RESTORATION GOD'S PLAN FOR YOU John 21:1-22

 

RESTORATION, GOD’S PLAN FOR YOU

JOHN 21:1-22

John 21:1-18

 Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. This is how it happened. 2 Several of the disciples were there—Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples.

3 Simon Peter said, "I'm going fishing."

"We'll come, too," they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night.

4 At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn't see who he was. 5 He called out, "Fellows, have you caught any fish?" 

"No," they replied.

6 Then he said, "Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you'll get some!" So they did, and they couldn't haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.

7 Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, "It's the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. 8 The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards from shore. 9 When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them—fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread.

10 "Bring some of the fish you've just caught," Jesus said. 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn't torn.

12 "Now come and have some breakfast!" Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. 13 Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish. 14 This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead.

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 question: "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. 

This would be the third time Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection. Each time was to encourage them of His power and authority over life and to prepare them for the mission that they were about to start.

The disciples were clinging together and not hiding out. Peter taking the leadership role decided to go fishing. Five other disciples decided to go with him. Man ought always be busy doing productive work.                            “Prov 16:27 Idle hands are the devil's workshop; idle lips are his mouthpiece. TLB” When Jesus comes back He ought to find believers busy serving others. 

POWER IN THE WORD

Jesus' first order is to remind us that there is power in His Word. He stood at the shore and asked if they had caught any fish? The answer was no. They fished all night came back empty handed, Jesus commanded Peter cast out net to the right side of the boat  and you will catch fish, Peter did so

And 157 fish was in the net. So many that the other disciples in another boat had to come and help get the fish to shore.

This is proof that we are just ordinary people without Jesus. But in Jesus hands we are extraordinary. There is power in the name of Jesus. There

Is hope and assured success in the name of Jesus. We should start our day in prayer and never start everything in the name of Jesus

HOSPITALITY AND SERVING IS REWARDING

The next order was to prepare breakfast and serve the disciples

Notice HE called them CHILDRENS.  We may be grown and we may be old, but we are still God’s children in need of his provisions. God loves us and cares for us as little children. Therefore we must at all times humble ourselves before the Lord.

When Jesus called out to them, they did not know it was Him. The command was given to Peter not the others. After the net was full of

Fish, It was John who recognized it was Jesus standing at the shore.  Love knows the voice and actions of Jesus. Peter immediately humbled himself by putting on his outer garment. 

SERVING IS AN ATTRIBUTE OF LOVE

John 21:12  "Now come and have some breakfast!"

When they got to shore with the fish, Jesus had a fire going with fish and bread ready to serve. He did not overlook their efforts. Jesus told them to

Bring some of the fish they caught to put on the fire. Jesus showed us the example of love by serving us first.

It was early in the morning. The men were tired and hungry. Jesus hospitality got them in the mood for listening. This is an example for us; Feed the body first and you have an attentive audience. 

This is the same message of service as the last passover meal with the

Disciples. Jesus stooped low to wash the disciples feet. 

LOVE THE MOTIVATION FOR DISCIPLESHIP

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."

The “these” in the verse are the disciples that fished with Peter. Jesus used the the Greek word agape for love. It is the sacrificial love for us that showed on the cross for all believers. Peter use the Greek word Phileo which means brotherly love or love of a friend. Jesus responded, tend my lambs. A lamb is a baby sheep less than a year old. We start as believers as babes in Christ. Babes in Christ need training in the Word. Babes need 

Constant training to survive the change in lifestyle.

John 21:16 Jesus repeated the question: "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. 

Again Jesus said agape for love. Peter used Philio. friendship. Jesus you know you are my friend.

John 21:17  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. 

Again Peter responded with friendship or brotherly love

If my wife ask me if I love her and I responded you know you are my friend, I would have a new address.  

Jesus' questions was preparing Peter for the Leadership role  in the Church that was established in His name. Upon our confession of faith the Church grows. 

There are a number of reasons we can suggest that Jesus had in mind

For His questions to Peter, 

I believe there is importance in the number three.

Peter denied knowing Jesus before men three times the night before the crucifixion, Peter even cursed the the accuser on the third denial

Peter dishonored the Father, the Son and grieved the Holy Spirit with his denials. 

Jesus questions to Peter were to emphasize 

that he had been forgiven. His  confession before men and God was important to remove any doubt or guilt he had in his position as a leader of the new Way to salvation, not based on the Law, but grace and mercy.  

The questions emphasized that agape the sacrificial love of God is the foundation of Faith and the the motivation to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ 

The questions were a call to service, Loving Jesus requires active service and care of followers of Jesus,  Peter was called to the  job of fisher of men

And be full time throwing out the net of Word of God to catch men and

Draw them to Christ.

The meeting on shore line signified that abundant life is in obedience to Jesus and the commands of God. 

The meeting on the shore of the sea of Galilee was the second time

Peter and his group had gone fishing and caught nothing. At the command of Jesus an abundance of fish was caught. 

At the third question of his love for Jesus, Peter was hurt. He needed to understand the hurt he caused with his denial. He needed to understand 

More than friendship or brotherly love was required of him. Agape, the sacrificial love for Jesus was required to endure the trials of discipleship.

DEATH TO SELF TO BE ALIVE IN CHRIST

John 21:18 "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." 

Like Christ, Peter's ministry would be productive but end in the rejection of men and crucifixion. While it is not included in the Bible, the apocryphal text Acts of Peter( 200 AD) records Peter request to crucified upside down

Because he felt unworthy to die as Jesus did. 

The proof of Peter’s ministry glorifying God and it productivity

Is recorded in Acts written by Luke and 1st and 2nd Peter. 

WE ARE ALL GOD’S WORK IN PROGRESS

John 21:20 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

No matter how long we have been in church and how long we have served God, we all have more growing to do. We still have issues God is dealing with concerning our faith, actions and knowledge of Him.

Peter’s question about the Apostle John was an indication of that. He focused on John’s question at the passover table a splinter, rather than

The log in his eye, his denial of Jesus the night before the crucifixion.

None of us has the right to criticize the the actions of others. Rather our job is to encourage and uplift one another.  Notice Peter was still dealing with an agape love issue.

Again Jesus commanded Peter to follow Him, that is to imitate His life. We can’t see our faults if we continue focus on what we think is failure in others. 

WAIT PATIENTLY ON THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Acts 1:4-5  Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, "Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. 5 John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." 

It was 50 days after Jesus crucifixion that Holy Spirit was given to 120 disciples, men and women who were in an upper room in prayer.

The church got its official lunch on the day of Pentecost when the 120

Received the power of the Holy Spirit. The power of the Holy Spirit was

Evidence in them by their being enable to speak different languages that

They had not learned.

The example here is that we must learn to be patient until the Holy Spirit 

Gives us guidance and directions and power to act on Jesus behalf.

All believers have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and access to its power if we summit ourselves to its guidance and direction. 

Why did Jesus wait 50 days after His crucifixion to give the disciple the Holy Spirit?

Let me suggest a few reasons

1. The disciples had to get their heads set for the new role they would play in the Gospel of Jesus Christ

2. Jesus appeared to the disciples from time to time to prove that He was alive. 

3. They needed to understand that Jesus had the power to raise people from the dead. They needed to know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ raised dead men and women to life in Christ. 

4. They needed to know that He was now in Spirit form without a body.

The evidence of this was that he could suddenly appear and disappear. He could walk through closed doors

5. He met with 500 other disciples ( 1 Corinthians 15:6)

6. The disciples needed to learn the important of unity in prayer

7. They had to organize themselves as one body in Christ Jesus.

SUMMARY

• LOVE IS THE MOTIVATION FOR DISCIPLESHIP 

• THE EVENTS IN OUR LIVES ARE GOD’S DESIGN FOR PREPARATION

• THERE IS POWER IN THE WORD OF GOD    IT CALLS INTO PLACE WHAT WE NEED

• SERVING IS AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

• WAIT PATIENTLY AS GOD PREPARES US 

• WE ARE GOD’S WORK IN PROGRESS

• GOD WANTS AN ABUNDANT LIFE FOR YOU

A WALK WITH JESUS Luke 24:13-32

 A WALK WITH JESUS

Luke 24:13-31

13 And behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was threescore furlongs from Jerusalem.

14 And they communed with each other of all these things which had happened.

15 And it came to pass, while they communed and questioned together, that Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.

16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.

17 And he said unto them, What communications are these that ye have one with another, as ye walk? And they stood still, looking sad.

18 And one of them, named Cleopas, answering said unto him, Dost thou alone sojourn in Jerusalem and not know the things which are come to pass there in these days?

19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, The things concerning Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:

20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him.

21 But we hoped that it was he who should redeem Israel. Yea and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things came to pass.

22 Moreover certain women of our company amazed us, having been early at the tomb;

23 and when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive.

24 And certain of them that were with us went to the tomb, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.

25 And he said unto them, O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!

26 Behooved it not the Christ to suffer these things, and to enter into his glory?

27 And beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they were going: and he made as though he would go further.

29 And they constrained him, saying, Abide with us; for it is toward evening, and the day is now far spent. And he went in to abide with them.

30 And it came to pass, when he had sat down with them to meat, he took the bread and blessed; and breaking (it) he gave to them.

31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

ASV

BACKGROUND

When you look at this situation, you will see history repeating itself in America today. These disciples had had a horrible weekend. They went to the Passover festival in Jerusalem and witnessed their beloved Jesus crucified. They knew Jesus was innocent of the crimes He was accused of. They knew the Jewish religious leaders had some how convinced the Roman government that Jesus committed crimes because they hated Him.

Jesus was innocent. He was guilty of telling the truth. He was guilty of casting out demons, healing the blind, the lame and all kinds of diseases. He was guilty of doing good on the Sabbath and breaking Jewish traditions.

He was a popular figure with a large following.  Crowds followed him

Because of the miracles He performed and He was guilty of His divine influence.

The Jewish religious leaders did not want the Jewish population to know the truth because it threatens their authority over them.

THE PLOT TO KILL JESUS

John 11:49 But a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, 50 nor do ye take account that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

The Jewish religious leaders were worried about keeping their traditions in place which allowed them control over their mistruths of the scriptures. 

Matt 15:2-3

2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. And he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?

The week of the Passover festival was an excellent time to kill Jesus because the Jewish leaders knew He would be there.

Matt 26:3-5

3 At that same time the leading priests and elders were meeting at the residence of Caiaphas, the high priest, 4 plotting how to capture Jesus secretly and kill him. 5 "But not during the Passover celebration," they agreed, "or the people may riot."

THE CONTROL OF WICKNESS IN HIGH PLACES

You and I need to understand that we are not equipped to handle wickedness in high places. God is in control of all wickedness so that it will work out for our good. Jesus had told His disciples several times that He would be killed, but they would not hear it.

Matt 20:18 Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests and scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, 19 and shall deliver him unto the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify: and the third day he shall be raised up.

These disciples like all the rest heard the Word, but did not listen to understand. It is my belief that they did not ask Jesus to explain His

Statement.  Had they listened there would have been no need for their distress. They were sad and had lost hope because of their own lack of faith in Jesus. 

LESSONS FROM THE TEXT

This text proves that there are some pain we cause ourselves. It is like the old gospel hymn, O WHAT PEACE WE OFTEN FORFIT ALL BECAUSE WE DO NOT CARRY EVERYTHING TO JESUS IN PRAYER. You and I are victims of our own beliefs of unbeliefs.

There are a number of lessons we can learn from this text. 

JESUS IS IN THE MIDST OF YOUR TROUBLES

13 That same day two of Jesus' followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them.

1. If the Word says it, take time to get an understanding of it. Believe if

it makes sense to you or not. These two disciples were walking back home sad, frustrated and confused by what had happen, Why?

2. Jesus is in the midst and concern about everything pertaining to you,

Luke 24:13-16

When two are more are gathered in Jesus name He is in the midst; believe it. You can’t see Him but He is HERE. Notice it said and suddenly He was with them. Jesus is not ready to council with you

When you are driven by thoughts of the world, If you want the world’s advice, don’t call God. If you want God help, leave world out of it.

ASK YOURSELF QUESTIONS ABOUT SCRIPTURE

3. Jesus does not always give you an answer immediately.

“Their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him “. It is my belief

That God wants us to spend time researching and meditating  on the Word. We must do the work of studying the scripture. The Holy Spirit is our teacher of The Word of God. But the Spirit can’t give us an understanding of the Word we do not consider. If there is nothing in your memory bank, He can’t explain a zero. 

4. We must ask ourselves questions about scripture. It is the questions that excites the research. It is the questions that Jesus is prepared to

Help us get an understanding.

*What are these words you are exchanging with one another?”

Why are you sad? What is troubling you? 

Luke 24:18

 Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, "You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn't heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.

Sometimes we have so much going on, we can’t identify what is the source of our sorrow.  Jesus continues His investigation to help us understand our state of mind 

Luke 24:19-20

19 "What things?" Jesus asked. "The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth," they said. "He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. 

You can help anyone unless you know what they are dealing with.

It is what happen today, yesterday, or 10 years ago? What specifically is making you sad?

5. Layout in your mind everything that troubles you about the main source of your sorrow.

Luke 24:20-21

 But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. 21 We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago.

The Jewish priest may have thought they were doing this evil secretly, but God made it known. 

They were troubled that Jesus, an innocent man was crucified

They were troubled that their religious leader had it done

They were troubled because their hope for a Messiah was gone.

They were troubled because their hope for a rescue died

They were trouble because the bad guys won again

6. Look for the good news in every situation.

They had the good news, but they would not believe it. 

They had the good news, but they would believe the report because it came from the mouth of women.

Luke 24:22-24

 "Then some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report. 23 They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! 24 Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said."

The two disciples only reflected on the part of the story that the men reported. There was more ,the men said women were foolish.

Luke 24:5-7

Then the men( angels)  asked, "Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? 6 He isn't here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.

They had the good news, they would believe it because the women were the first to report it. They made a choice to be sad. They made a choice to ignore the women's report which confirmed what Jesus said would happen that did happen.  They made a choice to not believe that Jesus was God and nothing was impossible for Him.

How many times have we made the choice not to believe scripture?

7. Once you have done your research, take time and listen to the Lord. 

Let the Lord enlighten you in the Word,

Luke 24:25-27

25 Then Jesus said to them, "You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. 26 Wasn't it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?" 

Notice, Jesus call us foolish not to believe the Word of God we have in all the Scriptures of the Bible. It is foolish to make your own interpretation of events when you don’t know the whole story. 

The Bible is not a hard book to read. It is a hard book to believe because we have all the lies of Satan. It is easy to believe what you can see and explain. It is easy to believe what your experience says

Can’t happen. The Bible is a book of extraordinary events written by an extraordinary God. As believers  we ought to expect extraordinary events to happen in our lives. 

8. Spend considerable time studying the whole Bible. The Old Testament is the history of Israel, God’s commands and the prophecies to come. The New Testament confirms the Old Testament along with good news of Jesus Christ

         

         

         Luke 24:27

         Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the   

         prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning  

         Himself.

         There are no Words in the Bible that are not good for us to study.

          2 Tim 3:16-17

          All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true  

          and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when 

          we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to 

           prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

          Each verse in the Bible speaks directly to you 

9. Invite Jesus into your Home.  

We ought to make it a point to invite Jesus to come sit with us and eat the fresh fruits of grace and mercy He gives

Luke 24:28-31

28 By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, 29 but they begged him, "Stay the night with us, since it is getting late." So he went home with them. 30 As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. 31 Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared!

1. Jesus came in and visit with you anytime you open the door for Him.

2. Jesus   will sat down and eat with you anytime you ask.

3. Jesus is the blessing of your food

4. When Jesus blesses your household your eyes will be open to His goodness and His presence

5. Why did Jesus disappear?  I think is is because they saw him with their hearts

Luke 24:32-33

32 They said to each other, "Didn't our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?"

10. Share the good news about Jesus to others.

       Your testimony is important to others

     Luke 24:33-34

      And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There 

      they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with 

       them, 34 who said, "The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter."

     

      You never know what people are going through. Sometimes they just 

      need a word of encouragement. All the disciples were suffering from 

      the same issues. They needed a reason to renew their hope and faith.

  

JESUS IS IN THE MIDST OF YOUR TROUBLES

JESUS WILL COME ALONG SIDE YOU

WHEN TWO ARE MORE ARE GATHERED IN JESUS NAME, hE IS IN THE MIDST

JESUS LISTENS TO YOUR CONCERNS

JESUS WITH POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT REVIEW SCRIPTURE WITH YOU

WITH THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT HELP YOU GET AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE SCRIPTURE