Sunday January 23, 2022
https://www.facebook.com/Encountertexoma/videos/1093936421409012
INTRODUCTION: One of my favorite chapters in the Bible is John 21. Jesus has been crucified, buried and resurrected from the grave.
The Bible tells us he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive.
In John 21 Jesus appears for the third time to a group of the disciples but really he was there FOR JUST ONE OF THE DISCIPLES.
Peter! The one who had denied that he even knew Jesus as he was being crucified.
Jesus and Peter had a special kind of relationships. Really interesting.
Matthew 18:22-23- “ But Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things. “Heaven forbid, Lord,” he said. “This will never happen to you!”
Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”
Luke 22:31-34- “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”
Peter said, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you.”
But Jesus said, “Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.”
PETER HAD TO BE UNCERTAIN ABOUT HIS FUTURE AFTER HIS FAILURE!
So in John 21 he just says, “I’m going fishing.” Peter is a fisherman.
They fish all night and catch nothing!
NOW PETER HAS TO REALLY FEEL LIKE A LOSER! I’VE BLOWN IT WITH MY RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS AND NOW I CAN’T EVEN CATCH A FISH!
THEN JESUS SHOWS UP! Jesus is pursuing Peter! But Jesus isn’t pursuing Peter to punish him, but he’s pursuing Peter to remind him of his purpose!
Maybe Peter was thinking “I’m finished, Jesus doesn’t want to use me anymore. I’ve blown it, it’s over.” That’s why he went fishing.
BUT JESUS SHOWS UP WHERE PETER’S AT! AND HE BLESSES PETER WHEN PETER DOESN’T DESERVE IT.
Jesus is there to remind Peter that He has a purpose for his life. Peter didn’t choose Jesus, Jesus chose Him!
“Peter I haven’t finished what I started in you, I’m still building your life for my purpose!”
Isaiah 61:3- “To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.”
PETER I’M HERE TO RESTORE YOUR LIFE NOT DESTROY YOUR LIFE!
GOD WANTS TO RESTORE YOUR LIFE NOT DESTROY YOUR LIFE!
1 Peter 5:10- “In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.”
Friends it’s time to ARISE AND BUILD! AND WHEN JESUS SHOWS UP HE REMINDS US:
- He’s the only foundation.
In this moment Peter is being restored in John 21 Jesus tells him what kind of death he will die then tells Peter “FOLLOW ME.”
Then Peter says to Jesus, “What about John?”
John 21:22- “Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.”
My individual responsibility to be a follower of Jesus Christ! HE’S THE ONLY FOUNDATION!
WHEN JESUS SHOWS UP HE REMINDS US
2. When we follow Him we experience freedom.
John 21:15-17- “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. 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. 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.”nJesus said, “Then feed my sheep.”
Jesus didn’t remind Peter of his past and didn’t condemn him for his past failures!
Jesus wants us to be FREE from guilty and shame. Jesus wants us to be free from the strongholds that have held us back. Free from anger and bitterness. Free from wanting to control everything around us.
John 8:31-32- “Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him, “When you continue to embrace all that I teach, you prove that you are my true followers. For if you embrace the truth, it will release true freedom into your lives.”
Many of us still struggle with rejection, fear, bondage, anger, depression, because we don’t want anyone to see us naked!
Genesis 3:7- “At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.”
John 8:36- “So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.”
WHEN JESUS SHOWS UP HE REMINDS US
3. When we follow him we become fruitful.
Three times Jesus told Peter, “Feed my Sheep!” Be fruitful, be productive Peter with the purpose I have for your life!
John 15:4-5- “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”
MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD!
CONCLUSION: When Jesus shows up He wants you to build on the right foundation and experience freedom in your life and become fruitful for his Kingdom!
WHAT IS THE HOLY SPIRIT SAYING TO YOU THROUGH THIS MESSAGE?