From Shame and Sin to Strength—How Jesus Restored Peter

—John 21:15–23 (Part 36)

• Andrew Fountain – Aug 30, 2020

 
 
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Goal:

To grasp the gentle love of Jesus,
and also his commitment to our growth

The Restoration of Peter

1. The Story from Peter’s perspective
2. Jesus’ perspective
3. Our perspective—what the story is teaching us

Last time: A Revelation of Jesus on the Beach

• The story is not telling us to make sure we are listening to Jesus telling us where to cast our nets
• It is not about us and our faith, but about him and his faithfulness
• Our response to this story is not to be anxious
• But believe in his ongoing presence and care, even when we don’t see him
• Allow Jesus to reveal himself to you through this story

Structure of John

John 13–21 “Book of Glory”

13 A meal with the disciples

21 A meal with the disciples

John 21: How it matches John 13

• These are the only two places in John he calls them “Little Children”
• Jesus humbly serves the disciples
• They eat a meal together at which Jesus passes out bread
• Peter’s proud claim he would never deny Jesus, and now his restoration
• Also a link with John himself at the two events, as we shall see

John 13

36. Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?”
    Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, but you will follow later.”
37. Peter said to him, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you!”
38. Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, the rooster will not crow until you have denied me three times!

Peter at the Beach

• Peter must have been full of shame. This story is about how Jesus deals with our shame
• Three events leading up to this
• Let’s go fishing – functioning as a leader
• Jumps in the water (very evocative of the washing story)
• Rushes to obey Jesus when he asks for the fish to be brought

2 Peter 1

13. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder,
14. since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.

The Restoration of Peter

1. The Story from Peter’s perspective
2. Jesus’ perspective
3. Our perspective—what the story is teaching us

2. Jesus’ perspective

• Jesus wants to develop Peter and has a purpose for his life
• What he does has some temporary pain, but is extremely important in the long term

1 Peter 5:1–4

1. So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed:
2. shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;
3. not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
4. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Jesus’ Perspective on Us

• Jesus is always seeing the potential in us, and calling us into something of value
• He is very concerned that you don’t let your failure destroy you
• This story is a call for you to come to this Jesus, with an honest heart

The Restoration of Peter

1. The Story from Peter’s perspective
2. Jesus’ perspective
3. Our perspective—what the story is teaching us

Jesus and you

• All of us carry some kind of shame
• Sometimes: “I have failed Jesus so badly. I’m just useless”
• This story is to help us understand how Jesus deals with our failure
• Come to him and let him gently restore you and give you strength
• Just tell him about it, and accept he is the same gentle Jesus that talked with Peter on the beach that morning