April 19, 1992

John 21:1 After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the

sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself. (KJV)

John 21:2 There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and

Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other

of his disciples. (KJV)

John 21:3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We

also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship

immediately; and that night they caught nothing. (KJV)

John 21:4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the

disciples knew not that it was Jesus. (KJV)

John 21:5 Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered

him, No. (KJV)

John 21:6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and

ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw

it for the multitude of fishes. (KJV)

John 21:7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the

Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his

fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into

the sea. (KJV)

John 21:8 And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far

from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with

fishes. (KJV)

John 21:9 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals

there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. (KJV)

John 21:10 Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.

John 21:11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes,

an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet

was not the net broken. (KJV)

John 21:12 Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst

ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. (KJV)

John 21:13 Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish

likewise. (KJV)

John 21:14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his

disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. (KJV)

John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of

Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord;

thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

John 21:16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest

thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.

He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. (KJV)

John 21:17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou

me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest

thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou

knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. (KJV)

John 21:18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst

thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be

old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee,

and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. (KJV)

John 21:19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And

when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. (KJV)

THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THAT JESUS APPEARS UNTO HIS DISCIPLES AFTER HIS

RESURRECTION. THERE ARE SEVEN OF THEM PRESENT IN THIS SCENE: PETER, JAMES,

JOHN, THOMAS, NATHANAEL AND TWO UNNAMED DISCIPLES. JESUS SHOWS HIMSELF TO

THESE DISCIPLES AT THE SEA OF TIBERIAS WHERE THEY HAD BEEN FISHING ALL NIGHT

LONG. (SEA OF TIBERIAS REALLY THE SEA OF GALILEE)

CHAPTER 21 OF JOHN'S GOSPEL WAS WRITTEN AS AN APENDIX TO THE REST OF THE

GOSPEL. THERE WAS A PERIOD OF TIME AFTER WHICH HE WROTE THIS FINAL CHAPTER.

THIS CHAPTER WAS NOT WRITTEN TO PROVE THE RESURRECTION BUT TO SHOW US THE

CHARACTER, PURPOSE AND WORK OF OUR RISEN SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST. THIS MORNING

WE ARE NOT GOING TO PROVE THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST AS SEEN BY EYE

WITNESSES NOR ARE WE GOING TO INVESTIGATE THE LEGALITIES OF AND NECESSITIES

FOR THE RESURRECTION. WE ARE GOING TO LOOK AT THE RISEN SAVIOR AS HE IS TO-

DAY. JESUS HAD AN EARTHLY MINISTRY, BUT NOW, AFTER HIS RESURRECTION AND

ASCENSION HE HAS A HEAVENLY MINISTRY. IN MATT.20:28 JESUS SAID:

Matt 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to

minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. (KJV)

THE WORD "MINISTER" HERE IN THE GREEK, LITERALLY MEANS: ONE WHO WAITS

ON TABLES, AS A WAITER AND AS A SERVANT. JESUS CAME NOT TO MINISTER UNTO

HIS OWN NEEDS BUT TO GIVE HIS LIFE A RANSOM FOR MANY. THAT WAS HIS EARTHLY

MISSION, BUT WE MUST SEE THAT THIS IS ALSO HIS ETERNAL HEAVENLY WORK AS OUR

RISEN SAVIOR. AFTER THE RESURRECTION JESUS ASCENDS TO THE THRONE WHERE HE

HAS ENTER INTO HEAVEN TO APPEAR IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD AS OUR HEAVENLY

ADVOCATE AND HIGH PRIEST. HIS WORK IS ONE OF PERFECTING THE SAINTS:

Heb 7:11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it

the people received the law,) what further need was there that another

priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called

after the order of Aaron? (KJV)

Heb 7:14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe

Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. (KJV)

Heb 7:15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of

Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, (KJV)

Heb 7:16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the

power of an endless life. (KJV)

Heb 7:17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of

Melchisedec. (KJV)

Heb 7:18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for

the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. (KJV)

Heb 7:19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope

did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. (KJV)

Heb 7:24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable

priesthood. (KJV)

Heb 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto

God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. (KJV)

SAVE: SOZO, FROM SAOZ' "SAFE", TO SAVE, DELIVER, PROTECT, TO HEAL, PRESERVE TO MAKE WHOLE, TO DO WELL TO.

UTTERMOST: FULL-ENDED, I.E. ENTIRE, TO COMPLETE

WHAT JOHN IS TELLING US IN JN.21:1, IS THAT JESUS APPEARED TO HIS DIS-

CIPLES, AND TO US, TO REVEAL HIMSELF IN HIS PRESENT DAY MINISTRY. THE WORD,

"SHOW" LITERALLY MEANS TO UNCOVER AND THEN TO REVEAL. IN THIS CHAPTER WE SEE JESUS MINISTERING TO THE CHURCH, REPRESENTED BY THE SEVEN DISCIPLES AS

A GROUP AND THEN WE SEE JESUS MINISTERING TO INDIVIDUALS AND THIER IMMEDIATE

NEEDS IN HIS DEALINGS WITH JOHN AND PETER.

THE PHRASE, "AFTER THESE THINGS" MAKES IT NECESSARY FOR US TO LOOK AT

SOME OF THE THINGS THAT HAPPENED BEFORE IN ORDER TO SEE THE SIGNIFICANCE OF

JESUS' DEALING WITH THE SEVEN BUT PRIMARILY WITH PETER WHO IS THEIR SPOKESMAN

AND LEADER. JESUS HAS COME TO MINISTER FORGIVENESS, HEALING, AND INSTRUCTION

TO PETER AND TO REINSTATE HIM IN HIS CALLING. LET'S BREIFLY LOOK AT THE LIFE

OF PETER BEFORE THIS RESSURECTION APPEARANCE. PETER WAS SUMMONED BY CHRIST

IN MATT.4:18-19 TO LEAVE HIS FISHING BUSINESS AND TO FOLLOW HIM.

Matt 4:18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon

called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for

they were fishers. (KJV)

Matt 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

THIS MARKS THE INITIAL CALLING THAT JESUS PLACED ON PETER'S LIFE. HE WAS

TO CHANGE HIS OCCUPATION FROM FISHING TO EVANGELISM. JESUS KNEW THAT PETER

WAS A VERY SKILLFUL FISHERMAN BUT THAT HE DIDN'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT EVANGEL-

ISM NOR DID HE KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT JESUS AND HIS MISSION. HE WAS AWARE OF

THE THE SCRIPTURES CONCERNING THE MESSIAH BUT HE TOOK THEM FOR THEIR SURFACE

VALUE AND WAS ANTICIPATING A RULING MONARCH OR KING HE WOULD FREE THEM FROM

BONDAGE TO ROME AND ESTABLISH AN EARTHLY KINGDOM. WE SEE THIS IN MATT.16

Matt 16:13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his

disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? (KJV)

Matt 16:14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias;

and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. (KJV)

Matt 16:15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? (KJV)

Matt 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of

the living God. (KJV)

Matt 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon

Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my

Father which is in heaven. (KJV)

Matt 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I

will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (KJV)

Matt 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and

whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and

whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Matt 16:20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he

was Jesus the Christ. (KJV)

Matt 16:21 FROM THAT TIME FORTH began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that

he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and

chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the

third day. (KJV)

Matt 16:22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from

thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. (KJV)

Matt 16:23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou

art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of

God, but those that be of men. (KJV)

Matt 16:23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a

stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but

the things of men." THE APOSTLE PAU DEFINES THESE "THINGS OF MEN IN

I COR.3:3 FOR YOU ARE YET CARNAL...AND WALK AS MEN

Matt 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (KJV)

Matt 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will

lose his life for my sake shall find it. (KJV)

HERE WE SEE PETER WITH THE INITIAL REVELATION OF WHO JESUS REALLY IS. HE

IS THE MESSIAH. BUT AS OF YET PETER DOES NOT UNDERSTAND THE MISSION AND PUR-

POSE OF THE MESSIAH. PETER IS STILL HUNG UP WITH HIS OWN IDENTITY WHO HE IS

AND HIS IMMEDIATE NEEDS. JESUS BEGINS TO TELL THE DISCIPLES THAT HE MUST BE RE-

JECTED, BETRAYED, AND SUFFER AND DIE IN ORDER TO ENTER INTO AND ESTABLISH HIS

KINGDOM. BUT PETER REFUSED TO ACCEPT THIS BECAUSE HE INTERPRETED THE MESSIAH'S

REIGN AS AN EARTHLY KING.

THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT PETER THAT IS IN ALL OF US, ONLY WITH PETER IT

IS MORE PRONOUNCED AND VISIBLE. PETER WAS VERY OUTGOING. HE WAS A BIT EX-

TRAVAGANT. HE WAS VERY OUTSPOKEN AND MANY TIMES ASKED THE QUESTIONS WE WOULD

HAVE ALL ASKED IF WE HAD THE COURAGE, OR SAID THE THINGS THAT HE HAD SAID IF

WE WERE ALL AS TRANSPARENT AS HE WAS. THERE WAS NOTHING HIDDEN ABOUT PETER.

AND SO WE SEE THE SAVIOR DEALING WITH THE HUMANESS AND CARNALITY OF PETER AS

A MEANS OF DEALING WITH OUR OWN HUMANESS AND CARNALITY.

OF "THE THINGS THAT HAPPENED" IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE RESURRECTION WE SEE

JESUS WITH HIS DISCIPLES IN THE UPPER ROOM. HE PREPARES FOR THEM THE FIRST

COMMUNION MEAL KNOWING THAT SHORTLY AFTERWARDS HE WILL HAVE OFFERED HIMSELF

AS THE LAMB OF GOD THAT TAKES AWAY THE SINS OF THE WORLD. IT IS THERE THAT HE

TAKES UP THE DISCOURSE OF HIS BETRAYAL, REJECTION, SUFFERING, DEATH AND RES-

URRECTION. AND HERE AGAIN WE SEE THE TRANSPARENCY OF PETER.

Matt 26:26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake

it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my

body. (KJV)

Matt 26:27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying,

Drink ye all of it; (KJV)

Matt 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for

the remission of sins. (KJV)

Matt 26:29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the

vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's

kingdom. (KJV)

Matt 26:30 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of

Olives. (KJV)

Matt 26:31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me

this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the

sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. (KJV)

Matt 26:32 But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. (KJV)

Matt 26:33 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended

because of thee, yet will I never be offended. (KJV)

Matt 26:34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before

the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. (KJV)

Matt 26:35 Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not

deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples. (KJV)

WE SEE IN THIS PASSAGE OF SCRIPTURE THE GOOD INTENTIONS OF PETER IN HIS

NATURAL STRENGTH AND DISPOSITION. PETER IN THE MOMENT OF EXCITEMENT HAD JUST

STATED THAT HE WOULD NEVER DENY CHRIST AND THAT HE WOULD EVEN DIE BEFORE HE

HE WOULD EVER DO THAT. THERE IS SOMETHING IN PETER THAT MUST BE REMOVED IN

ORDER FOR HIM TO BE ABLE TO FULFILL DIVINE DESTINY AND ETERNAL PURPOSE. THERE

IS TOO MUCH NATURAL STRENGTH, EMOTION, INTELLEGIENCE AND AMBITION THAT MUST

BE REMOVED. NOW GOD HAS A WAY OF REMOVING OUR HUMAN WEAKNESSES AND INABILITIES THAT HINDER HIS PURPOSE AND CALL UPON OUR LIVES. HE MUST REVEAL TO EACH OF US AS HE DID TO PETER OUR REAL IDENTITY. THERE IS NOTHING LIKE A PERSON UNDER PRESSURE AND DURESS THAT CAUSES HIS REAL NATURE TO BE EXPOSED. AND SO IT WAS WITH PETER.

Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have

you, that he may sift you as wheat: (KJV)

Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou

art converted, strengthen thy brethren. (KJV)

THE PROCESS OF SIFTING IN BIBLE TIMES CONSISTED OF GRAIN THAT WAS AGITATED

OR SHAKEN IN A KIND OF SIEVE OR FAN. THE GRAIN REMAINED IN THE FAN AND THE

CHAFF AND DUST WERE THROWN OFF. SO WHAT JESUS WAS SAYING TO PETER WAS THAT

SATAN DESIRED TO PLACE TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONS BEFORE HIM ON ACCOUNT OF HIS

CARNALITY, TO AGITATE HIM TO WHETHER HE HAD ANYTHING OF FAITH THAT WOULD RE-

MAIN, OR WHETHER ALL WOULD BE FOUND AS THE CHAFF OF HUMAN EMOTION AND FALSE

PROFESSIONS.

WE SEE HERE A PRINCIPLE THAT STILL HOLD TRUE TODAY. JESUS DOES NOT POSSESS

THE AUTHORITY TO PRAY US ESEMPT FROM THIS PROCESS OF SIFTING BUT ONLY TO PRAY

US THROUGH SO THAT OUR FAITH WILL NOT FAIL UNDER THE PRESSURE OF ADVERSITY.

JESUS IS ALIVE. JESUS IS PRAYING FOR YOU AS YOUR HEAVENLY ADVOCATE AND HIGH

PRIESTLY INTERCESSOR.

Luke 22:33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into

prison, and to death. (KJV)

Luke 22:34 And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day,

before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me. (KJV)

IT IS NIGHT. THERE IS DARKNESS ALL AROUND AND JESUS HAS JUST BEEN BETRAYED

AND TAKEN TO THE COURT OF CAIAPHAS WHO WAS THE HIGH PRIEST. WE ARE TOLD THAT

PETER STOOD AFAR OFF UNTO THE HIGH PRIEST'S PALACE, AND WENT IN, AND SAT WITH

THE SERVANTS, TO SEE THE END OF THE MATTER.

Matt 26:69 Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him,

saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. (KJV)

Matt 26:70 But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.

Matt 26:71 And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and

said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of

Nazareth. (KJV)

Matt 26:72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. (KJV)

Matt 26:73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to

Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth

thee. (KJV)

Matt 26:74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And

immediately the cock crew. (KJV)

Matt 26:75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before

the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept

bitterly. (KJV) (WEPT BITTERLY SUGGESTS TO WAIL ALOUD IN A VIOLENT

MANNER: IT INDICATES TO US THE EXTREME SORROW OF REPENTANCE)

PETER HAD JUST FACED HIMSELF FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME. HE HAD SEEN HIS

OWN HUMAN FRAILITY AND INABILITY TO SERVE THE LORD. IT HAPPEND AT NIGHT. IT

HAPPENED DURING THE GREATEST PERIOD OF SPIRITUAL DARKNESS. IT IS IN THE

NIGHT SEASONS OF TRIAL, TESTING, TEMPTATION, OPPRESSION, AFFLICTION AND DIS-

TRESS THAT GOD BEGINS TO WORK ON THE TRANSFORMATION OF OUR LIVES. WE ALWAYS

THINK THAT GOD BEGINS HIS WORK OF HEALING AND RESTORATION AT THE MOMENT OUR

NEED BEGINS TO BE MET. BUT GOD ALWAYS BEGINS TO WORK AT NIGHT. WHEN WE ARE

ENCOMPASSED WITH DARKNESS, JESUS IS PRESENT AT WORK IN OUR LIVES EVEN THOUGH

WE ARE NOT AWARE OF HIS PRESENCE. THERE IS A SCRIPTUAL PRINCIPLE OF RESTOR-

ATION AND TRANSFORMATION THAT WE MUST UNDERSTAND IF WE ARE GOING TO JOIN IN

WITH PETER AND ALLOW GOD TO CHANGE US. THIS PRINCIPLE IS TAUGHT IN GENESIS.

Gen 1:5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the

evening and the morning were the first day. (KJV)

Gen 1:7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the

firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.

Gen 1:8 And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning

were the second day. (KJV)

Gen 1:11 And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed,

and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in

itself, upon the earth: and it was so. (KJV)

Gen 1:13 And the evening and the morning were the third day. (KJV)

Gen 1:16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and

the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. (KJV)

Gen 1:19 And the evening and the morning were the fourth day. (KJV)

Gen 1:31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very

good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. (KJV)

DO YOU SEE IT HERE? IT SAYS REPEATEDLY, "THE EVENING AND MORNING WERE THE

FIRST DAY." GOD'S DAYS BEGIN AT EVENING, OUR DAYS BEGIN AT MORNING. NOW ITS

IMPORTANT FOR US TO SEE THIS PRINCIPLE OR WE WILL MISS OUT WITH OUR LORD'S

DEALINGS WITH HIS DISCIPLES AT THE SEA OF TIBERIAS. EVERY NEW MOVE OF GOD BE-

GINS WITH DARKNESS, IT BEGINS WITH AN EVENING. WHEN GOD BEGINS TO MOVE IN A

NEW WAY IN YOUR LIFE OR MINE, HIS DAY BEGINS AT NIGHT. WHAT APPEARS TO YOU

AND ME TO BE THE END OF SOMETHING IS REALLY THE BEGINNING OF SOMETHING NEW IN

GOD. WE SEE THIS ESPECIALLY TRUE IN THE DEATH OF CHRIST. TO THE DISCIPLES

THIS IS THE END OF ALL THEIR HOPE OF SEEING CHRIST AS MESSIAH AND KING. BUT

WHAT WAS SEE BY THEM AS AN END WAS REALLY THE BEGINNING OF SOMETHING NEW IN

GOD.

YOUR PRESENT TROUBLE WILL BRING YOU TO YOUR FUTURE DESTINY. YOU SEE,

YOU CAN'T HAVE A RESURRECTION WITHOUT A DEATH, YOU CAN'T HAVE A NEW WITHOUT

THE OLD, YOU CAN'T HAVE A MORNING WITHOUT AND EVENING AND GOD CANNOT ESTABLISH

HIS CHARACTER AND STENGTH IN YOU UNTIL HE TAKES AWAY YOUR WEAKNESS AND YOUR

CARNALITY. GOD WILL ALWAYS TAKE AWAY IN ORDER TO ESTABLISH. WE NEED TO SEE

THAT OUR EVENING EXPERIENCES WITH GOD ARE NOT SOMETHING NEGATIVE, ITS THE BE-

GINNING OF SOMETHING NEW AND POSITIVE. DAVID SAID IN PSA.30:5 For his anger

endures but for a moment; in his favor is life: weeping may endure for the

night but joy comes in the morning. NOW LET'S TAKE UP THE NARRATIVE IN

John 21:3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We

also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship

immediately; and that night they caught nothing. (KJV)

HERE WE SEE THE DISCIPLES RESTLESS. BEHIND THEM IS THE TRAGEDY OF THE

CROSS, BY WHICH ALL THEIR HOPES OF AN EARTHLY MESSIAH AND KING HAVE ENDED IN

ABJECT HOPLESNESS AND DESPAIR. THEY HAVE SEE JESUS A FEW TIMES AFTER HIS

RESURRECTION BUT IS IS ONLY VERY MOMENTARY AND PASSING. FRUSTRATED AND

TIRED, DEPRESSED AND RESTLESS THEY JUST WANT TO FORGET ABOUT EVERYTHING THAT

HAD HAPPENED OVER THE PAST FEW HOUR AND PAST FEW YEARS AND GET ON WITH THEIR

LIFE. THEY DID NOT UNDERSTAND THE NATURE OF OUR LORD'S KINGDOM AND OUT OF

FRUSTRATION AND UNBELIEF WENT BACK TO WHAT THEY WERE FAMILIAR WITH. SO WHEN

PETE SAID, "I GO FISHING" HE MEANT THAT HE WAS GOING TO RETURN TO HIS FORMER

OCCUPATION.

PLEASE NOTICE THAT THEY HAD FISHED ALL NIGHT AND THAT THEY HAD NOT EVEN

CAUGHT ONE SMALL FISH. THESE WERE TRAINED FISHERMEN AND YET THEIR ENTIRE

EVENING OF WORK WAS IN VAIN. IS THERE NOT SOMETHING SUPERNATURAL IN THEIR IN-

ABILITY TO CATCH EVEN ONE SMALL FISH. THEIR HOPES AND DREAMS HAD JUST ENDED,

THEY HAD RETURNED TO FISHING FOR A NIGHT AND FAILED. THEY WERE EXHAUSTED,

TIRED, AND READY TO GIVE UP. THEY HAD COME TO THEIR NIGHT SEASON WHERE GOD

WAS TAKING AWAY IN ORDER TO ESTABLISH. WE SEE IN THS PASSAGE AN EVENING AND

A MORNING.

John 21:4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the

disciples knew not that it was Jesus. (KJV)

THANK GOD THERE IS ALWAYS A MORNING! THERE THEY ARE, WRTECHED, FORLORN,

UNHAPPY, DISHEARTENED AND JESUS COMES TO MINISTER TO THEM. WE SEE IN THIS

PASSAGE OF SCRIPTURE THE DISPOSITION OF GOD TOWRADS SINNERS AFTER THE CROSS

AND RESURRECTION. JESUS DID NOT COME TO SCOLD THE DISCIPLES OR REBUKE THEM

FOR THEIR UNBELIEF; HE CAME TO MINISTER HEALING, FORGIVENESS, AND A RESTOR-

ATION OF HOPE, FAITH AND VISION.

THE DEATH OF JESUS CHRIST WAS VICARIOUS IN NATURE. THAT MENAS THAT JESUS

DID NOT DIE FOR HIS PERSONAL SIN BUT BECAME OUR SUBSTITUTE. THE DIVINE CON-

DEMNATION FOR SIN IS DEATH. JESUS CAME TO TAKE OUR PLACE AND PAY THE PENALTY

FOR OUR SIN. HERE WE SEE JESUS ADMINISTERING THE BENEFITS OF THE CROSS TO

HIS DISCIPLES. AGAIN, WE MUST SEE IN THIS PASSAGE OF SCRIPTURE THAT JESUS

HAD CONSUMATED HIS EARTHLY MINISTRY AND HAD NOW COMMENCED HIS HEAVENLY MINISTRY

IN CARING FOR THE DISCIPLES. WE CAN TAKE GREAT COMFORT IN THAT FACT THAT JESUS

IS NOT JUST IN HEAVEN ENJOYING HIMSELF BUT THAT HE IS THERE AS OUR REPRESENTA-

TIVE AND SERVANT.

Heb 9:24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which

are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in

the presence of God for us: (KJV)

Heb 8:1 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an

high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty

in the heavens; (KJV)

Heb 8:2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord

pitched, and not man. (KJV)

Heb 8:3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices:

wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.

Heb 8:4 For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there

are priests that offer gifts according to the law: (KJV)

Heb 8:5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was

admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See,

saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to

thee in the mount. (KJV)

Heb 8:6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he

is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better

promises. (KJV)

MORNING HAS COME AND JESUS HAS COME TO MINISTER TO THE IMMEDIATE PHYSICAL

NEEDS OF HIS DISCIPLES. HE HAS STARTED A FIRE AND BEGUN TO COOK A MEAL FOR

THEM. WHEN PETER FINDS OUT THAT IT IS JESUS ON THE SEA SHORE HE JUMPS INTO

THE WATER AND SWIMS AS FAST AS HE CAN TO MEET HIM.

WE SEE TWO SCENES HERE, JESUS ALONE WITH PETER AND JESUS WITH THIS SMALL

GROUP OF SEVEN DISCIPLES. PETER MEETS WITH JESUS AROUND THE FIRE AND THIS IS

WHERE JESUS BEGINS TO CONVICT AND CORRECT PETER REGARDING HIS FAILURE OUTSIDE

CIAPHAS'S PALACE. FOR WAS IT NOT AS HE WARMED HIMSELF AROUND THAT FIRE THAT

PETER DENIED HIM THREE TIME. THE FIRE THAT JESUS HAD MADE ON THAT SEASHORE

WAS NOTHING IN COMPARRISON TO THE FIRE OF PETER'S CONSCIENCE. I DON'T THINK

THERE WERE ANY WORDS SPOKEN. JESUS, VERY CARFULLY, TACTFULLY AND DELICATELY

BEGINS TO DEAL WITH PETER. HE DOESN'T EMBARRASS HIM BEFORE THE OTHER DIS-

CIPLES BUT DELAS WITH PETER'S SIN IN THE PRIVACY OF HIS HEART. YOU SEE IT IS

THE KINDNESS OF JESUS THAT CONVICTS PETER OF HIS SIN. JESUS CAME TO RESTORE

PETER WHO HAD BEEN OVERTAKEN IN A FAULT, NOT TO CONDEMN HIM.

WHEN THE OTHER DISCIPLES FINALLY GET TO SHORE JESUS COMMANDS THEM TO BRING

THE FISH. IN VERSE 11 WE SEE PETER LEAVING THE CONVICTING PRESENCE OF JESUS

AND RUSH TO HELP THE OTHER DISCIPLES. HE NEEDED JUST TO GET AWAY FOR A LITTLE

WHILE AND GAIN HIS COMPOSURE.

John 21:10 Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.

John 21:11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes,

an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet

was not the net broken. (KJV)

STARTING WITH VERSE 15, JESUS BEGINS TO REINSTATE PETER'S CALLING BUT

NOT WITHOUT CONTINUING TO DEAL WITH PETER'S NATURAL STRENGTH AND SELF-RELIANCE.

JESUS QUESTIONS PETER ABOUT HIS PREVIOUS STATEMENT THAT HE MADE THE NIGHT

AROUND THE FIRE. PETER STATED IN HIS EXCITEMENT AND EMOTION THAT HE WOULD

STAY DEVOTED TO JESUS EVEN TO THE POINT OF DEATH. THIS KIND OF LOVE AND

DEVOTION IS DESCRIBED IN THE FIRST TWO QUESTIONS THAT JESUS ASKED PETER IN

VERSES:

John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of

Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord;

thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

John 21:16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest

thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.

He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. (KJV)

JESUS ASKED HIM, PETER DO YOU LOVE ME TO THE POINT OF DEATH. (AGAPE LOVE)

PETER ANSWERS WITH A LOWER FORM OF THE WORD LOVE AND THAT IS FILEO LOVE. HE

SAID IN EFFECT I LOVE YOU AS A PERSONAL FRIEND AND YOU ARE VERY DEAR TO ME.

YOU SEE THERE IS A CHANGE IN PETER'S CHARACTER FROM BEING SO BOLD, EXTRAVAGANT,

FLAMBOYANT, IMPETUOUS, RASH AND SELF-WILLED TO BEING HUMBLE, HONEST AND SINCERE

BEFORE THE LORD. HOW MANY OF YOU KNOW THAT GOD CAN USE THAT KIND OF PERSON IN

MINISTRY? IN FACT LETS LOOK AT PETER AFTER THIS ENCOUNTER WITH CHRIST AT THE

SEA OF TIBERAS:

Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one

accord in one place. (KJV)

Acts 2:12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another,

What meaneth this? (KJV)

Acts 2:13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. (KJV)

Acts 2:14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said

unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be

this known unto you, and hearken to my words: (KJV)

Acts 3:1 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of

prayer, being the ninth hour. (KJV)

Acts 3:2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they

laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask

alms of them that entered into the temple; (KJV)

Acts 3:3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.

Acts 3:4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.

Acts 3:5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.

Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I

thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. (KJV)

Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that

they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took

knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. (KJV)