Rejuvenation
Peter And The Miraculous Catch

"Do you love me?"

Sunday April 23, 2023 - Pastor Wungreiso Valui

John 21

The Message:

This message is to convey that Jesus urges us to prioritize following Him rather than concerning ourselves with the actions of others. Jesus restored Peter and told him not to worry about another disciple's fate but to focus on following Him. At the end of the sermon, I will share how following Jesus rejuvenates us.

Follow Me: Jesus' Last Word To Peter

He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me? Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You. Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish. This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me." John 21:17-19

Note: Encouraging words are significant in rejuvenation. By lifting individuals up and helping them stay focused on their goals, encouraging words can be a powerful tool in personal renewal and growth.

Context:

1. Verses 1-4: Jesus appeared to His disciples at the Sea of Tiberias after His resurrection: "But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus."
2. Peter's denial of Jesus and his need for restoration
3. Jesus' love and forgiveness for Peter

I. Jesus' Provision

1. Verses 5-8: The disciples' unsuccessful fishing trip and Jesus' miraculous provision of fish: And He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some."
2. Verses 9-10: Jesus' breakfast provision for His disciples: Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish which you have just caught."

Note: Step out in faith and trust in God's provision, even in the face of uncertainty or challenges.

II. Jesus' Question to Peter

1. Verses 15-17: Jesus' three-fold question to Peter: "Do you love me?"
2. The significance of Jesus' repeated question.
   1. The repetition parallels Peter's earlier denial of Jesus three times before His crucifixion.
   2. Commitment to Jesus was made three times, negating Peter's earlier three-fold denial.
   3. Peter's movement from brotherly love to divine love

   Note: Love is a central tenet of Christian faith and discipleship.
   True love for Jesus involves more than verbal affirmation but requires action and sacrifice, as Jesus demonstrated through His life and death.

3. Verse 17: Peter's response and Jesus' command to him
   1. Peter's humility and acknowledgment of Jesus' divine knowledge: "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You."
   2. The importance of confession and repentance in the Christian faith
   3. The three-fold affirmation of love is a powerful act of contrition and redemption.

Note: Jesus' love for His disciples is perfect and unwavering.
Peter's rejuvenation is found in Christ's perfect and unwavering love for Peter.

III. Jesus' Call to Follow

1. Verses 18-19: Jesus' call to Peter to follow Him: And when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me."
2. The cost of discipleship and the call to surrender all to follow Jesus
   1. "Feed my sheep" is a call to action, urging believers to care for others and provide spiritual nourishment to those in need.
   2. Be a servant leader and be willing to put the needs of others before your own.
3. The example of Peter's obedience and dedication to Jesus
   1. Jesus told Peter of his eventual martyrdom: "Another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish."
   2. Peter's impending death would be a testament to his devotion to Jesus and his willingness to give everything for the sake of the Gospel.
   3. Despite the pain and suffering that Peter would endure, his death would ultimately serve to glorify God and further His Kingdom.
   4. Jesus' final words to Peter, "Follow Me" are a call to continue living a life of discipleship and commitment to Jesus, despite the hardships and challenges that may come.

   Note: Followers of Jesus are called to love, serve, and follow Jesus with our whole hearts and lives.

4. Commit to following Jesus and living according to His teachings.
5. Leave behind the distractions and temptations of the world and devote yourself fully to God's will.

IV. Following Jesus Rejuvenates Us

• 1. Jesus forgives: Forgiveness is a transformative experience that brings us great peace and relief, allowing us to let go of guilt and shame.
• 2. Jesus gives grace: Embracing the grace (unmerited favor) of God brings us great freedom and joy.
• 3. Jesus gives us a big family: As followers of Jesus, we become part of a larger community of believers who can support us, encourage us, and pray for us. This sense of belonging can be incredibly rejuvenating, especially for those who may feel isolated or alone.
• 4. Jesus gives us a sense of purpose in life: When we live with this sense of purpose, loving and serving others, sharing the good news of His salvation with those around us, and using our gifts and talents to bring glory to God, it can give us a renewed sense of energy and motivation.
• 5. Jesus gives us hope for the future: Jesus promised to return one day and make all things new. This hope can sustain us through difficult times and give us the courage to face whatever challenges come our way.

Daily Applications:

• 1. Renew your commitment to Jesus: Ask yourself how you can serve others in your community.
• 2. Practice Forgiveness: Seek forgiveness from those you have wronged and extend forgiveness to those who have wronged you.
• 3. Follow Jesus' example of leadership: Serve those around you and seek to meet their needs.
• 4. Share the gospel: Share the Good News of Jesus with others and disciple those seeking to grow in their faith.
• 5. Trust in God's provision: Trust in God's provision for your daily needs and seek His guidance and direction.