2. Preparations had been made for the last Passover Preparations had been made for the last Passover Strife amongst the Lord’s apostles Strife amongst the Lord’s apostles Jesus then washed their feet Jesus then washed their feet He points out Judas as His betrayer He points out Judas as His betrayer Jesus warns all the disciples against desertion Jesus warns all the disciples against desertion Peter felt very secure in His relationship with the Lord at this point… Peter felt very secure in His relationship with the Lord at this point…

7. The path to stumbling can be a slippery slope… The path to stumbling can be a slippery slope… There are signs that will point to what position you really are in. (Lk. 22:54) There are signs that will point to what position you really are in. (Lk. 22:54) Are we distancing ourselves from the Lord? (Lk. 22:54; Jn. 18:16) Are we distancing ourselves from the Lord? (Lk. 22:54; Jn. 18:16) Are we taking heed from the warnings from God’s word seriously? ((Lk. 22:31, 34, 40, 46) Are we taking heed from the warnings from God’s word seriously? ((Lk. 22:31, 34, 40, 46) Do we sometimes think that we are the “greatest in the kingdom”, in that maybe we’ve elevated ourselves over others ? Do we sometimes think that we are the “greatest in the kingdom”, in that maybe we’ve elevated ourselves over others ? Let us be careful that we not get overly confident… Let us be careful that we not get overly confident… Remember, the Lord is watching; observing; taking note. (Lk. 22:61-62) Remember, the Lord is watching; observing; taking note. (Lk. 22:61-62)

8. Full moon reflecting on Sea of Galilee

10. So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs." 16 He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My sheep." 17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep. (Verses 15-17; NKJV) So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs." 16 He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My sheep." 17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep. (Verses 15-17; NKJV) – Note different wording in the original text for “love”; Also for the word “know” in verse 17!!!

11. After Peter is reconciled to the Lord… – Jesus tells Peter of how he will be put to death in such a way that will glorify God. Peter then turns to see the apostle John, and asks Jesus about him… – Jesus tells Peter that he need not to be concerned with John’s fate.

12. We can (and should) be zealous. We must, however, be wary of growing overconfident in that pursuit. Let us constantly examine ourselves & strive to be “unprofitable servants”. God wills that His children remain humble in service to Him. If we do not make that effort our own, He may very well choose to MAKE us humble. (James 4:6-7)

13. When Simon Peter was brought low, the Lord still required this painful discussion. – Even though Simon felt very humbled; even though he was very sorrowful for what he’d done. – Peter had to deal with the painful consequences of his actions. We see the Lord Jesus Christ as being stern in this instance… – We also see a loving and forgiving Jesus Christ in this instance; if one is willing to do what whatever is necessary in repenting (Acts 26:20).

14. The lesson also brings for us the principle of taking care of our OWN concerns. – Too many are like Peter -- wondering about John’s fate. – Although we are to express concern for others and their welfare, this instance speaks to the need that many have in needing to deal with their own concerns (Matthew 7:1-5). Sacrifices must be made, but the Lord is willing to have you reconciled unto Him -- if you are willing to take the necessary steps.