“FROM FISHING TO FRUITFULNESS” John 21:1-23 Penge Baptist Church 18th May 2014 Encounters with the risen Lord

Background Peter’s betrayal of Jesus following Jesus’ prophecy The encounters with Mary, the disciples and Thomas Jesus’ command to go forth on mission “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” (John 20:21-23)

Why Fishing? “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.””

The mystery of the Resurrection Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. What did Jesus bring to the lakeshore? Forgiveness Farsightedness Fruitfulness Fellowship

Jesus’ forgiveness 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. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

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.” Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” “Take care of my sheep.” “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Feed my sheep. “Follow me!”

Jesus’ Farsightedness “Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!” (John 13:38) “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

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.” Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them…. “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.”

Jesus’ fruitfulness So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore….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.

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19) 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. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

United in fellowship! Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.”….Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.

Jesus’ call to Peter - and to us Follow me! For by his grace we are forgiven….we can trust his foreknowledge….he promises fruitfulness….and eternal fellowship