John 21:20-23 Part 3

One of the many things that blesses and encourages me about the many personalities of the Bible, whether Old or New Testament, is how God redeems and uses ALL kinds! Every one of them was flawed and sinful – each one had highs and lows. And, throughout their lives, the consistency was God’s faithfulness, not theirs. I am so thankful that God chooses regular folks like you and me. It’s through the ordinary that He does the extraordinary.

So today, as we look at this picture of Peter and John, we’ll focus on their different personalities and styles that God used to build His Church in the first century. We have already seen that Peter was not just interested in his own future with Jesus, but really wanted to know what was going to happen with John.

Jon Courson, in his Application Commentary: New Testament, points out that these disciples showed their unique personalities even when they were first called to discipleship. He writes, “Peter was casting his net into the sea (Matthew 4:18). ‘Follow Me and I’ll make you a fisher of men,’ Jesus said. And indeed Peter became an evangelist who would bring many people into the kingdom – three thousand saved during his first sermon alone. John, on the other hand, wasn’t casting his net. He was mending nets (Matthew 4:21). And John would go on to mend people, as he taught, preached, and practiced love. These two were very different in ministry, in mentality, in temperament, in personality. But you know what? God used them both.” (Courson, P. 607)

Peter was an activist. He was the one who would charge ahead to get things done. John, was a thinker and a watcher. He mulled things over for their significance. He filtered everything through love. There is a need for both personalities and ministry types.

I’m much more a Peter than a John. I used to bemoan that fact. I had such wonderful women role models in my church when I was a new Christian, 36 years ago. These women were humble, soft spoken, hard working servants of Christ, who quietly loved and served the LORD with all their hearts. I used to pray that God would make me more like them. I am anything BUT quiet! I was mistaking personality for character. It took me years to realize that I was NEVER going to be soft spoken or contemplative. I’m an activist through and through! But I’m so grateful for my dear friends who are “Johns.” I need their steady peace and loving support. They are the ones who hold me accountable!

Isn’t God amazing how He created such variety in His world? Not only in nature, but in the unique personalities that He knit into each of us. No two are alike! Thank you, LORD, that you used both Peter and John, and Paul, and Moses, and Abraham, and Esther, and David, and Rahab, and Joseph, and all the Marys, and Martha. And You use even me!  

John 21:20-23 Part 2

Last time we saw Peter stumble again when, after hearing what future Jesus had in mind for him, he turned and pointed to John and asked, “What about him?” It’s the most natural thing in the world to want to compare ourselves to others. And either way we measure up is a problem. We either decide that we aren’t as bad off as that other guy, and assume it’s because of something inherently better in ourselves (pride), or we whine because that other person’s life looks so much better (envy).

In Psalm 73 the psalmist went though a comparison of his life to the wicked and prosperous, and at first he judged them to be better off:

They have no struggles;
 
 their bodies are healthy and strong. 
They are free from the burdens common to man;
   they are not plagued by human ills. . . 
This is what the wicked are like—
 
  always carefree, they increase in wealth. 
Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; 
  
 in vain have I washed my hands in innocence. 
All day long I have been plagued;

   I have been punished every morning. (Psalm 73:4-5, 12-14)

When he saw that wicked men seemed to prosper, the psalmist came to the conclusion that he had wasted his life trying to do the right thing by living a godly life. What had it gotten him? Nothing but trouble! Meanwhile, the wicked were getting away with murder and had everything they could want! This thought oppressed him. As long as he was comparing his situation to others, he was in agony. But he had a revelation when he entered the sanctuary, when he looked to God:

When I tried to understand all this,
 
    it was oppressive to me 
till I entered the sanctuary of God;

   then I understood their final destiny. 
Surely you place them on slippery ground;
  
 you cast them down to ruin. 
How suddenly are they destroyed,

    completely swept away by terrors . . . 
Yet I am always with you;
  
 you hold me by my right hand. 
You guide me with your counsel,

    and afterward you will take me into glory. 
Whom have I in heaven but you?
 
    And earth has nothing I desire besides you. 
My flesh and my heart may fail,
   
 but God is the strength of my heart
   
 and my portion forever. (vs.16-19, 23-26)

The wicked have an ending of eternal damnation. They will be suddenly destroyed! But the psalmist not only had a future in glory with God, he also had the constant presence of God in this life as well. When he looked into the face of God, instead of at men, he realized just how blessed he was. That’s why Jesus told Peter, “Follow me!”

Jesus promises to be our all in all. He is the Alpha and the Omega, everything from A-Z. He fulfills every yearning we have to overflowing when we recognize that He is all we need.

Tomorrow, before leaving this gospel, we will look at Peter and John, their personalities and their ministries, and see how God had a special plan and purpose for each of them, and for each of us.  

John 21:20-23

Yesterday we looked at what Jesus told Peter about how the end of his life would be. And before moving on, I just wanted to say how this passage hit me personally. Jesus told Peter, “…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.” While this was a reference to his death on the cross (the stretched out hands), what really jumped out at me was the image of an old man being dressed by someone and being lead (or pushed in a wheelchair) to a place in life that no one wants to go.

Don and I have been caring for his father, Frank, who is currently in an assisted living center near us, since 2009. It is really difficult to watch the deterioration of aging parents who used to be the ones who cared for you. That role reversal is scary and often frustrating. One thing that has amazed me from the beginning of this process has been the way Frank has accepted the help (bathing, dressing, etc) with humility and grace. He is definitely in a time of life where none of us wants to go, yet he is grateful for the care he is receiving.

Dad has been a good role model for Don and me, and we are so thankful that we have been able to be involved in this process – even though it is stressful and difficult. One day, soon, it will be our turn, God willing. And like, Peter – and Dad - we will need to completely trust God as we follow Him to that place! May we, too, show humility and grace!

Now, back to our scripture for today. After hearing about his own future, Peter began to look around at his fellow disciples. His eyes landed on John, who was following behind.

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?”) When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” 

Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers 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?” (John 21:20-23)

“Hey! What about HIM???” “What’s going to happen to him??” Oh, Peter, Peter, Peter… I don’t know about you, but I am so thankful for Peter! He said what everyone else would be thinking! So he got the rebuke. Now this is the final rebuke of this gospel, but he received further correction later, in Acts 9, for his disdain for the Gentiles. Just like the rest of us, he was so flawed!!! And Jesus basically tells him, “MYOB!! Whatever I have planned for John has nothing to do with you. You just follow me!” OUCH!

How much trouble do we get into when we begin the comparing? “Why does she seem to have such a blissful life when I’m sinking here?” “Why has my life been full of trials, while everyone else is doing just fine?” Goodness! We have NO idea what things God has planned for anyone else or why. We only know that He is completely loving, fair, merciful, good, and sovereign. We need to get our eyes off of others, and let God be God.

This is such an important concept, and there are so many wonderful promises related to it, that I’m saving it all for next time! In the meantime, today would be a great day for realigning our focus. Keep those eyes straight ahead – don’t look to the left or to the right, but straight into the eyes of Jesus. And follow Him! And pray for every older person you see today!!!  

John 21:18-19

After affirming His love and His mission for Peter, Jesus gives Peter a peek into what lies ahead of him:

“I tell you the truth, 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.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” (John 21:18-19)

Now, this doesn’t seem real specific to me, but somehow Peter got the message that he would live to be old and that his end would not be pleasant or something he would want, since he was told here he would be lead, apparently forcibly, to “where you do not want to go.” We know form church history that Peter was crucified upside down by Nero. But Jesus doesn’t give Peter that specific detail. He tells Peter only what he needs to know: it will be a while from now, and it won’t be pleasant. The good news? Peter’s death would glorify God!

But, Jesus encourages Peter to do one thing: “Follow me!” “Keep your eyes on me, Peter! Don’t turn to the right or left, just keep looking to me and walk, step by step, where I lead!” Now, Peter was the passionate, devoted disciple, who was best known by his highs and lows. One minute he was proclaiming Jesus as the Christ, for which he received a commendation from Jesus, and the next he was being rebuked for speaking the words of Satan!

Peter was the one who jumped out of the boat and walked on the water to Jesus, then began to sink as soon as he took his eyes off of Him. He proclaimed his undying loyalty at the Last Supper, rashly took out the sword to defend Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, then cowered before a servant girl and denied even knowing Christ, all in the same evening.

How was this impulsive “bumbler and stumbler,” as Jon Courson refers to him, going to make it through the hard times of ministry? How would he remain faithful in service to Jesus? The same way you and I can – by following Jesus. By making the willful, determined, intentional choice to abide in Christ through His Word and to minute by minute decide to glorify God with our whole life. The really good news is that neither Peter nor we do this in our own strength. We don’t hold on to God with all of our might, because He is holding onto us with all of His! What a relief!!!

Peter will receive one last rebuke from Jesus before this encounter is over. We’ll look at that tomorrow!

 

John 21:15-17

In this scene between Jesus and Peter, at the campfire on the beach, Jesus extends His amazing grace to Peter as He affirms Peter’s place in ministry. Remember that, only hours after Peter boldly claimed that he would never desert Jesus, Peter denied Jesus three times to a servant girl at another campfire. I love how the LORD calls Peter back again here:

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” 

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” 

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 

Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” 

He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” 

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 

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."  (John 21:15-17)

Peter had denied Jesus three times, so here Jesus gave him three times to declare his love for Jesus. Two different words are used for love here. In the first question, when Jesus asks, “Do you love me more than these?” Jesus uses the word agape, which indicates an unselfish, unconditional love, the kind of love God has for us. He’s asking Peter, “Do you still think you are more devoted to me than to anything else or more than anyone else is devoted to me?”

Peter responds with, “Yes, Lord, you know that I phileo you.” This is a brotherly love. Why didn’t Peter respond back using agape? Jon Courson suggests that Peter finally knew that he could not respond truthfully with that kind of godly love, because he had already come up short. He knew he did not have it in his own power to promise that kind of devotion. Possibly, he finally had been humbled enough to understand his limitations.

Jesus responds by giving Peter a mission: Feed my lambs. What a great honor to be given the task of looking out for the first believers. Peter would, indeed be one of the first church leaders. In fact, he was the first to preach the gospel after Pentecost (Acts 2), when three thousand become believers!

Back to the campfire. Jesus asks Peter a second time, “Do you agape me?” And again Peter responds emphatically, “Yes, Lord, you know that I phileo you.” And again, Jesus confirms Peter’s ministry: Take care of my sheep. Tend to their needs, Peter.

Finally, Jesus asks Peter a third time if he loves Him, but this time Jesus meets Peter where he’s at, and in his question, He uses Peter’s word: “Do you phileo me?” Don’t you love that He doesn’t demand that Peter be perfect before He will accept him? Jesus takes us right where we are. He doesn’t ask us to clean up our act, because He knows we can’t! That is what He does for us! Peter would come to the place of agape, but not through his own efforts. The LORD would be doing a heart transplant on Peter, as He has promised to do with us:

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
 (Ezekial 36:26)

This is such an encouraging, sweet picture of restoration for Peter, whom Jesus loved so dearly. And it’s exactly the same kind o restoration He does with us. Even though we may have gone for most of our lives denying Him, when we finally come to the campfire for fellowship, Jesus accepts us just as we are! Look at this great invitation:

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:20)

This is the open invitation He extends to each of us. Have you responded yet?

I’m so grateful that John did not finish his gospel without including this scene!  

John 21:7-14

Yesterday we saw Jesus abundantly supply more fish than the disciples were able to handle. As soon as this miracle occurred, John figured out that it was Jesus on the shore. We aren’t sure why Jesus wasn’t immediately recognized by the disciples here. The same was true when Mary Magdalene first encountered Him outside the tomb, and when the two men walked with Him on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24. Whether there was something different about His appearance, or whether He just withheld their ability to recognize Him, we don’t know. But as soon as John saw the fish in the net, he knew. This had happened before! (Luke 5)

Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. (John 21:7-9)

Impulsive Peter, of course, immediately jumps into the water instead of just rowing the boat the 100 yards onto shore! Isn’t it amazing that although they had been fishing all night, when they get to shore, Jesus was cooking the fish that He provided? Even so, He invites them to bring in their catch.

Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 

Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. (vs. 10-14)

Jon Courson points out here that all of a sudden Peter was able to do alone what the group could not do together – haul in the net full of fish! Why was he able to do this? Because the LORD had told him to do it! When God asks us to do something, He also provides the power to accomplish it! If God is calling you to do something which you can’t even imagine accomplishing with the help of a huge committee, don’t be afraid. Just go and do what He asks. He will provide all you need!

The really lovely picture here is of Jesus just sharing a meal with His disciples – with those whom He called, “Friends!” I love that Jesus still ate in His glorified body! I don’t know about you, but I LOVE to eat, so the thought that we will be banqueting in Heaven is so exciting to me! We will sit and eat with our LORD! Amazing!

Tomorrow we will see a wonderful moment between Jesus and Peter.  

John 21:1-6

Before ending his gospel, John records one more day that the disciples had with the resurrected Jesus:

Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 

Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. 

He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” 

“No,” they answered. 

He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. (John 21:1-6)

The disciples were apparently waiting around on the shore of the Sea of Galilee in Tiberias, when Peter decided to do something. Courson points out that these disciples were not doing what Jesus had told them to do in Matthew 28:16, when He told them to go to a mountain in Galilee to wait for Him. Instead, they went to the beach. In fact, Peter decided to turn back to his old life as a fisherman. I wonder if Peter maybe had a little ADHD with his need to take action of some kind. We know he was impulsive! So he said, “I’m going fishing! Who’s with me?”

He jumped in the boat, and the others followed. They fished all night, but caught nothing – not one little fish! Isn’t that the way? We get tired of waiting on God, so we just jump in and start to do something – anything but sit around and wait. The results of our own efforts? Zilch!

But Jesus appeared in the morning and called to them, “Friends…” He did not chide them, He called them “Friends!” He told them to try the right side of the boat, to just move their nets by about five feet. And what do you know? More fish than they could manage! When the LORD tells us to do something, He will provide “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power.” (Ephesians 3:20)

Does God have you in a holding pattern right now? Is He asking you to wait? If so, WAIT! He has a plan and a purpose for you. He knows where to help you find the biggest catch. The disciples went back to what they knew – to what was comfortable. But Jesus had a bigger and better plan. He had told them three years earlier that He would make them fishers of men. The time was coming. But they would have to wait.