The Gospel of John: The Restoration of Peter

John 21:15-22

Peter’s Restoration (v. 15-17)

•      After their meal together on the shore, Jesus turns His attention to Peter

–     The conversation takes place in front of the other 6 disciples

–     This is meant to be a public display

•      Jesus asks Peter whether his love for Him is greater than those gathered

•      Jesus repeats His question 3 times

–     Once for each time Peter denied Jesus (see 18:18; 21:9)

–     Each with slightly different wording

•      “Love”

•       “Take care of His flock”

–     Watch after the other disciples

–     This is similar language that is used by Peter and others elsewhere to describe the role of pastors and elders (see Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 4:1–4)

Peter & John (v. 18-22)

•      Jesus then tells Peter cryptically of his fate

–     He will die for Jesus by crucifixion, just like Jesus

–     And his death will bring glory to God, just like Jesus

•      Peter, and the other disciples, are thus shown to be carrying on Jesus’ ministry

•      Jesus then gets up and leaves the larger group

–     And commands Peter to follow Him

•      Living in obedience to Jesus

•      When Peter sees the beloved disciple (John) tagging along

–     He asks Him what John’s fate will be

–     Jesus response is: “YOU focus on following ME!”

•      “Don’t worry about what will happen to him.”

So What?

•      Jesus is in the business of restoration

–     Putting people back on their feet

•      He did it for Peter

–     He wants to do it for us

•      Have you experienced the restoration that Jesus offers?

•      Are you following Him in obedience?

Meditation Verse: Ps. 51:12

The Gospel of John: Shore Lunch

John 21:1-14

The Fourth Appearance (v. 1-8)

•      After the Feast of Unleavened Bread the disciples have returned to Galilee

–     Perhaps because of Jesus’ command (see Mark 14:28; 16:7)

•      Jesus then reveals Himself to them again

–     The emphasis is not just on His appearing

•      But on His self-revelation

•      7 of the disciples are fishing

–     Peter, Thomas, Nathaniel, James, John, and 2 others

–     This was probably not a return per se to their former lives

•      But rather an activity meant to provide food and pass time until Jesus met up with them

–     They have been fishing throughout the night to no avail

•      As they approach shore in the morning, Jesus is waiting for them

–     Though they don’t realize it is Him at first

•      He instructs them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat

–     Which rewards them with a net-full of fish

•      At this John realizes that it is Jesus

–     Which sends Peter, half-naked, into the lake

•      Swimming 100 yards to shore to meet Him

•      Leaving the less experienced disciples to handle the boat

Shore Lunch (v. 9-14)

•      When the rest of the disciples get to shore, they find:

–     A charcoal fire burning

•      Like the one in the courtyard where Peter denied Jesus

–     Fish already cooking

•      To which Jesus instructs them to add more

•      Some see this as an allusion to the building of the Church

–     Jesus begins the work, and we add to it

•      Though even the other fish come through obedience to Jesus

•      When the fish are counted the total 153

–     A huge quantity, but the nets remain unbroken

•      Possibly an allusion that the Gospel will not fail

•      Jesus invites them to eat with Him

–     Yet they are somewhat frightened

So What?

•      Jesus continued to meet the needs of the disciples

–     And still does so for us today

•      He calls us to join Him in His work of being fishers of men

–     Not in our own strength, but through His power

•      Are we fishing with Jesus?!

Meditation Verse: Mark 1:17

The Gospel of John: Thomas' Doubt

John 20:19-29

The Second Appearance (v. 19-23)

•      The disciples are gathered behind locked doors

–     Probably 10 of the inner circle

•      The 12 – Judas Iscariot & Thomas

–     Because of their fear of the Jewish authorities

•      Who may have sought them ought as Jesus’ followers

•      Like the threats to Lazarus (see 12:10)

•      Jesus appears in their midst

–     Either passing through the door or wall

–     Or simply materializing

•      He greets them with a standard greeting, “Peace be with you”

–     Which has taken on new meaning (see 14:27)

•      Thus the repetition in v. 19, 21, & 26

•      Jesus proves his identity by showing them His wounds

–     Hands, feet, & side* (see Luke 24:39)

–     At which the disciples rejoice because they know that it is really their risen Lord

•      He then commissions them

–     Giving them the power of the Spirit

–     And the authority to forgive as His ambassadors

Thomas’ Doubt (v. 24-29)

•      Since Thomas was absent at Jesus first encounter with the disciples

–     He refuses to believe that Jesus is alive

•      Stating that physical proof is necessary for his belief

•      The following Sunday* the disciples gather again

–     Again behind locked doors

–     This time with Thomas

•      Jesus appears again

–     And offers Thomas the proof he requested

–     The same proof that He has offered the others (v. 20)

•      Thomas’ response shows his faith

–     Jesus is Lord and God*

•      Jesus does not condemn Thomas for a lack of initial faith

–     But calls those blessed who believe without having to see

•      Blessed: Accepted by God

So What?

•      Have we had an experience with the Risen Jesus?

–     Through faith, not based on sight but rather on trust

Meditation Verse: John 20:29