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Sermons preached at the Hinckley Evangelical Free Church (Hinckley, MN)
Episodes
Wednesday Apr 27, 2016
Wednesday Apr 27, 2016
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
Monday Apr 18, 2016
Monday Apr 11, 2016
Monday Apr 11, 2016
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
Monday Apr 04, 2016
Monday Apr 04, 2016
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