catch of fish. Yet, following Jesus command, Peter did it by himself! “Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.” The first time He appeared to them as they were gathered together after the Resurrection, He asked them if they had any food, and they gave Him fish. Here, He serves them one more time, bread and fish. Can you imagine what must have been going through their minds as they sat there on the shore, eating breakfast with the Lord? It’s an amazing story! But the best part is still to come!

The next section is the one that makes this one of my all-time favorite Bible stories! To really appreciate it though, we have to go back to the upper room, very late Thursday night. Look with me at Luke 22:31-34: “”Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.” We know how the story turned out, Peter did in fact deny Him three times, and in verses 60-62 Luke records Peter’s third denial and the result for us: “Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.” Peter immediately was struck with remorse.

All his bravado, all his big talk, his big claims proved empty. Oh sure, he swung the sword and lopped off Malchus’ ear, but here, now, when it really counted, he had failed. He was crushed by the realization of his inability to take a stand for the Lord. But the Lord wouldn’t leave him crushed. He is the Lord of restoration! His purpose for Peter required restoration and healing, so that Peter could fulfill that command given to strengthen his brothers when he had turned back!

Verses 15-17: “When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” Jesus fed his disciples bodies before He fed their spirit! Here we have Peter’s reinstatement and commissioning, and I don’t think it was any mistake that the others were listening. Jesus asked if Peter “truly loved” Him more than the other disciples did, if he had “agape” for Him, the love in which the entire personality, including the will, is involved. He was reminding him of the claims he had made earlier in the week. Matthew recorded another discussion Jesus had with the disciples after they had eaten together, just before His arrest. Matthew 26:31-35: “Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “`I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.” But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.”

We sometimes focus so on Peter’s denial that we forget the others all denied Him as well. I doubt they did. Back to our story: “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Peter replied that Jesus knew he had failed in his agape, but that he had “phileo” or the love in which emotion plays a more prominent role than will, for Him. He also showed he had learned not to brag that his love was greater than the other disciples, he leaves that bragging behind him. Jesus didn’t push it, but went on: “Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” There’s the pastoral commission. “Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Same love question, without the comparison to the others, Jesus accepted Peter’s answer to that question. Peter gives the same “love” answer. “Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” Slightly different pastoral commission. “The 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?” No doubt his pain came from his remembrance of his triple denial. Yet his triple profession of love was part of the cure. “He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” Peter was right; Jesus did know that Peter loved Him. By giving him charge of the “flock” Jesus showed His acceptance of Peter’s profession of love and His forgiveness for his earlier denial.

Only those who love the Shepherd are fit to shepherd His sheep. He told him to feed the lambs, the new believers, to feed the sheep, those more mature believers and to tend the flock. Peter took his commission to heart, as we can see in I Peter 5:1-4: “To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers–not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”

Jesus then gives Peter a glimpse into the future, showing him the type of death he would endure for Christ. Verses 18-22: “I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. (Can you imagine that, contemplating that your death would glorify God?) Then he said to him, “Follow me!” With this command, the restoration and commission was complete. Follow Me. No one else, just Christ. Here Jesus repeats what Matthew records was the initial call of Peter and his brother Andrew. Matthew 4:19-20: “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.” Peter must have been reminded of that as well, because it would appear he got up from breakfast and followed Jesus.

Verses 20-22: “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?”) When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” I love that Peter still was still learning. It gives me great hope for myself. After just experiencing such a phenomenal experience with the Lord, he gets distracted by what Jesus might have in mind for the other guys. Jesus sets him straight. Don’t worry about what God has in mind for others; take care of what He has called you to do. Follow Him.

Verse 23 “Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers 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?” Many commentaries state that this was one reason John included this epilogue to his letter, to squash this rumor that had started. He concludes his letter with the next two verses.

Verses 24-25: “This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. 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.”

I like to go back to his final verses of the 20th chapter to close with: John 20:30-31: “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” That’s the key, the primary purpose for John’s testimony about Jesus Christ. That you might believe, receive, and live. How about it? Do you love Him?

In His Grip,