A Fish Tale
John 21: 1 - 19
Intro: From the title of today’s message and the first 14 verses you may be lead to believe this is a story about fishing. However, the opening verses of this passage set the stage for the REAL issue that follows beginning in Verse 15. Here Jesus is “fishing” for something other than fish. He is fishing for the truth.
I VS. 15 – When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”
A "Will You Love Me Tomorrow", also known as "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow", is a song written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. It was originally recorded in 1960 by the Shirelles. It has since been recorded by many artists over the years.
B “I'd like to know that your love
Is love I can be sure of
So tell me now, and I won't ask again
Will you still love me tomorrow?”
C Jesus is giving Simon Peter the opportunity to undo his denial.
II The Friday before the crucifixion, Peter was given 3 opportunities to confess his involvement with Jesus. Instead he was in denial. (John 18: 15 – 27)
A Most scholars believe chapter 21 was an addition to the original; perhaps written in his old age by John or by another.
B In any case, it does bring closure to the gospel story.
C John includes VSS. 16 – 19 to give Simon Peter the opportunity to undo what he did on Good Friday.
III Each time Simon Peter responds, Jesus gives a task. Declaring his love for Jesus does not give Simon Peter any privilege; rather, it gives a task.
A VS. 15 – “Feed my lambs.” Lambs are the young (new to faith in Jesus). These lambs need to be fed the “words” of Jesus.
B VS. 16 – “Take care of my sheep.” Those who already believe will need tending throughout their lives.
C VS. 17 – “Feed my sheep.” The believers will need feeding throughout their lifetime so they do not all away.
Concl: Do you love Jesus today and all the tomorrows of your life? The way you love Jesus is by serving people. This is what Jesus is telling Simon Peter and us. That love of Christ can take you away from the familiar, away from the ones we love, away from the comfortable. Where are we willing to let the love of Christ take us? How far are we willing to go and to what extent are we willing to love?
