WEBVTT 00:00:01.000 --> 00:00:08.380 Well, let's open our Bibles one more time to the Gospel of John, John chapter 21. 00:00:08.700 --> 00:00:13.040 We're concluding our series in John's Gospel this morning, if you can believe it. 00:00:13.640 --> 00:00:16.800 And so if you would, turn to John chapter 21. 00:00:17.080 --> 00:00:20.080 If you didn't bring a Bible with you, that's okay. 00:00:20.219 --> 00:00:23.620 We have Bibles provided for you in the seat backs in front of you. 00:00:24.039 --> 00:00:26.440 If it's not in front of you, look to your left or to your right. 00:00:26.500 --> 00:00:27.560 There ought to be one nearby. 00:00:27.559 --> 00:00:32.719 But I always encourage you to please have a copy of God's Word open in front of you. 00:00:32.839 --> 00:00:36.600 I don't want you just to hear it from my voice, through my lips. 00:00:36.939 --> 00:00:41.100 I want you to see it with your own eyes on the pages of God's Word. 00:00:41.719 --> 00:00:47.500 John chapter 21, when you found that, if you would, let's stand together in honor of the reading of God's Word. 00:00:47.500 --> 00:01:02.060 After this, Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. 00:01:02.719 --> 00:01:04.359 And he revealed himself in this way. 00:01:05.420 --> 00:01:13.519 Simon Peter, Thomas, called the twin, Nathaniel of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. 00:01:13.519 --> 00:01:15.679 Simon Peter said to them, 00:01:16.239 --> 00:01:17.060 I am going fishing. 00:01:17.619 --> 00:01:19.439 They said to him, We will go with you. 00:01:19.979 --> 00:01:23.479 They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 00:01:24.579 --> 00:01:29.879 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore, yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 00:01:30.679 --> 00:01:34.039 Jesus said to them, Children, do you have any fish? 00:01:34.739 --> 00:01:36.179 They answered him, No. 00:01:36.180 --> 00:01:42.480 He said to them, Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some. 00:01:43.200 --> 00:01:48.760 So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because of the quantity of fish. 00:01:49.740 --> 00:01:54.560 That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, It is the Lord. 00:01:55.360 --> 00:02:00.800 When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, 00:02:01.080 --> 00:02:02.740 and threw himself into the sea. 00:02:02.739 --> 00:02:06.839 The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, 00:02:07.199 --> 00:02:10.340 for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. 00:02:11.240 --> 00:02:17.199 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place with fish laid out on it and bread. 00:02:18.060 --> 00:02:21.159 Jesus said to them, Bring some of the fish that you have just caught. 00:02:21.799 --> 00:02:27.900 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore full of large fish, 153 of them. 00:02:28.379 --> 00:02:31.579 And although there were so many, the net was not torn. 00:02:31.580 --> 00:02:34.800 And Jesus said to them, Come and have breakfast. 00:02:35.600 --> 00:02:38.460 Now none of the disciples dared ask him, Who are you? 00:02:38.780 --> 00:02:40.439 They knew it was the Lord. 00:02:41.260 --> 00:02:44.460 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so would the fish. 00:02:44.860 --> 00:02:50.700 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. 00:02:51.660 --> 00:02:54.900 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 00:02:54.900 --> 00:02:58.980 Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? 00:02:59.780 --> 00:03:03.500 He said to him, Yes, Lord, you know that I love you. 00:03:04.180 --> 00:03:06.340 He said to him, Feed my lambs. 00:03:07.060 --> 00:03:11.020 He said to him a second time, Simon, son of John, do you love me? 00:03:11.680 --> 00:03:15.000 He said to him, Yes, Lord, you know that I love you. 00:03:15.540 --> 00:03:17.740 He said to him, Tend my sheep. 00:03:17.740 --> 00:03:22.379 He said to him the third time, Simon, son of John, do you love me? 00:03:23.060 --> 00:03:26.340 Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, Do you love me? 00:03:26.600 --> 00:03:28.379 And he said to him, Lord, you know everything. 00:03:28.600 --> 00:03:29.680 You know that I love you. 00:03:30.460 --> 00:03:32.659 Jesus said to him, Feed my sheep. 00:03:33.680 --> 00:03:38.740 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted. 00:03:38.740 --> 00:03:45.439 But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go. 00:03:46.260 --> 00:03:49.640 This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God. 00:03:50.240 --> 00:03:53.200 And after saying this, he said to him, Follow me. 00:03:54.219 --> 00:03:57.560 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, 00:03:57.920 --> 00:04:01.280 the one who had also leaned back against him during the supper and had said, 00:04:01.640 --> 00:04:03.540 Lord, who is it that is going to betray you? 00:04:04.160 --> 00:04:07.719 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, Lord, what about this man? 00:04:08.740 --> 00:04:13.219 Jesus said to him, If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? 00:04:13.560 --> 00:04:15.360 You follow me. 00:04:16.300 --> 00:04:20.600 So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die. 00:04:20.720 --> 00:04:23.120 Yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die. 00:04:23.240 --> 00:04:26.699 But if it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? 00:04:27.819 --> 00:04:33.519 This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things and who has written these things. 00:04:33.600 --> 00:04:36.000 And we know that his testimony is true. 00:04:36.000 --> 00:04:39.779 Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. 00:04:40.339 --> 00:04:47.779 Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. 00:04:49.180 --> 00:04:50.579 This is the word of God. 00:04:51.339 --> 00:04:52.500 Let's pray once more. 00:04:52.639 --> 00:04:55.079 Lord, we thank you for your word. 00:04:55.079 --> 00:05:00.079 And we pray even as we've already sung, God, reveal your glory through the preaching of your word. 00:05:00.180 --> 00:05:07.240 Would you show us Christ this morning and give us eyes to see, give us hearts to accept and believe what you've written. 00:05:07.680 --> 00:05:08.800 We pray this in Jesus' name. 00:05:09.719 --> 00:05:10.019 Amen. 00:05:10.319 --> 00:05:10.959 You may be seated. 00:05:12.560 --> 00:05:15.159 47 sermons in the Gospel of John. 00:05:16.360 --> 00:05:20.219 Spread out among 62 Sundays with a break here and there. 00:05:20.419 --> 00:05:21.439 21 chapters. 00:05:21.439 --> 00:05:23.920 Some of you probably wish it could go on a bit longer. 00:05:24.500 --> 00:05:28.319 Many of you are probably wondering what more could possibly be said. 00:05:29.319 --> 00:05:39.800 Well, if we take John literally here at the ending of this Gospel, he says the world itself can't contain the books that could be written about this man Jesus. 00:05:40.939 --> 00:05:44.339 We've seen time and time and time again, haven't we? 00:05:44.339 --> 00:05:53.259 The example after example after example, story after story after story, written about this man Jesus. 00:05:53.479 --> 00:05:57.319 John is trying to get us to see clearly who he is. 00:05:58.039 --> 00:06:00.099 And he's written with an aim in mind. 00:06:00.179 --> 00:06:01.199 You ought to know this by now. 00:06:01.259 --> 00:06:02.759 Chapter 20, verse 31. 00:06:02.759 --> 00:06:10.439 These things are written that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. 00:06:10.800 --> 00:06:15.060 And that by believing, you may have life in his name. 00:06:15.899 --> 00:06:20.180 As we bring our series to a close this morning, as we wrap up the Gospel of John, 00:06:20.279 --> 00:06:23.500 really this shouldn't be many new things to you. 00:06:23.579 --> 00:06:25.240 It shouldn't be new information to you. 00:06:25.240 --> 00:06:31.180 But rather, John's putting the question to us once again, do you believe? 00:06:32.319 --> 00:06:35.019 Have you gotten the message? 00:06:36.480 --> 00:06:41.780 To that end, he shares two final stories of the person and work of Jesus this morning. 00:06:41.860 --> 00:06:42.639 This will be our outline. 00:06:42.759 --> 00:06:45.240 If you're taking notes, this will help you to follow along. 00:06:45.560 --> 00:06:50.639 We have two final stories of the work of Jesus this morning. 00:06:50.639 --> 00:06:54.000 We see Jesus reveals himself to his people. 00:06:55.240 --> 00:06:59.340 And Jesus restores his people to himself. 00:07:00.360 --> 00:07:03.460 Jesus reveals himself to his people. 00:07:04.360 --> 00:07:07.980 And Jesus restores his people to himself. 00:07:08.319 --> 00:07:15.699 First, we see here in verses 1 through 14, Jesus once again reveals himself to his people. 00:07:16.699 --> 00:07:21.139 All throughout John's Gospel, we've seen him revealing himself, haven't we? 00:07:21.199 --> 00:07:23.199 Peeling back the layer of who he is. 00:07:23.199 --> 00:07:27.680 We've seen signs and wonders of what he's done that reveal who he is. 00:07:28.060 --> 00:07:32.300 We've heard his own statements, these I am statements revealing who he is. 00:07:32.579 --> 00:07:35.959 And we've seen the disciples, haven't we, progress in faith, 00:07:36.060 --> 00:07:39.800 especially as we come to the aftermath of the resurrection of Jesus. 00:07:39.980 --> 00:07:44.379 We see them seeing, beginning to see clearly who Jesus is. 00:07:44.379 --> 00:07:45.719 Look there with me to verse 1. 00:07:46.639 --> 00:07:52.000 Jesus has just appeared to his disciples twice already after his resurrection, 00:07:52.199 --> 00:07:55.719 once without Thomas and then a second time with Thomas present. 00:07:56.399 --> 00:08:03.740 And now John says that after this, Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. 00:08:03.819 --> 00:08:06.540 And John says he revealed himself in this way. 00:08:06.540 --> 00:08:10.020 The disciples were going fishing. 00:08:11.140 --> 00:08:14.640 Peter, ever the vocal leader of the disciples, says, 00:08:14.980 --> 00:08:16.520 I'm going fishing, who wants to come? 00:08:16.580 --> 00:08:20.960 And it says Thomas and Nathaniel of Cana, the sons of Zebedee, James and John, 00:08:21.040 --> 00:08:23.439 and two others came with him, that's seven in all, 00:08:23.920 --> 00:08:26.660 which would not have been an unusual thing, right? 00:08:26.740 --> 00:08:31.240 Peter, James, and John were all fishermen when Jesus called them to follow him. 00:08:31.320 --> 00:08:34.200 They would have been used to a long night out on the sea fishing. 00:08:34.200 --> 00:08:40.480 But what was unusual for them this evening was that after a night full of fishing all night long, 00:08:40.660 --> 00:08:42.500 they had nothing to show for it. 00:08:43.480 --> 00:08:48.080 And John says they came back and they had no fish all night long, 00:08:48.160 --> 00:08:52.580 casting nets, casting nets, casting nets, and nothing. 00:08:52.740 --> 00:08:54.820 Which wouldn't be strange if I was in the boat, right? 00:08:55.120 --> 00:08:56.920 That's how it normally goes when I go fishing. 00:08:57.020 --> 00:09:00.100 But these men, these were experienced fishermen. 00:09:00.280 --> 00:09:03.120 They weren't fishing with a rod and a hook and a worm. 00:09:03.120 --> 00:09:04.200 They were casting nets. 00:09:04.299 --> 00:09:06.960 They were expecting to haul in a number of fish. 00:09:07.740 --> 00:09:09.639 But John says the night came and went. 00:09:09.860 --> 00:09:13.120 Morning was approaching and they caught nothing. 00:09:13.799 --> 00:09:14.460 Very unusual. 00:09:15.659 --> 00:09:18.519 That's not the only unusual thing that happened, was it? 00:09:19.200 --> 00:09:21.299 And to make matters worse, there on the shore, 00:09:22.019 --> 00:09:24.759 some strange man calls out to them, 00:09:24.759 --> 00:09:26.840 children, have you caught any fish? 00:09:27.779 --> 00:09:29.600 Now maybe I just imagine this, 00:09:29.740 --> 00:09:32.259 that maybe they had a more gracious tone than I would have had 00:09:32.259 --> 00:09:35.519 after a night without sleep, without anything to show for it. 00:09:36.120 --> 00:09:39.200 But they answered and said, no, we have no fish. 00:09:40.159 --> 00:09:42.200 And so the strange man on the shore tells them, 00:09:42.279 --> 00:09:44.919 well, try casting the net on the right side of the boat. 00:09:44.919 --> 00:09:50.379 And whether out of despair or desperation or defeat, I don't know, 00:09:50.500 --> 00:09:52.439 they cast the net on the other side. 00:09:52.539 --> 00:09:54.139 And all of a sudden, just imagine it, 00:09:54.179 --> 00:09:57.079 after a night of fruitless labor, 00:09:57.519 --> 00:10:00.779 all of a sudden they go to pull in the net empty as before, 00:10:00.939 --> 00:10:03.219 and this time it won't budge. 00:10:04.219 --> 00:10:04.959 It's weighted. 00:10:05.979 --> 00:10:06.759 It's full. 00:10:07.580 --> 00:10:09.419 It's full of fish. 00:10:09.620 --> 00:10:13.039 After all their efforts, that whole night they listened to the man on the shore. 00:10:13.159 --> 00:10:14.679 They tossed the net off the right side. 00:10:14.759 --> 00:10:18.200 And this time they can't even pull the net up into the boat. 00:10:18.319 --> 00:10:20.279 It won't budge. 00:10:21.139 --> 00:10:24.720 Something unusual and incredible has happened. 00:10:25.899 --> 00:10:28.460 And John says that it was here at this point, 00:10:28.779 --> 00:10:30.659 John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, 00:10:30.659 --> 00:10:34.480 he realized who this mysterious man on the shore must be. 00:10:34.620 --> 00:10:35.879 And he proclaims. 00:10:35.879 --> 00:10:37.379 He says, it is the Lord. 00:10:38.139 --> 00:10:39.000 He's back. 00:10:40.460 --> 00:10:43.679 Just imagine the joy and the excitement of that moment. 00:10:43.799 --> 00:10:47.659 The risen Lord Jesus is right there on the shore, 00:10:47.759 --> 00:10:49.139 just a hundred yards away. 00:10:49.220 --> 00:10:49.779 He's back. 00:10:49.899 --> 00:10:52.220 He's come to visit us once again. 00:10:53.700 --> 00:11:01.240 One of the joys of being a father of kids that are still young 00:11:01.240 --> 00:11:04.460 is that they're still excited to see me. 00:11:05.019 --> 00:11:05.460 Often. 00:11:05.460 --> 00:11:06.320 A lot of the time. 00:11:06.379 --> 00:11:06.540 Right? 00:11:07.259 --> 00:11:11.519 And I love going to the preschool pickup line at their school 00:11:11.519 --> 00:11:14.860 and seeing the kids just charge out of the door 00:11:14.860 --> 00:11:16.980 and run into the arms of their parents. 00:11:17.560 --> 00:11:19.660 And some of them just leap in for a hug. 00:11:19.720 --> 00:11:20.960 Other ones, they jump off. 00:11:21.019 --> 00:11:22.160 They fly off the curb. 00:11:22.379 --> 00:11:24.019 And they land in their parents' arms. 00:11:24.120 --> 00:11:28.560 They're excited to be reunited with the ones who love them most. 00:11:28.559 --> 00:11:31.919 And we've seen, haven't we, throughout John's gospel, 00:11:32.299 --> 00:11:35.099 no disciple is more like a preschooler than Peter. 00:11:35.299 --> 00:11:35.579 Right? 00:11:36.419 --> 00:11:38.179 And John says, it's the Lord. 00:11:38.239 --> 00:11:39.879 As soon as he tells Peter, it's the Lord. 00:11:39.919 --> 00:11:40.659 What does Peter do? 00:11:40.759 --> 00:11:42.319 He puts on his clothes. 00:11:42.419 --> 00:11:43.739 He was stripped down for work. 00:11:43.819 --> 00:11:44.819 He wraps himself up. 00:11:44.899 --> 00:11:47.199 And he tosses himself in the water. 00:11:48.199 --> 00:11:51.959 He says he swam a hundred yards to go see Jesus, 00:11:51.960 --> 00:11:56.379 to be reunited with the one who loves him most. 00:11:57.440 --> 00:11:58.340 And when he got there, 00:11:58.940 --> 00:12:03.080 he found that Jesus had prepared a fire with fish and bread. 00:12:03.160 --> 00:12:03.720 And he told them, 00:12:03.800 --> 00:12:05.360 go bring the fish that you just caught 00:12:05.360 --> 00:12:08.100 and come and let's have breakfast. 00:12:08.440 --> 00:12:11.060 Now, this is an aside, right? 00:12:11.639 --> 00:12:15.160 But Peter must have been either incredibly strong 00:12:15.160 --> 00:12:18.820 or just jacked up on adrenaline from seeing the Lord 00:12:18.820 --> 00:12:21.080 because he just swims a hundred yards. 00:12:21.960 --> 00:12:23.300 And then at the command of Jesus, 00:12:23.700 --> 00:12:26.400 verse 11 says that he got back up in the boat 00:12:26.400 --> 00:12:28.720 and he hauled that heavy net ashore 00:12:28.720 --> 00:12:30.920 full of 153 large fish. 00:12:31.379 --> 00:12:33.120 And although there were so many, John, 00:12:33.280 --> 00:12:35.020 he points out this small detail, 00:12:35.700 --> 00:12:37.660 the net was not torn. 00:12:39.060 --> 00:12:40.420 So right there on the beach, 00:12:41.260 --> 00:12:43.980 reunited once again with bread and fish, 00:12:44.020 --> 00:12:46.640 and I can only imagine with joy and laughter, 00:12:46.639 --> 00:12:51.139 the disciples enjoyed a little fish for breakfast with Jesus. 00:12:52.539 --> 00:12:54.620 John tells us in verse 12 00:12:54.620 --> 00:12:57.080 that none of the disciples, not one, 00:12:58.019 --> 00:13:00.819 none of the disciples dared ask him, 00:13:00.960 --> 00:13:01.720 who are you? 00:13:01.939 --> 00:13:04.439 They all knew it was the Lord. 00:13:04.559 --> 00:13:06.819 See, we see a little bit of their progress 00:13:06.819 --> 00:13:08.159 in the faith here, don't we? 00:13:08.840 --> 00:13:11.059 They knew it was the Lord. 00:13:11.120 --> 00:13:11.600 What a moment. 00:13:11.600 --> 00:13:15.460 But you know, as I read this 00:13:15.460 --> 00:13:17.220 and studied this text, 00:13:17.279 --> 00:13:18.840 as I thought about this event, 00:13:18.899 --> 00:13:20.279 as I imagined it in my mind, 00:13:20.680 --> 00:13:22.540 I asked the question and I wondered, 00:13:22.620 --> 00:13:23.860 maybe you asked the same question 00:13:23.860 --> 00:13:25.360 as you read this text. 00:13:25.860 --> 00:13:29.440 How in the world did they know it was the Lord? 00:13:30.879 --> 00:13:32.440 How were they so confident 00:13:32.440 --> 00:13:34.379 that it was the Lord Jesus? 00:13:34.540 --> 00:13:35.879 Confident enough for John, 00:13:36.120 --> 00:13:38.620 a hundred yards away in the dark of the early morning, 00:13:38.720 --> 00:13:39.740 to say it's the Lord? 00:13:39.740 --> 00:13:41.940 Confident enough for Peter 00:13:41.940 --> 00:13:43.220 to throw himself in the water 00:13:43.220 --> 00:13:44.519 and go swim up to the shore. 00:13:44.620 --> 00:13:47.240 How did they know it was the Lord? 00:13:47.340 --> 00:13:48.259 Well, it could have been 00:13:48.259 --> 00:13:50.940 that they're just so familiar with him, 00:13:51.000 --> 00:13:52.779 having spent three years together, 00:13:53.379 --> 00:13:54.320 eating meals. 00:13:54.399 --> 00:13:56.279 They ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner with Jesus. 00:13:56.460 --> 00:13:58.279 They had the opportunity to observe 00:13:58.279 --> 00:14:01.000 his mannerisms, his personality, 00:14:01.639 --> 00:14:02.960 how he broke the bread 00:14:02.960 --> 00:14:05.139 when he distributed it to the masses 00:14:05.139 --> 00:14:06.139 and fed the thousands. 00:14:06.139 --> 00:14:09.439 And they had eaten bread and wine 00:14:09.439 --> 00:14:11.699 at the last supper before the death of Christ. 00:14:11.819 --> 00:14:14.120 There's familiarity in the breaking of bread. 00:14:15.419 --> 00:14:16.360 It could have been that 00:14:16.360 --> 00:14:18.519 he revealed himself to them 00:14:18.519 --> 00:14:20.519 in the way that he served them. 00:14:21.139 --> 00:14:23.059 And no one served them like Jesus. 00:14:23.919 --> 00:14:25.500 And after a long night of fishing, 00:14:25.699 --> 00:14:28.279 here was Jesus preparing a fire, 00:14:29.159 --> 00:14:30.159 making breakfast, 00:14:30.840 --> 00:14:31.879 preparing the fish, 00:14:32.019 --> 00:14:33.299 and setting the table. 00:14:33.299 --> 00:14:34.359 He revealed himself 00:14:34.359 --> 00:14:37.120 in his persistent desire to serve them. 00:14:37.199 --> 00:14:39.379 This was the master that washed their feet. 00:14:40.779 --> 00:14:41.419 The Son of Man, 00:14:41.479 --> 00:14:42.740 who came not to be served, 00:14:42.799 --> 00:14:43.639 but to serve, 00:14:44.039 --> 00:14:46.740 and to give his life as a ransom for many. 00:14:46.859 --> 00:14:49.479 They knew it was him by his service. 00:14:50.539 --> 00:14:52.379 That still doesn't explain, does it, 00:14:52.399 --> 00:14:54.740 how John knew it was him 00:14:54.740 --> 00:14:56.399 from a hundred yards away. 00:14:57.139 --> 00:14:58.539 How Peter was so confident 00:14:58.539 --> 00:15:00.899 it was him from a hundred yards away. 00:15:00.899 --> 00:15:02.480 There's one more reason 00:15:02.480 --> 00:15:05.740 why I think they knew it must be him, 00:15:05.819 --> 00:15:07.559 even before arriving on the shore. 00:15:08.519 --> 00:15:10.079 They knew it was him 00:15:10.079 --> 00:15:11.899 because something similar 00:15:12.500 --> 00:15:14.000 had happened to them 00:15:14.000 --> 00:15:15.179 and with them 00:15:15.179 --> 00:15:17.519 and another encounter with Jesus 00:15:17.519 --> 00:15:19.639 earlier in another gospel, 00:15:19.799 --> 00:15:21.100 but with a few key differences. 00:15:22.000 --> 00:15:23.340 Luke chapter 5, 00:15:23.980 --> 00:15:25.259 verses 1 through 11. 00:15:25.360 --> 00:15:26.500 You can turn there if you like, 00:15:26.500 --> 00:15:28.360 but what I want you to notice 00:15:28.360 --> 00:15:30.340 is that these two stories 00:15:30.340 --> 00:15:32.340 are so similar. 00:15:33.159 --> 00:15:34.320 In fact, they're so similar 00:15:34.320 --> 00:15:36.139 that critics of the Bible 00:15:36.139 --> 00:15:38.500 say that this is just the same story 00:15:38.500 --> 00:15:39.879 repurposed and told 00:15:39.879 --> 00:15:40.940 in different places 00:15:40.940 --> 00:15:42.000 and in different ways, 00:15:42.080 --> 00:15:43.039 but I think that 00:15:43.039 --> 00:15:45.440 that misses the point here. 00:15:46.120 --> 00:15:46.580 Oftentimes, 00:15:47.039 --> 00:15:48.320 when we're studying God's word, 00:15:48.419 --> 00:15:50.679 if you see two similar stories, 00:15:51.179 --> 00:15:52.419 two similar occurrences, 00:15:52.919 --> 00:15:53.700 the point, 00:15:53.860 --> 00:15:54.399 the message, 00:15:54.399 --> 00:15:56.340 is in the similarities, 00:15:56.759 --> 00:15:58.620 but also in the differences 00:15:58.620 --> 00:15:59.959 between the stories. 00:16:00.500 --> 00:16:01.059 So look here, 00:16:01.159 --> 00:16:02.899 Luke chapter 5. 00:16:03.000 --> 00:16:04.100 Luke tells the story 00:16:04.100 --> 00:16:06.919 of Jesus calling the first disciples 00:16:06.919 --> 00:16:08.220 to follow him. 00:16:09.000 --> 00:16:10.500 This was the very beginning 00:16:10.500 --> 00:16:11.759 of their relationship. 00:16:12.059 --> 00:16:13.860 This was the very first time 00:16:13.860 --> 00:16:15.600 they ever heard the voice of Jesus. 00:16:15.799 --> 00:16:16.439 It's the beginning 00:16:16.439 --> 00:16:19.139 of Jesus revealing himself to them. 00:16:19.720 --> 00:16:20.600 Now, I want you to listen 00:16:20.600 --> 00:16:21.460 and see if you can spot 00:16:21.460 --> 00:16:22.299 the differences here. 00:16:23.240 --> 00:16:24.120 Luke chapter 5. 00:16:25.139 --> 00:16:26.120 Luke says that Jesus 00:16:26.120 --> 00:16:26.759 was teaching 00:16:26.759 --> 00:16:27.559 at the side 00:16:27.559 --> 00:16:29.059 of the lake Gennesaret 00:16:29.059 --> 00:16:30.959 and he saw two boats 00:16:30.959 --> 00:16:31.539 by the lake, 00:16:31.620 --> 00:16:32.100 but the fishermen 00:16:32.100 --> 00:16:33.379 had gone out of them 00:16:33.379 --> 00:16:34.639 and were washing their nets 00:16:34.639 --> 00:16:35.620 and he got into one 00:16:35.620 --> 00:16:36.159 of the boats 00:16:36.159 --> 00:16:37.699 which happened to belong 00:16:37.699 --> 00:16:38.959 to a man named Simon 00:16:38.959 --> 00:16:41.019 who we know is Peter. 00:16:41.959 --> 00:16:42.980 And he taught the people 00:16:42.980 --> 00:16:43.620 from the boat 00:16:43.620 --> 00:16:44.480 and when he finished, 00:16:44.559 --> 00:16:45.139 listen to this, 00:16:45.740 --> 00:16:46.639 he said to Peter, 00:16:46.799 --> 00:16:48.139 put out into the deep 00:16:48.139 --> 00:16:49.159 and let down your nets 00:16:49.159 --> 00:16:49.799 for a catch. 00:16:51.059 --> 00:16:51.899 And Simon answered, 00:16:52.480 --> 00:16:52.779 Master, 00:16:52.779 --> 00:16:53.720 we toiled all night 00:16:53.720 --> 00:16:54.360 and took nothing, 00:16:55.139 --> 00:16:56.299 but at your word 00:16:56.299 --> 00:16:57.860 I will let down the nets. 00:16:58.659 --> 00:16:59.740 And when they had done this, 00:16:59.799 --> 00:17:00.279 Luke says, 00:17:00.439 --> 00:17:02.699 they enclosed a large number 00:17:02.699 --> 00:17:03.459 of fish 00:17:03.459 --> 00:17:04.440 and their nets 00:17:04.440 --> 00:17:06.319 were breaking. 00:17:07.759 --> 00:17:08.599 And they signaled 00:17:08.599 --> 00:17:09.240 to their partners 00:17:09.240 --> 00:17:09.819 in the other boat 00:17:09.819 --> 00:17:10.879 to come and help them 00:17:10.879 --> 00:17:11.839 and they came 00:17:11.839 --> 00:17:13.079 and filled both the boats 00:17:13.079 --> 00:17:14.420 so that they began to sink. 00:17:14.740 --> 00:17:16.240 But when Simon Peter saw it, 00:17:16.460 --> 00:17:17.500 he fell down 00:17:17.500 --> 00:17:18.779 at Jesus' knees 00:17:18.779 --> 00:17:19.319 saying, 00:17:19.319 --> 00:17:20.319 depart from me 00:17:20.319 --> 00:17:21.960 for I am a sinful man, 00:17:22.159 --> 00:17:22.679 O Lord. 00:17:23.379 --> 00:17:24.339 For he and all 00:17:24.339 --> 00:17:24.980 who were with him 00:17:24.980 --> 00:17:25.960 were astonished 00:17:25.960 --> 00:17:27.359 at the catch of fish 00:17:27.359 --> 00:17:28.099 that they had taken. 00:17:28.779 --> 00:17:29.480 And so also 00:17:29.480 --> 00:17:30.720 were James and John, 00:17:30.799 --> 00:17:31.720 the sons of Zebedee, 00:17:31.960 --> 00:17:32.779 who were partners 00:17:32.779 --> 00:17:33.480 with Simon. 00:17:34.339 --> 00:17:35.439 And Jesus said to Simon, 00:17:35.839 --> 00:17:37.019 do not be afraid. 00:17:37.259 --> 00:17:38.220 From now on 00:17:38.220 --> 00:17:40.919 you will be catching men. 00:17:42.039 --> 00:17:42.819 And when they had brought 00:17:42.819 --> 00:17:43.919 their boats to land, 00:17:44.000 --> 00:17:44.960 they left everything 00:17:44.960 --> 00:17:47.319 and followed him. 00:17:47.659 --> 00:17:48.259 It's interesting, 00:17:48.259 --> 00:17:48.720 isn't it? 00:17:50.299 --> 00:17:51.019 This event, 00:17:51.160 --> 00:17:51.680 obviously, 00:17:51.799 --> 00:17:52.299 it would have been 00:17:52.299 --> 00:17:53.980 seared into their memories. 00:17:54.200 --> 00:17:54.819 This was one of those 00:17:54.819 --> 00:17:56.420 life-changing 00:17:56.420 --> 00:17:57.700 foundational events. 00:17:57.879 --> 00:17:58.640 And so when it happens 00:17:58.640 --> 00:18:00.299 again here in John 00:18:00.299 --> 00:18:01.039 chapter 21, 00:18:01.240 --> 00:18:02.400 of course they knew 00:18:02.400 --> 00:18:03.099 it was Jesus. 00:18:03.319 --> 00:18:03.539 Why? 00:18:03.940 --> 00:18:04.700 Because this was 00:18:04.700 --> 00:18:06.000 the exact way 00:18:06.000 --> 00:18:06.960 he had first 00:18:06.960 --> 00:18:08.000 revealed himself 00:18:08.000 --> 00:18:08.940 to them. 00:18:09.960 --> 00:18:10.900 What was the lesson 00:18:10.900 --> 00:18:11.660 for them back 00:18:11.660 --> 00:18:12.160 at the beginning? 00:18:13.039 --> 00:18:14.799 Come follow me. 00:18:15.619 --> 00:18:17.400 Come follow me. 00:18:17.400 --> 00:18:19.540 and I will make you 00:18:19.540 --> 00:18:21.680 fishers of men. 00:18:22.660 --> 00:18:23.420 Well, what are they doing 00:18:23.420 --> 00:18:24.280 here in John 21? 00:18:25.680 --> 00:18:27.280 They're still catching fish. 00:18:28.860 --> 00:18:29.759 Could it be? 00:18:29.880 --> 00:18:30.920 What's the lesson here? 00:18:31.019 --> 00:18:31.840 Could it be 00:18:31.840 --> 00:18:33.720 that Jesus is saying, 00:18:34.080 --> 00:18:34.240 guys, 00:18:34.340 --> 00:18:35.800 the time has come. 00:18:36.759 --> 00:18:38.519 The plan of salvation 00:18:38.519 --> 00:18:40.080 has been accomplished. 00:18:40.780 --> 00:18:41.759 I have come. 00:18:41.860 --> 00:18:42.740 I have lived. 00:18:42.820 --> 00:18:43.460 I have died. 00:18:43.460 --> 00:18:44.420 I have risen. 00:18:44.759 --> 00:18:45.720 The time has come 00:18:45.720 --> 00:18:46.559 for you to stop 00:18:46.559 --> 00:18:47.480 catching fish 00:18:47.480 --> 00:18:48.240 and go out 00:18:48.240 --> 00:18:48.819 and begin 00:18:48.819 --> 00:18:50.079 catching men. 00:18:51.380 --> 00:18:51.980 Could it be 00:18:51.980 --> 00:18:52.940 a lesson for them? 00:18:53.000 --> 00:18:53.940 I have sent you out 00:18:53.940 --> 00:18:55.000 to proclaim forgiveness 00:18:55.000 --> 00:18:56.140 of sins in my name 00:18:56.140 --> 00:18:56.740 and here you are 00:18:56.740 --> 00:18:57.900 still catching fish. 00:18:58.220 --> 00:18:58.920 You've gone back 00:18:58.920 --> 00:19:00.000 to your old life. 00:19:00.799 --> 00:19:01.460 You've gone back 00:19:01.460 --> 00:19:03.140 to life as usual, 00:19:03.279 --> 00:19:04.120 as if the resurrection 00:19:04.120 --> 00:19:05.019 didn't happen. 00:19:05.160 --> 00:19:05.700 Don't you know 00:19:05.700 --> 00:19:06.660 the resurrection 00:19:06.660 --> 00:19:07.920 changes everything? 00:19:08.980 --> 00:19:09.840 And now it's time 00:19:09.840 --> 00:19:10.200 for you. 00:19:10.279 --> 00:19:11.220 If you've seen me 00:19:11.220 --> 00:19:12.779 clearly for who I am, 00:19:13.279 --> 00:19:14.079 it's time for you 00:19:14.079 --> 00:19:14.900 to go share 00:19:14.900 --> 00:19:15.640 that message 00:19:15.640 --> 00:19:16.339 with others. 00:19:17.259 --> 00:19:18.000 It's time for you 00:19:18.000 --> 00:19:18.720 to go and be 00:19:18.720 --> 00:19:20.980 a fisher of men. 00:19:21.100 --> 00:19:21.319 You see, 00:19:21.380 --> 00:19:22.440 if you have seen 00:19:22.440 --> 00:19:24.180 Jesus for who he is, 00:19:25.019 --> 00:19:25.740 if he's revealed 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:27.019 himself to you, 00:19:27.079 --> 00:19:27.920 you don't just go back 00:19:27.920 --> 00:19:28.759 to your old way 00:19:28.759 --> 00:19:29.200 of life. 00:19:29.259 --> 00:19:29.759 How could you? 00:19:30.740 --> 00:19:33.059 You have a repurposed 00:19:33.059 --> 00:19:34.740 identity in Christ. 00:19:34.880 --> 00:19:35.460 The resurrection 00:19:35.460 --> 00:19:36.539 of Jesus, 00:19:36.640 --> 00:19:37.279 when you see it 00:19:37.279 --> 00:19:38.039 with eyes of faith, 00:19:38.740 --> 00:19:39.839 changes everything 00:19:39.839 --> 00:19:41.379 about who you are. 00:19:42.240 --> 00:19:44.279 We are now sent out 00:19:44.279 --> 00:19:45.799 as fishers of men 00:19:45.799 --> 00:19:47.919 with an unbreakable net, 00:19:48.679 --> 00:19:49.559 the finished work 00:19:49.559 --> 00:19:50.279 of the gospel 00:19:50.279 --> 00:19:51.879 of Jesus Christ 00:19:51.879 --> 00:19:52.459 and a Lord 00:19:52.459 --> 00:19:53.399 that commands you 00:19:53.399 --> 00:19:54.659 to cast. 00:19:56.179 --> 00:19:56.599 Of course, 00:19:56.659 --> 00:19:57.359 there's a problem, 00:19:57.899 --> 00:19:58.439 isn't there? 00:19:59.639 --> 00:20:00.339 When you hear 00:20:00.339 --> 00:20:01.399 that command 00:20:01.399 --> 00:20:02.019 that we're called 00:20:02.019 --> 00:20:02.839 to go be fishers 00:20:02.839 --> 00:20:03.240 of men, 00:20:03.299 --> 00:20:03.919 there's a problem. 00:20:04.119 --> 00:20:05.659 I've heard each of you, 00:20:06.059 --> 00:20:06.819 many of you, 00:20:06.899 --> 00:20:08.019 express this to me 00:20:08.019 --> 00:20:09.019 when I've spoken 00:20:09.019 --> 00:20:09.740 with you about 00:20:09.740 --> 00:20:10.480 our call 00:20:10.480 --> 00:20:11.180 and the task 00:20:11.180 --> 00:20:12.720 of personal evangelism, 00:20:13.400 --> 00:20:14.579 that you and I 00:20:14.579 --> 00:20:15.279 are called, 00:20:15.379 --> 00:20:16.220 each one of us 00:20:16.220 --> 00:20:17.400 as followers of Christ, 00:20:17.720 --> 00:20:18.700 we are called 00:20:18.700 --> 00:20:19.720 to go be fishers 00:20:19.720 --> 00:20:20.180 of men. 00:20:20.599 --> 00:20:21.259 We are called 00:20:21.259 --> 00:20:22.160 to go share 00:20:22.160 --> 00:20:22.720 the gospel 00:20:22.720 --> 00:20:23.539 with our friends 00:20:23.539 --> 00:20:24.799 and our family members 00:20:24.799 --> 00:20:25.680 and our co-workers 00:20:25.680 --> 00:20:26.359 and our neighbors. 00:20:26.920 --> 00:20:27.960 We come across 00:20:27.960 --> 00:20:28.599 a problem. 00:20:28.740 --> 00:20:28.940 Do you know 00:20:28.940 --> 00:20:29.379 what it is? 00:20:30.539 --> 00:20:31.720 We feel so 00:20:31.720 --> 00:20:32.839 insufficient 00:20:32.839 --> 00:20:34.160 for that call, 00:20:34.240 --> 00:20:34.559 don't we? 00:20:35.480 --> 00:20:36.740 Who are we 00:20:36.740 --> 00:20:37.700 to go 00:20:37.700 --> 00:20:38.379 and proclaim 00:20:38.379 --> 00:20:39.720 this gospel message? 00:20:40.519 --> 00:20:41.059 We know 00:20:41.059 --> 00:20:42.399 that we're sinful, 00:20:42.579 --> 00:20:43.379 we're insufficient. 00:20:43.619 --> 00:20:45.319 Who are we? 00:20:45.460 --> 00:20:45.859 Which is why 00:20:45.859 --> 00:20:46.720 the second point 00:20:46.720 --> 00:20:47.339 this morning 00:20:47.339 --> 00:20:49.359 is so encouraging 00:20:49.359 --> 00:20:50.659 for sinners 00:20:50.659 --> 00:20:51.819 like us. 00:20:52.799 --> 00:20:53.759 Jesus reveals 00:20:53.759 --> 00:20:55.139 himself to his people 00:20:55.139 --> 00:20:55.839 and second, 00:20:56.779 --> 00:20:58.339 Jesus restores 00:20:58.339 --> 00:20:59.279 his people 00:20:59.279 --> 00:21:00.799 to himself. 00:21:02.519 --> 00:21:03.299 If anyone 00:21:03.299 --> 00:21:04.480 was disqualified 00:21:04.480 --> 00:21:06.559 from useful service 00:21:06.559 --> 00:21:07.299 to the Lord, 00:21:07.980 --> 00:21:08.639 it was Peter. 00:21:09.879 --> 00:21:10.279 Right? 00:21:11.319 --> 00:21:11.940 It was Peter. 00:21:12.039 --> 00:21:12.500 You remember 00:21:12.500 --> 00:21:14.440 Peter and the size 00:21:14.440 --> 00:21:15.299 of his failure 00:21:15.299 --> 00:21:16.139 three times. 00:21:16.220 --> 00:21:17.299 He denied the Lord. 00:21:17.379 --> 00:21:18.339 He was unwilling 00:21:18.339 --> 00:21:19.119 to associate 00:21:19.119 --> 00:21:19.899 with the Lord. 00:21:20.039 --> 00:21:20.919 He wanted nothing 00:21:20.919 --> 00:21:22.480 to do with the cost 00:21:22.480 --> 00:21:23.519 of following Jesus. 00:21:23.680 --> 00:21:24.480 I don't know him. 00:21:24.819 --> 00:21:25.740 I don't know him. 00:21:26.099 --> 00:21:26.960 I don't know him. 00:21:27.000 --> 00:21:28.059 And now as he sees 00:21:28.059 --> 00:21:29.319 the Lord on the shore, 00:21:29.440 --> 00:21:29.559 I mean, 00:21:29.559 --> 00:21:30.700 he's excited to see him, 00:21:30.779 --> 00:21:32.319 but he has to be carrying 00:21:32.319 --> 00:21:33.339 just a load of guilt. 00:21:33.500 --> 00:21:33.659 Right? 00:21:34.619 --> 00:21:35.179 And there's this 00:21:35.179 --> 00:21:36.679 unresolved tension 00:21:36.679 --> 00:21:37.639 here. 00:21:38.619 --> 00:21:40.079 But what Peter learns 00:21:40.079 --> 00:21:40.939 in this moment, 00:21:41.779 --> 00:21:42.599 and it's such an important 00:21:42.599 --> 00:21:43.879 lesson for us as well, 00:21:44.139 --> 00:21:46.519 is that his status 00:21:46.519 --> 00:21:47.679 before the Lord 00:21:47.679 --> 00:21:50.339 and his usefulness 00:21:50.339 --> 00:21:52.480 for the Lord's ministry 00:21:52.480 --> 00:21:55.899 is not in his goodness. 00:21:56.639 --> 00:21:59.000 It's not in his strength. 00:21:59.000 --> 00:22:01.880 It's not in his faithfulness, 00:22:02.500 --> 00:22:04.099 but in the faithfulness 00:22:04.099 --> 00:22:04.839 of Christ. 00:22:05.940 --> 00:22:07.640 Look there to verse 15. 00:22:08.839 --> 00:22:09.319 John says, 00:22:09.420 --> 00:22:10.400 When they'd finished breakfast, 00:22:10.559 --> 00:22:11.859 Jesus said to Simon Peter, 00:22:12.019 --> 00:22:13.000 Simon, son of John, 00:22:13.539 --> 00:22:14.400 do you love me 00:22:14.400 --> 00:22:15.460 more than these? 00:22:16.819 --> 00:22:18.039 You've boasted before 00:22:18.039 --> 00:22:18.920 about the strength 00:22:18.920 --> 00:22:19.359 of your love. 00:22:19.420 --> 00:22:20.000 What about now? 00:22:20.859 --> 00:22:22.039 Do you love me? 00:22:22.319 --> 00:22:22.660 And he said, 00:22:22.700 --> 00:22:23.279 Yes, Lord, 00:22:23.339 --> 00:22:25.240 you know that I love you. 00:22:25.299 --> 00:22:25.960 And he said to him, 00:22:26.059 --> 00:22:27.339 Feed my lambs. 00:22:27.339 --> 00:22:28.839 So he said to him 00:22:28.839 --> 00:22:29.799 a second time, 00:22:29.919 --> 00:22:30.819 Simon, son of John, 00:22:30.899 --> 00:22:32.199 do you love me? 00:22:32.799 --> 00:22:33.339 And again, 00:22:33.480 --> 00:22:34.980 he replied a second time, 00:22:35.039 --> 00:22:35.539 Yes, Lord, 00:22:35.599 --> 00:22:36.919 you know that I love you. 00:22:37.000 --> 00:22:37.359 And he said, 00:22:37.459 --> 00:22:39.059 Tend my sheep. 00:22:40.059 --> 00:22:40.799 So he said to him 00:22:40.799 --> 00:22:41.919 a third time, 00:22:42.019 --> 00:22:43.019 Simon, son of John, 00:22:43.079 --> 00:22:44.419 do you love me? 00:22:45.359 --> 00:22:45.699 And he says, 00:22:45.779 --> 00:22:46.939 Peter was grieved 00:22:46.939 --> 00:22:47.939 because he said to him 00:22:47.939 --> 00:22:48.599 the third time, 00:22:48.659 --> 00:22:49.879 Do you love me? 00:22:49.919 --> 00:22:50.279 And he said, 00:22:50.319 --> 00:22:51.439 Lord, you know everything. 00:22:51.579 --> 00:22:52.699 You know that I love you. 00:22:52.779 --> 00:22:54.679 You can see right into my heart 00:22:54.679 --> 00:22:55.359 and know the truth. 00:22:55.439 --> 00:22:56.779 You know that I love you. 00:22:56.779 --> 00:22:57.579 And Jesus said, 00:22:58.339 --> 00:23:00.039 Feed my sheep. 00:23:00.180 --> 00:23:00.460 Why? 00:23:00.960 --> 00:23:01.980 Why does he ask him 00:23:01.980 --> 00:23:03.420 this question three times? 00:23:05.039 --> 00:23:05.819 Oh, you remember, 00:23:06.079 --> 00:23:07.680 three times previously, 00:23:07.899 --> 00:23:09.420 Peter had denied him. 00:23:09.500 --> 00:23:10.500 I don't know him. 00:23:10.579 --> 00:23:11.579 I don't know him. 00:23:11.879 --> 00:23:12.940 I don't know him. 00:23:12.980 --> 00:23:13.899 And now Jesus, 00:23:14.160 --> 00:23:14.899 three times, 00:23:14.980 --> 00:23:15.559 asks him, 00:23:15.639 --> 00:23:16.519 Do you love me? 00:23:16.799 --> 00:23:17.759 Do you love me? 00:23:18.039 --> 00:23:18.899 Do you love me? 00:23:18.940 --> 00:23:20.019 And now three times, 00:23:20.099 --> 00:23:21.599 Peter is able to respond 00:23:21.599 --> 00:23:22.399 to the Lord, 00:23:22.519 --> 00:23:23.579 Yes, I love you. 00:23:24.000 --> 00:23:25.059 Yes, I love you. 00:23:25.059 --> 00:23:25.919 Yes, Lord, 00:23:25.980 --> 00:23:27.619 you know that I love you. 00:23:27.700 --> 00:23:28.440 This is Jesus 00:23:28.440 --> 00:23:31.039 graciously restoring 00:23:31.039 --> 00:23:32.259 his servant 00:23:32.259 --> 00:23:34.179 to himself 00:23:34.179 --> 00:23:37.220 and to his service. 00:23:38.599 --> 00:23:39.259 And if you've ever 00:23:39.259 --> 00:23:41.279 failed the Lord, 00:23:42.419 --> 00:23:43.839 and if you've ever denied him, 00:23:44.179 --> 00:23:45.579 like Peter has done here, 00:23:45.619 --> 00:23:46.740 and we all have, 00:23:47.819 --> 00:23:48.919 we should take heart. 00:23:49.879 --> 00:23:51.879 Now this is a clear illustration 00:23:51.880 --> 00:23:53.620 of the heart of Jesus 00:23:53.620 --> 00:23:56.100 towards sinners like us. 00:23:57.660 --> 00:23:57.900 You know, 00:23:57.940 --> 00:23:59.640 we were traveling this past week, 00:24:00.340 --> 00:24:01.080 and on the way, 00:24:01.900 --> 00:24:05.640 we listened to the kids' version 00:24:05.640 --> 00:24:06.760 of Pilgrim's Progress. 00:24:07.120 --> 00:24:07.960 I forget what it's called. 00:24:08.200 --> 00:24:10.060 Littlest Pilgrim, 00:24:10.140 --> 00:24:10.620 Big Journey, 00:24:10.720 --> 00:24:11.360 something like that. 00:24:11.800 --> 00:24:12.700 John Bunyan's 00:24:12.700 --> 00:24:13.560 Pilgrim's Progress. 00:24:13.820 --> 00:24:14.080 You know, 00:24:14.200 --> 00:24:15.180 you know the classic book. 00:24:15.900 --> 00:24:16.880 And we got to the point 00:24:16.880 --> 00:24:18.100 where Christian, 00:24:18.260 --> 00:24:18.800 the pilgrim, 00:24:18.860 --> 00:24:19.800 as he's journeying 00:24:19.799 --> 00:24:20.339 on his way 00:24:20.339 --> 00:24:21.579 to the celestial city. 00:24:22.000 --> 00:24:22.559 On his way 00:24:22.559 --> 00:24:23.700 to be reunited 00:24:23.700 --> 00:24:24.619 with the king 00:24:24.619 --> 00:24:26.039 who's called him there, 00:24:26.159 --> 00:24:27.299 called him to this journey. 00:24:27.700 --> 00:24:28.940 He's on his way, 00:24:29.039 --> 00:24:29.599 and he comes, 00:24:29.980 --> 00:24:31.799 and he meets Apollyon. 00:24:32.680 --> 00:24:33.740 And Apollyon begins 00:24:33.740 --> 00:24:35.740 to accuse Christian. 00:24:36.680 --> 00:24:37.099 And he says, 00:24:37.159 --> 00:24:38.220 you've been faithless. 00:24:39.220 --> 00:24:40.819 You've denied the Lord. 00:24:40.899 --> 00:24:42.299 You've swerved from the path. 00:24:42.359 --> 00:24:43.180 You've been lazy. 00:24:43.319 --> 00:24:44.159 You've been prideful. 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:46.079 He piles on accusation 00:24:46.079 --> 00:24:47.059 after accusation 00:24:47.059 --> 00:24:48.240 after accusation. 00:24:48.240 --> 00:24:50.660 And Christian responds, 00:24:50.759 --> 00:24:51.660 I love this. 00:24:52.359 --> 00:24:52.819 He says, 00:24:53.279 --> 00:24:54.279 all this is true 00:24:54.279 --> 00:24:54.920 and much more 00:24:54.920 --> 00:24:55.740 that you left out. 00:24:57.120 --> 00:24:58.299 But the prince 00:24:58.299 --> 00:24:59.400 whom I serve 00:24:59.400 --> 00:25:00.200 and honor 00:25:00.200 --> 00:25:01.000 is merciful 00:25:01.000 --> 00:25:02.900 and ready to forgive. 00:25:05.579 --> 00:25:06.599 Now we often sing 00:25:06.599 --> 00:25:09.019 when Satan tempts me 00:25:09.019 --> 00:25:09.779 to despair 00:25:09.779 --> 00:25:11.519 and tells me 00:25:11.519 --> 00:25:12.880 of the guilt within. 00:25:13.620 --> 00:25:14.759 Upward I look 00:25:14.759 --> 00:25:16.039 and see him there 00:25:16.039 --> 00:25:17.539 who made an end 00:25:17.539 --> 00:25:19.700 of all my sin. 00:25:21.920 --> 00:25:23.019 The Lord 00:25:23.019 --> 00:25:25.379 restored Peter 00:25:25.379 --> 00:25:26.579 not only to himself 00:25:26.579 --> 00:25:29.659 but also to tremendous service, 00:25:29.940 --> 00:25:31.720 to tremendous responsibility. 00:25:32.619 --> 00:25:34.000 As we read through the book of Acts, 00:25:34.099 --> 00:25:35.339 Peter becomes a pillar 00:25:35.339 --> 00:25:36.399 of the early church. 00:25:36.799 --> 00:25:37.700 He tells him here 00:25:37.700 --> 00:25:38.879 this responsibility 00:25:38.879 --> 00:25:39.740 three times. 00:25:39.879 --> 00:25:40.839 Feed my lambs. 00:25:40.940 --> 00:25:41.839 Tend my sheep. 00:25:42.159 --> 00:25:42.940 Feed my sheep. 00:25:43.019 --> 00:25:44.579 Does the Lord care for his sheep? 00:25:44.579 --> 00:25:46.799 Of course he does. 00:25:47.699 --> 00:25:49.419 This is no small responsibility 00:25:49.419 --> 00:25:51.000 that he's entrusting to Peter. 00:25:51.379 --> 00:25:52.419 Feed my sheep. 00:25:53.639 --> 00:25:54.679 What was the qualification? 00:25:55.119 --> 00:25:55.879 What claim? 00:25:55.980 --> 00:25:57.099 What right did Peter have 00:25:57.099 --> 00:25:58.059 to do this service? 00:25:58.159 --> 00:25:59.179 It's not in his goodness, 00:25:59.359 --> 00:25:59.679 is it? 00:26:00.299 --> 00:26:01.659 It's in the goodness 00:26:01.659 --> 00:26:02.980 and the restoration 00:26:02.980 --> 00:26:04.599 and the grace 00:26:04.599 --> 00:26:06.000 that he's received 00:26:06.000 --> 00:26:06.960 by the ministry 00:26:06.960 --> 00:26:07.879 of Christ Jesus. 00:26:09.579 --> 00:26:11.220 And the good news for us, 00:26:11.379 --> 00:26:11.659 church, 00:26:11.779 --> 00:26:12.279 is that this 00:26:12.279 --> 00:26:13.980 restorative ministry 00:26:13.980 --> 00:26:14.480 of Jesus. 00:26:14.599 --> 00:26:15.960 It's not just for Peter. 00:26:16.839 --> 00:26:18.599 It's not just for shepherds. 00:26:19.519 --> 00:26:21.299 This is the work of Christ 00:26:21.299 --> 00:26:23.140 for all of his people. 00:26:23.539 --> 00:26:26.480 Jesus restores his people 00:26:26.480 --> 00:26:28.000 to himself. 00:26:29.700 --> 00:26:29.940 You know, 00:26:29.980 --> 00:26:30.960 there's not a person in here 00:26:30.960 --> 00:26:32.299 who can honestly say 00:26:32.299 --> 00:26:33.620 that you have perfectly 00:26:33.620 --> 00:26:34.680 followed the Lord. 00:26:36.120 --> 00:26:37.180 Every one of us 00:26:37.180 --> 00:26:38.180 in our own way 00:26:38.180 --> 00:26:39.539 has denied him 00:26:39.539 --> 00:26:40.519 just like Peter. 00:26:40.519 --> 00:26:43.379 But as we grow 00:26:43.379 --> 00:26:44.579 to understand 00:26:44.579 --> 00:26:46.180 the heart of Christ 00:26:46.180 --> 00:26:47.940 towards sinners like us, 00:26:48.599 --> 00:26:50.400 the more that he reveals himself 00:26:50.400 --> 00:26:51.099 to us 00:26:51.099 --> 00:26:52.259 so that we see him clearly 00:26:52.259 --> 00:26:53.660 for who he is, 00:26:54.039 --> 00:26:55.940 we won't hide our sin 00:26:55.940 --> 00:26:57.579 from him like Adam. 00:26:58.579 --> 00:26:59.379 And we won't try 00:26:59.379 --> 00:27:00.420 and put on some appearance 00:27:00.420 --> 00:27:01.539 of false holiness. 00:27:02.559 --> 00:27:04.460 We'll run to him 00:27:04.460 --> 00:27:05.420 with our sin 00:27:05.420 --> 00:27:06.019 like Peter. 00:27:06.740 --> 00:27:07.559 That's exactly 00:27:07.559 --> 00:27:08.680 what he wants us to do. 00:27:08.680 --> 00:27:10.160 You know, 00:27:10.240 --> 00:27:11.500 it's interesting, isn't it? 00:27:11.820 --> 00:27:12.680 The first time 00:27:12.680 --> 00:27:13.840 that Jesus filled the nets 00:27:13.840 --> 00:27:14.880 and he called Peter 00:27:14.880 --> 00:27:15.519 to follow him, 00:27:15.560 --> 00:27:16.440 do you remember the response? 00:27:16.539 --> 00:27:17.000 What did he say? 00:27:17.920 --> 00:27:19.019 I'm sinful. 00:27:20.299 --> 00:27:21.360 Depart from me. 00:27:21.440 --> 00:27:22.380 I'm a sinful man, 00:27:22.440 --> 00:27:22.900 O Lord. 00:27:23.799 --> 00:27:24.279 That was just 00:27:24.279 --> 00:27:25.299 after a glimpse 00:27:25.299 --> 00:27:26.039 of the holiness 00:27:26.039 --> 00:27:27.220 and divinity of Christ. 00:27:27.340 --> 00:27:28.519 That was a short glimpse 00:27:28.519 --> 00:27:29.600 of the identity of Jesus. 00:27:30.660 --> 00:27:31.240 But here, 00:27:31.360 --> 00:27:33.019 after three years 00:27:33.019 --> 00:27:34.720 spent with the Lord, 00:27:35.420 --> 00:27:35.799 and here, 00:27:35.920 --> 00:27:36.580 after what had to be 00:27:36.580 --> 00:27:37.680 the very pinnacle, 00:27:37.680 --> 00:27:39.019 the very peak of his sin, 00:27:39.060 --> 00:27:39.620 what does he do? 00:27:39.840 --> 00:27:41.039 He jumps out 00:27:41.039 --> 00:27:41.820 and swims 00:27:41.820 --> 00:27:43.140 to the Lord 00:27:43.140 --> 00:27:44.620 for restoration. 00:27:46.340 --> 00:27:46.920 Now, we should know 00:27:46.920 --> 00:27:47.799 that both responses 00:27:47.799 --> 00:27:49.160 are correct, right? 00:27:50.120 --> 00:27:51.340 As sinful men 00:27:51.340 --> 00:27:51.779 and women 00:27:51.779 --> 00:27:52.480 on one side, 00:27:52.580 --> 00:27:53.560 we ought to stand 00:27:53.560 --> 00:27:54.779 in reverent fear 00:27:54.779 --> 00:27:56.240 of the holiness of God 00:27:56.240 --> 00:27:57.000 and what that means 00:27:57.000 --> 00:27:58.340 for us as sinners. 00:27:58.600 --> 00:27:59.600 We should never 00:27:59.600 --> 00:28:01.580 treat our sin lightly. 00:28:02.019 --> 00:28:02.840 We should never 00:28:02.840 --> 00:28:04.160 misuse and abuse 00:28:04.160 --> 00:28:05.560 the grace of God, 00:28:05.660 --> 00:28:06.560 the kindness of God 00:28:06.559 --> 00:28:07.319 as an excuse 00:28:07.319 --> 00:28:08.259 or a license 00:28:08.259 --> 00:28:08.980 to sin. 00:28:09.559 --> 00:28:10.099 And yet, 00:28:10.419 --> 00:28:12.339 if we understand 00:28:12.339 --> 00:28:13.079 the gospel, 00:28:13.940 --> 00:28:14.599 and the more 00:28:14.599 --> 00:28:15.339 we understand 00:28:15.339 --> 00:28:16.480 the heart of Christ, 00:28:17.240 --> 00:28:18.200 that Christ Jesus 00:28:18.200 --> 00:28:19.639 came and died 00:28:19.639 --> 00:28:20.639 to take away 00:28:20.639 --> 00:28:21.379 our sin 00:28:21.379 --> 00:28:22.379 from us, 00:28:22.419 --> 00:28:23.480 that he came here 00:28:23.480 --> 00:28:25.099 for sinners 00:28:25.099 --> 00:28:26.039 like us, 00:28:26.099 --> 00:28:26.859 that he died 00:28:26.859 --> 00:28:27.940 to restore 00:28:27.940 --> 00:28:29.000 sinners like us 00:28:29.000 --> 00:28:29.500 to fellowship 00:28:29.500 --> 00:28:30.200 with God, 00:28:30.200 --> 00:28:33.340 we ought to 00:28:33.340 --> 00:28:34.160 cast ourselves 00:28:34.160 --> 00:28:34.920 like Peter 00:28:34.920 --> 00:28:36.000 into the depths 00:28:36.000 --> 00:28:36.620 of his heart 00:28:36.620 --> 00:28:37.120 of grace 00:28:37.120 --> 00:28:37.840 towards sinners 00:28:37.840 --> 00:28:38.519 like us. 00:28:39.799 --> 00:28:41.059 The more clearly 00:28:41.059 --> 00:28:42.160 we see him, 00:28:42.240 --> 00:28:43.000 the more quickly 00:28:43.000 --> 00:28:44.400 we'll run to him 00:28:44.400 --> 00:28:45.420 for grace 00:28:45.420 --> 00:28:46.019 and restoration 00:28:46.019 --> 00:28:46.640 and say, 00:28:46.740 --> 00:28:47.500 Lord, use me 00:28:47.500 --> 00:28:49.559 however you see fit. 00:28:52.380 --> 00:28:53.400 Jesus gives us 00:28:53.400 --> 00:28:54.559 one final lesson 00:28:54.559 --> 00:28:55.279 to Peter 00:28:55.279 --> 00:28:55.980 here in verses 00:28:55.980 --> 00:28:57.120 18 through 23. 00:28:57.360 --> 00:28:58.500 He shares with him 00:28:58.500 --> 00:28:59.960 how he will die. 00:29:00.980 --> 00:29:01.420 Which, you know, 00:29:01.480 --> 00:29:02.039 that seems like, 00:29:02.359 --> 00:29:02.940 that seems a little 00:29:02.940 --> 00:29:04.119 strange at first glance, 00:29:04.200 --> 00:29:04.579 doesn't it? 00:29:05.460 --> 00:29:06.559 But what he's doing 00:29:06.559 --> 00:29:08.019 is he's sharing 00:29:08.019 --> 00:29:08.660 with Peter 00:29:08.660 --> 00:29:10.279 that this ministry, 00:29:10.519 --> 00:29:11.400 following me, 00:29:12.000 --> 00:29:13.099 fishing for men, 00:29:13.299 --> 00:29:14.319 shepherding my sheep, 00:29:14.819 --> 00:29:15.940 will come at 00:29:15.940 --> 00:29:17.799 great cost. 00:29:19.019 --> 00:29:20.099 Following me 00:29:20.099 --> 00:29:21.400 will come 00:29:21.400 --> 00:29:23.099 at great cost. 00:29:23.180 --> 00:29:23.799 Look what he says, 00:29:23.920 --> 00:29:24.559 Truly, truly, 00:29:24.680 --> 00:29:25.339 I say to you, 00:29:25.940 --> 00:29:26.720 when you were young, 00:29:26.799 --> 00:29:27.940 you used to dress yourself 00:29:27.940 --> 00:29:28.660 and walk wherever 00:29:28.660 --> 00:29:29.120 you wanted, 00:29:29.240 --> 00:29:30.279 but when you are old, 00:29:30.380 --> 00:29:31.180 you will stretch out 00:29:31.180 --> 00:29:31.820 your hands 00:29:31.820 --> 00:29:33.140 and another will dress you 00:29:33.140 --> 00:29:34.500 and carry you 00:29:34.500 --> 00:29:35.200 where you do not 00:29:35.200 --> 00:29:36.120 want to go. 00:29:37.259 --> 00:29:38.019 And this he said 00:29:38.019 --> 00:29:39.140 to show by what kind 00:29:39.140 --> 00:29:39.640 of death 00:29:39.640 --> 00:29:41.380 he was to glorify God. 00:29:41.460 --> 00:29:42.340 And after saying this, 00:29:42.380 --> 00:29:43.200 he said to him, 00:29:43.600 --> 00:29:45.460 Follow me. 00:29:47.779 --> 00:29:49.360 We don't see 00:29:49.360 --> 00:29:50.340 Peter's death 00:29:50.340 --> 00:29:51.220 in the scriptures, 00:29:52.299 --> 00:29:53.080 but tradition 00:29:53.080 --> 00:29:55.019 and church history, 00:29:55.019 --> 00:29:55.960 historical records 00:29:55.960 --> 00:29:56.740 indicate that 00:29:56.740 --> 00:29:58.720 Peter was put to death 00:29:58.720 --> 00:29:59.379 in Rome 00:29:59.379 --> 00:30:00.000 at the hands 00:30:00.000 --> 00:30:01.299 of the emperor Nero. 00:30:02.079 --> 00:30:03.019 As part of a widespread 00:30:03.019 --> 00:30:03.960 persecution 00:30:03.960 --> 00:30:05.000 against Christians, 00:30:05.460 --> 00:30:06.799 Peter was crucified. 00:30:08.279 --> 00:30:09.460 But at his request, 00:30:09.579 --> 00:30:10.259 he was crucified 00:30:10.259 --> 00:30:11.480 upside down 00:30:11.480 --> 00:30:12.420 because his testimony 00:30:12.420 --> 00:30:13.079 was that 00:30:13.079 --> 00:30:14.139 he would not 00:30:14.139 --> 00:30:15.039 be worthy 00:30:15.039 --> 00:30:16.059 to be put to death 00:30:16.059 --> 00:30:16.879 in the same way 00:30:16.879 --> 00:30:17.599 as the Lord 00:30:17.599 --> 00:30:18.879 Jesus Christ. 00:30:19.759 --> 00:30:20.660 His hands 00:30:20.660 --> 00:30:21.839 were stretched out 00:30:21.839 --> 00:30:23.839 and he was carried 00:30:23.839 --> 00:30:24.759 where he did not 00:30:24.759 --> 00:30:25.899 want to go. 00:30:26.279 --> 00:30:27.059 But it's amazing, 00:30:27.339 --> 00:30:27.919 isn't it? 00:30:28.819 --> 00:30:30.740 Peter was finally 00:30:30.740 --> 00:30:31.559 willing 00:30:31.559 --> 00:30:33.000 to bear public 00:30:33.000 --> 00:30:33.559 shame 00:30:33.559 --> 00:30:34.379 for the sake 00:30:34.379 --> 00:30:34.919 of Christ. 00:30:36.119 --> 00:30:37.299 He was finally 00:30:37.299 --> 00:30:37.839 willing 00:30:37.839 --> 00:30:39.139 to associate 00:30:39.139 --> 00:30:40.179 with this man 00:30:40.179 --> 00:30:40.559 Jesus 00:30:40.559 --> 00:30:41.699 whatever the cost 00:30:41.699 --> 00:30:42.259 may be. 00:30:42.399 --> 00:30:43.379 He was restored 00:30:43.379 --> 00:30:44.779 and then some. 00:30:46.619 --> 00:30:47.279 John says 00:30:47.279 --> 00:30:47.740 that Peter, 00:30:48.099 --> 00:30:49.199 he turned 00:30:49.199 --> 00:30:49.879 and he saw 00:30:49.879 --> 00:30:50.619 the disciple 00:30:50.619 --> 00:30:51.659 whom Jesus loved 00:30:51.659 --> 00:30:52.479 following them. 00:30:52.559 --> 00:30:52.879 The one 00:30:52.879 --> 00:30:53.879 who had leaned 00:30:53.879 --> 00:30:54.819 back against him 00:30:54.819 --> 00:30:55.479 during the supper. 00:30:55.619 --> 00:30:56.239 This is John. 00:30:56.959 --> 00:30:57.419 And Peter said, 00:30:57.479 --> 00:30:57.539 well, 00:30:57.579 --> 00:30:58.399 what about this man? 00:30:59.799 --> 00:31:00.379 If that's 00:31:00.379 --> 00:31:00.839 what it's going 00:31:00.839 --> 00:31:01.559 to cost me, 00:31:02.439 --> 00:31:02.899 what's it going 00:31:02.899 --> 00:31:03.500 to cost him? 00:31:04.639 --> 00:31:05.439 If that's what 00:31:05.439 --> 00:31:06.039 you have planned 00:31:06.039 --> 00:31:06.479 for me 00:31:06.479 --> 00:31:07.379 as I follow you, 00:31:07.459 --> 00:31:08.919 what about him? 00:31:09.019 --> 00:31:10.059 And John said 00:31:10.059 --> 00:31:11.159 that Jesus replies 00:31:11.159 --> 00:31:11.599 to him, 00:31:11.659 --> 00:31:11.739 well, 00:31:11.759 --> 00:31:12.519 if it's my will 00:31:12.519 --> 00:31:13.119 that he remain 00:31:13.119 --> 00:31:13.819 until I come, 00:31:13.919 --> 00:31:15.099 what is that to you? 00:31:15.459 --> 00:31:18.119 You follow me. 00:31:18.339 --> 00:31:19.119 Do you get the message? 00:31:20.619 --> 00:31:21.459 You know, 00:31:21.519 --> 00:31:22.299 apparently this 00:31:22.299 --> 00:31:23.179 started a bit 00:31:23.179 --> 00:31:23.639 of a rumor 00:31:23.639 --> 00:31:24.119 that John 00:31:24.119 --> 00:31:24.699 wasn't going 00:31:24.699 --> 00:31:25.359 to die 00:31:25.359 --> 00:31:25.739 and that he 00:31:25.739 --> 00:31:26.779 would instead 00:31:26.779 --> 00:31:27.699 live and remain 00:31:27.699 --> 00:31:28.359 until the return 00:31:28.359 --> 00:31:28.899 of Christ 00:31:28.899 --> 00:31:29.299 but John 00:31:29.299 --> 00:31:30.159 sets us straight 00:31:30.159 --> 00:31:30.439 and he said 00:31:30.439 --> 00:31:30.759 that's not 00:31:30.759 --> 00:31:31.599 what Jesus said, 00:31:31.659 --> 00:31:32.459 that's not the point. 00:31:32.839 --> 00:31:33.619 What's the point? 00:31:34.000 --> 00:31:34.719 The point 00:31:34.719 --> 00:31:35.439 for Peter 00:31:35.439 --> 00:31:36.739 and for us, 00:31:36.859 --> 00:31:37.179 church, 00:31:38.079 --> 00:31:38.799 is you 00:31:38.799 --> 00:31:40.319 follow 00:31:40.319 --> 00:31:41.619 me. 00:31:43.519 --> 00:31:44.179 Don't get 00:31:44.179 --> 00:31:45.379 hung up 00:31:45.379 --> 00:31:45.799 on 00:31:45.799 --> 00:31:46.979 whatabouts. 00:31:46.980 --> 00:31:49.279 don't get 00:31:49.279 --> 00:31:49.960 tripped up 00:31:49.960 --> 00:31:51.200 on comparing 00:31:51.200 --> 00:31:52.220 callings 00:31:52.220 --> 00:31:53.360 with this guy 00:31:53.360 --> 00:31:53.880 or that. 00:31:54.620 --> 00:31:55.360 If you have 00:31:55.360 --> 00:31:56.720 seen Jesus 00:31:56.720 --> 00:31:57.259 clearly 00:31:57.259 --> 00:31:58.500 for who he is, 00:31:59.099 --> 00:31:59.819 if you have 00:31:59.819 --> 00:32:01.099 been restored 00:32:01.099 --> 00:32:01.860 as a broken 00:32:01.860 --> 00:32:02.380 sinner, 00:32:02.539 --> 00:32:03.339 restored to 00:32:03.339 --> 00:32:03.819 fellowship 00:32:03.819 --> 00:32:04.980 with God himself 00:32:04.980 --> 00:32:05.559 by the blood 00:32:05.559 --> 00:32:06.200 of Christ, 00:32:06.980 --> 00:32:07.779 your call, 00:32:08.440 --> 00:32:09.440 whatever the cost, 00:32:10.180 --> 00:32:10.519 you 00:32:10.519 --> 00:32:11.900 follow 00:32:11.900 --> 00:32:13.019 me. 00:32:14.660 --> 00:32:15.360 And for some, 00:32:15.359 --> 00:32:16.979 that may 00:32:16.979 --> 00:32:17.479 mean 00:32:17.479 --> 00:32:18.579 going 00:32:18.579 --> 00:32:18.959 into 00:32:18.959 --> 00:32:19.500 dangerous 00:32:19.500 --> 00:32:20.099 places, 00:32:20.319 --> 00:32:20.779 proclaiming 00:32:20.779 --> 00:32:21.119 the name 00:32:21.119 --> 00:32:21.740 of Christ, 00:32:22.240 --> 00:32:23.159 being persecuted, 00:32:23.359 --> 00:32:24.619 even giving 00:32:24.619 --> 00:32:25.319 your life 00:32:25.319 --> 00:32:26.659 for the cause 00:32:26.659 --> 00:32:27.279 of Christ. 00:32:27.539 --> 00:32:28.299 That may be 00:32:28.299 --> 00:32:28.719 the path 00:32:28.719 --> 00:32:29.019 that God 00:32:29.019 --> 00:32:29.659 has for you 00:32:29.659 --> 00:32:30.199 or it may 00:32:30.199 --> 00:32:30.679 be that 00:32:30.679 --> 00:32:31.359 the Lord 00:32:31.359 --> 00:32:31.759 has called 00:32:31.759 --> 00:32:32.519 you to pray 00:32:32.519 --> 00:32:33.519 and to share, 00:32:33.639 --> 00:32:34.459 to give generously 00:32:34.459 --> 00:32:34.959 to kingdom 00:32:34.959 --> 00:32:35.419 causes, 00:32:35.639 --> 00:32:36.959 to faithfully 00:32:36.959 --> 00:32:37.819 teach your family 00:32:37.819 --> 00:32:38.500 about Jesus, 00:32:38.659 --> 00:32:39.179 to teach your 00:32:39.179 --> 00:32:39.839 children and 00:32:39.839 --> 00:32:40.779 your neighbors 00:32:40.779 --> 00:32:41.719 to evangelize 00:32:41.719 --> 00:32:42.299 your friends. 00:32:42.500 --> 00:32:43.079 It may be 00:32:43.079 --> 00:32:43.939 that the Lord 00:32:43.939 --> 00:32:44.279 has called 00:32:44.279 --> 00:32:44.759 you to live 00:32:44.759 --> 00:32:45.460 to a ripe 00:32:45.460 --> 00:32:46.500 old age 00:32:46.500 --> 00:32:47.059 and die 00:32:47.059 --> 00:32:48.059 as an old 00:32:48.059 --> 00:32:48.799 man or woman 00:32:48.799 --> 00:32:49.700 faithful to 00:32:49.700 --> 00:32:50.119 Christ. 00:32:50.279 --> 00:32:50.940 Or it may 00:32:50.940 --> 00:32:51.440 be that the 00:32:51.440 --> 00:32:51.980 Lord causes 00:32:51.980 --> 00:32:52.660 you to stretch 00:32:52.660 --> 00:32:53.259 your hands 00:32:53.259 --> 00:32:54.140 out on a 00:32:54.140 --> 00:32:54.839 cross and 00:32:54.839 --> 00:32:55.579 die for the 00:32:55.579 --> 00:32:55.940 sake of 00:32:55.940 --> 00:32:56.299 Christ. 00:32:56.559 --> 00:32:56.960 What 00:32:56.960 --> 00:32:57.599 difference 00:32:57.599 --> 00:32:58.119 does it 00:32:58.119 --> 00:32:58.599 make for 00:32:58.599 --> 00:32:58.819 you? 00:32:59.879 --> 00:33:00.619 The call 00:33:00.619 --> 00:33:02.279 is you 00:33:02.279 --> 00:33:03.359 follow 00:33:03.359 --> 00:33:04.460 Christ. 00:33:06.140 --> 00:33:06.480 And if 00:33:06.480 --> 00:33:07.220 Jesus is 00:33:07.220 --> 00:33:07.599 who this 00:33:07.599 --> 00:33:08.140 book has 00:33:08.140 --> 00:33:08.579 proclaimed 00:33:08.579 --> 00:33:09.200 him to 00:33:09.200 --> 00:33:09.500 be, 00:33:09.619 --> 00:33:10.059 then church 00:33:10.059 --> 00:33:10.519 he is 00:33:10.519 --> 00:33:11.460 worth it. 00:33:11.799 --> 00:33:12.000 Amen? 00:33:12.000 --> 00:33:12.119 Amen? 00:33:14.759 --> 00:33:15.279 John ends 00:33:15.279 --> 00:33:15.879 this gospel 00:33:15.879 --> 00:33:16.359 with this 00:33:16.359 --> 00:33:18.240 fairy tale 00:33:18.240 --> 00:33:19.059 ending. 00:33:19.599 --> 00:33:19.920 Don't you 00:33:19.920 --> 00:33:20.420 love this? 00:33:21.599 --> 00:33:21.900 He says, 00:33:22.200 --> 00:33:22.839 this is the 00:33:22.839 --> 00:33:23.460 disciple who 00:33:23.460 --> 00:33:23.839 is bearing 00:33:23.839 --> 00:33:24.599 witness about 00:33:24.599 --> 00:33:25.240 these things 00:33:25.240 --> 00:33:25.519 and who 00:33:25.519 --> 00:33:26.519 has written 00:33:26.519 --> 00:33:27.259 these things 00:33:27.259 --> 00:33:27.519 and we 00:33:27.519 --> 00:33:27.900 know that 00:33:27.900 --> 00:33:28.480 his testimony 00:33:28.480 --> 00:33:29.220 is true. 00:33:30.119 --> 00:33:30.400 There are 00:33:30.400 --> 00:33:31.279 also many 00:33:31.279 --> 00:33:32.019 other things 00:33:32.019 --> 00:33:32.500 that Jesus 00:33:32.500 --> 00:33:33.000 did. 00:33:33.680 --> 00:33:34.299 Were every 00:33:34.299 --> 00:33:34.839 one of them 00:33:34.839 --> 00:33:35.579 to be written, 00:33:36.140 --> 00:33:36.720 I suppose 00:33:36.720 --> 00:33:37.180 that the 00:33:37.180 --> 00:33:38.099 world itself 00:33:38.099 --> 00:33:38.660 could not 00:33:38.660 --> 00:33:39.379 contain the 00:33:39.379 --> 00:33:39.980 books that 00:33:39.980 --> 00:33:40.579 would be 00:33:40.579 --> 00:33:41.339 written. 00:33:41.339 --> 00:33:43.279 That sounds 00:33:43.279 --> 00:33:43.699 at first 00:33:43.699 --> 00:33:44.059 like an 00:33:44.059 --> 00:33:44.859 exaggeration, 00:33:45.039 --> 00:33:45.519 doesn't it? 00:33:46.559 --> 00:33:47.039 And maybe 00:33:47.039 --> 00:33:48.039 it is, 00:33:48.179 --> 00:33:49.699 but if this 00:33:49.699 --> 00:33:50.299 man Jesus 00:33:50.299 --> 00:33:50.779 is who 00:33:50.779 --> 00:33:51.319 John has 00:33:51.319 --> 00:33:51.959 told us 00:33:51.959 --> 00:33:52.379 that he 00:33:52.379 --> 00:33:52.839 is, 00:33:53.500 --> 00:33:53.779 remember 00:33:53.779 --> 00:33:54.399 John chapter 00:33:54.399 --> 00:33:54.759 one? 00:33:56.139 --> 00:33:56.480 It says, 00:33:57.059 --> 00:33:57.720 all things 00:33:57.720 --> 00:33:58.259 were made 00:33:58.259 --> 00:33:58.959 through him 00:33:58.959 --> 00:34:00.019 and without 00:34:00.019 --> 00:34:00.759 him was not 00:34:00.759 --> 00:34:01.299 anything 00:34:01.299 --> 00:34:02.379 made that 00:34:02.379 --> 00:34:03.019 was made. 00:34:03.819 --> 00:34:04.779 All things, 00:34:05.679 --> 00:34:06.399 all the books 00:34:06.399 --> 00:34:06.819 that have ever 00:34:06.819 --> 00:34:07.259 been written 00:34:07.259 --> 00:34:08.679 on geology, 00:34:09.539 --> 00:34:10.599 on ecology, 00:34:11.340 --> 00:34:12.300 on astrology, 00:34:12.579 --> 00:34:13.760 on ornithology, 00:34:13.900 --> 00:34:14.460 all of it 00:34:14.460 --> 00:34:15.440 rightly understood 00:34:15.440 --> 00:34:16.600 is theology, 00:34:17.620 --> 00:34:18.740 is Christology. 00:34:19.620 --> 00:34:20.180 All of it 00:34:20.180 --> 00:34:20.960 is from 00:34:20.960 --> 00:34:21.579 him and 00:34:21.579 --> 00:34:22.700 for him, 00:34:22.780 --> 00:34:23.260 Paul says, 00:34:23.320 --> 00:34:23.780 to him be 00:34:23.780 --> 00:34:24.340 the glory 00:34:24.340 --> 00:34:25.460 forever. 00:34:25.640 --> 00:34:26.640 Christ Jesus 00:34:26.640 --> 00:34:27.460 made it 00:34:27.460 --> 00:34:28.200 all. 00:34:29.680 --> 00:34:30.320 John says 00:34:30.320 --> 00:34:31.460 another wonder 00:34:31.460 --> 00:34:32.440 of wonders 00:34:32.440 --> 00:34:32.920 is that the 00:34:32.920 --> 00:34:33.579 one who made 00:34:33.579 --> 00:34:33.900 it all 00:34:33.900 --> 00:34:34.800 stepped down 00:34:34.800 --> 00:34:35.660 into his 00:34:35.660 --> 00:34:36.320 creation 00:34:36.320 --> 00:34:37.280 in order 00:34:37.280 --> 00:34:37.940 to redeem 00:34:37.940 --> 00:34:38.240 it. 00:34:39.320 --> 00:34:39.840 How many 00:34:39.840 --> 00:34:40.300 books could 00:34:40.300 --> 00:34:40.780 we fill? 00:34:41.340 --> 00:34:41.720 To tell 00:34:41.720 --> 00:34:42.200 the stories 00:34:42.200 --> 00:34:42.800 of Christ? 00:34:44.019 --> 00:34:44.680 How many 00:34:44.680 --> 00:34:45.100 books could 00:34:45.100 --> 00:34:45.500 be written 00:34:45.500 --> 00:34:45.880 to tell 00:34:45.880 --> 00:34:46.440 the stories 00:34:46.440 --> 00:34:46.920 of men 00:34:46.920 --> 00:34:47.500 and women 00:34:47.500 --> 00:34:47.860 who have 00:34:47.860 --> 00:34:48.579 been given 00:34:48.579 --> 00:34:49.280 eyes to 00:34:49.280 --> 00:34:49.920 see him 00:34:49.920 --> 00:34:50.280 for who 00:34:50.280 --> 00:34:50.740 he is? 00:34:51.640 --> 00:34:52.320 How many 00:34:52.320 --> 00:34:52.800 books can 00:34:52.800 --> 00:34:53.240 be written 00:34:53.240 --> 00:34:54.180 to share 00:34:54.180 --> 00:34:54.700 the stories 00:34:54.700 --> 00:34:55.740 of restoration? 00:34:55.980 --> 00:34:56.320 Even in 00:34:56.320 --> 00:34:56.960 this room, 00:34:57.120 --> 00:34:57.440 sinners 00:34:57.440 --> 00:34:58.840 reconciled to 00:34:58.840 --> 00:34:59.420 God by the 00:34:59.420 --> 00:34:59.740 blood of 00:34:59.740 --> 00:35:00.160 Christ. 00:35:00.980 --> 00:35:01.500 How many 00:35:01.500 --> 00:35:02.160 stories can 00:35:02.160 --> 00:35:02.579 be written 00:35:02.579 --> 00:35:03.340 through the 00:35:03.340 --> 00:35:04.100 ages of the 00:35:04.100 --> 00:35:04.620 church after 00:35:04.620 --> 00:35:05.400 years and 00:35:05.400 --> 00:35:06.100 years and 00:35:06.100 --> 00:35:06.720 years and 00:35:06.720 --> 00:35:07.039 years? 00:35:07.220 --> 00:35:07.640 I don't 00:35:07.640 --> 00:35:08.220 think John 00:35:08.220 --> 00:35:09.059 is exaggerating 00:35:09.059 --> 00:35:09.480 church. 00:35:09.480 --> 00:35:11.000 all the 00:35:11.000 --> 00:35:11.559 shelves of 00:35:11.559 --> 00:35:12.099 the world 00:35:12.099 --> 00:35:12.500 would not 00:35:12.500 --> 00:35:12.940 be enough 00:35:12.940 --> 00:35:13.420 to contain 00:35:13.420 --> 00:35:13.980 the books 00:35:13.980 --> 00:35:14.639 that can 00:35:14.639 --> 00:35:15.019 be written 00:35:15.019 --> 00:35:15.400 of this 00:35:15.400 --> 00:35:15.639 man, 00:35:15.740 --> 00:35:15.920 Jesus 00:35:15.920 --> 00:35:16.440 Christ. 00:35:17.000 --> 00:35:17.440 And we 00:35:17.440 --> 00:35:18.039 have all 00:35:18.039 --> 00:35:18.699 of eternity 00:35:18.699 --> 00:35:19.900 to explore 00:35:19.900 --> 00:35:20.679 the wonders 00:35:20.679 --> 00:35:21.219 of the 00:35:21.219 --> 00:35:21.860 grace of 00:35:21.860 --> 00:35:22.539 God towards 00:35:22.539 --> 00:35:22.940 us who 00:35:22.940 --> 00:35:23.440 believe. 00:35:25.440 --> 00:35:26.320 But this 00:35:26.320 --> 00:35:26.659 book, 00:35:27.960 --> 00:35:28.480 the gospel 00:35:28.480 --> 00:35:29.380 according to 00:35:29.380 --> 00:35:29.719 John, 00:35:30.420 --> 00:35:31.179 was written 00:35:31.179 --> 00:35:31.579 with one 00:35:31.579 --> 00:35:32.079 purpose in 00:35:32.079 --> 00:35:32.400 mind, 00:35:32.940 --> 00:35:33.840 that you 00:35:33.840 --> 00:35:35.219 may believe 00:35:35.219 --> 00:35:36.319 that Jesus 00:35:36.319 --> 00:35:37.179 is the 00:35:37.179 --> 00:35:37.759 Christ, 00:35:38.279 --> 00:35:39.059 the Son of 00:35:39.059 --> 00:35:39.480 God, 00:35:39.919 --> 00:35:40.539 and that by 00:35:40.539 --> 00:35:41.339 believing you 00:35:41.339 --> 00:35:41.819 may have 00:35:41.819 --> 00:35:42.980 life in 00:35:42.980 --> 00:35:44.500 His name. 00:35:45.639 --> 00:35:46.159 Have you 00:35:46.159 --> 00:35:46.639 gotten the 00:35:46.639 --> 00:35:47.099 message? 00:35:48.639 --> 00:35:49.299 Do you 00:35:49.299 --> 00:35:50.539 believe He 00:35:50.539 --> 00:35:51.219 is who He's 00:35:51.219 --> 00:35:51.779 claimed to 00:35:51.779 --> 00:35:52.019 be? 00:35:53.139 --> 00:35:53.959 Let's pray. 00:35:58.539 --> 00:35:59.539 Lord, as we 00:35:59.539 --> 00:36:00.480 close this 00:36:00.480 --> 00:36:00.919 book, 00:36:02.339 --> 00:36:03.419 we thank 00:36:03.419 --> 00:36:03.859 You and we 00:36:03.859 --> 00:36:04.339 praise You 00:36:04.340 --> 00:36:04.860 again for 00:36:04.860 --> 00:36:05.360 Your Word. 00:36:06.700 --> 00:36:07.420 We thank 00:36:07.420 --> 00:36:07.800 You and we 00:36:07.800 --> 00:36:08.380 praise You 00:36:08.380 --> 00:36:09.180 again for 00:36:09.180 --> 00:36:10.160 the person 00:36:10.160 --> 00:36:10.660 and work 00:36:10.660 --> 00:36:11.140 of Jesus. 00:36:12.700 --> 00:36:13.079 And we 00:36:13.079 --> 00:36:13.880 pray, Lord, 00:36:14.000 --> 00:36:14.440 it's my 00:36:14.440 --> 00:36:15.539 desire that 00:36:15.539 --> 00:36:16.579 this church, 00:36:17.320 --> 00:36:17.880 Father, that 00:36:17.880 --> 00:36:18.100 You would 00:36:18.100 --> 00:36:18.559 make us a 00:36:18.559 --> 00:36:19.120 people who 00:36:19.120 --> 00:36:20.300 see You 00:36:20.300 --> 00:36:20.900 clearly. 00:36:21.460 --> 00:36:21.860 Would You 00:36:21.860 --> 00:36:22.760 reveal Yourself 00:36:22.760 --> 00:36:24.220 to us more 00:36:24.220 --> 00:36:25.039 clearly that we 00:36:25.039 --> 00:36:25.840 might love You 00:36:25.840 --> 00:36:26.500 and honor You 00:36:26.500 --> 00:36:27.220 and worship You. 00:36:28.539 --> 00:36:28.880 And Lord, 00:36:28.960 --> 00:36:30.079 would You lead 00:36:30.079 --> 00:36:30.800 us to be quick 00:36:30.800 --> 00:36:31.780 to confess our 00:36:31.780 --> 00:36:32.820 sin to You 00:36:32.820 --> 00:36:34.000 and quick to 00:36:34.000 --> 00:36:34.659 run to You 00:36:34.659 --> 00:36:35.800 for restoration. 00:36:36.659 --> 00:36:37.119 And Lord, 00:36:37.159 --> 00:36:37.599 would You make 00:36:37.599 --> 00:36:38.320 us quick to 00:36:38.320 --> 00:36:39.219 share about You 00:36:39.219 --> 00:36:40.559 and that others 00:36:40.559 --> 00:36:41.059 might come to 00:36:41.059 --> 00:36:41.500 know You as 00:36:41.500 --> 00:36:41.840 we do. 00:36:42.039 --> 00:36:42.599 We love You, 00:36:42.679 --> 00:36:42.800 Lord. 00:36:42.840 --> 00:36:43.260 We pray this 00:36:43.260 --> 00:36:43.579 in Jesus' 00:36:43.739 --> 00:36:43.880 name. 00:36:43.940 --> 00:36:44.940 Amen.