“Post Resurrection Appearances of Jesus”
Part 2
Jesus Reinstates Peter
-John 21:15-25
According to some studies, as much as 10% of our thoughts involve “Comparisons” of some kind.
Depending on what and who we are comparing to,
this can be good or bad.
“As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” [Lev. 11:44,45]
-1 Peter 114-16
How much are we like Peter?
How much are we like Jesus?
Jesus Reinstates Peter
“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” 20 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) 21 When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” 22 Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” 23 Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?” 24 This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. 25 Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.”
-John 21:15-25
How much are we like Peter?
How much do we live like we do not know who Jesus is?
(Denying Jesus)
We break trust, we speak harshly, and we hold hate in our hearts.
All of these we see PETER DOING
The Good news about this appearance of Jesus to Peter is that Peter’s story does not end with his denial.
“Do you love me?”
Awkward Conversation
When someone asks you, “Do you love me?”
it is usually one of two things or both.
1. You have done something that may have given the indication that you don’t love them.
2. The person asking may need some assurance.
3. Both.
“Simon son of John, do you love [Agape/Unconditional love] me more [Peter previously said that he did] than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” [Peter uses the word for love meaning “Brotherly love”] Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
“Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” [Agape] He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” [“Brotherly love”] Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” [This time Jesus uses the word for love meaning “Brotherly love”]
“Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Some Thoughts
Peter was not listening to Jesus was he?
He had to wonder why Jesus singled him out with the question about love.
Q: Do you believe that God knows all things about you?
He doesn’t expect you to be perfect, but he does expect you to try.
“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
-1 Peter 1:15,16
And he forgives us when we don’t act holy.
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
-1 John 1:8,9
“Love” is a word that is very often used today
without understanding its true meaning.
The Bible rightly says that “God is love”,
but some people wrongly say that “Love is God”.
All love is not of God.
“Do not love [Agape = Unconditionally] the world [Sinfulness in the world that many people do not believe to be sin] or anything in the world…16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”
-1 John 2:15-17
All Love is not necessarily Godly.
When we use the word “Agape”
(The Unconditional Love is tied to Righteousness not sinfulness.)
We must put conditions on unconditional love.
(God’s conditions, not our own)
“Unconditional” Love is always to be tied to God’s conditions and not ours.
The beautiful part of Peter’s story and meeting with Jesus is that it is not over, and neither is ours. “As I have loved you, [Agape] so you must love one another.”
-John 13:34
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