WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:01.960 Let me ask you a question. 00:00:02.419 --> 00:00:11.380 Are you a diary calendar person or a digital calendar person, a physical diary? 00:00:11.800 --> 00:00:15.860 I used to be that physical diary calendar person because you could use all the post-it 00:00:15.860 --> 00:00:19.160 notes, all the highlighters, all the lovely coloured pens. 00:00:20.019 --> 00:00:22.920 You could feel the pages and the texture. 00:00:23.800 --> 00:00:25.760 But there is a downside, isn't there? 00:00:25.760 --> 00:00:32.240 Often you'll write down the event or the to-do list and you'll never revisit the book. 00:00:33.100 --> 00:00:39.439 However, a digital calendar, although it doesn't have the nice gravitas or cool look to have 00:00:39.439 --> 00:00:44.880 a diary with you, it has the functionality that you can put hundreds and hundreds and 00:00:44.880 --> 00:00:51.680 hundreds of notifications for an event, a deadline, a to-do list, because your physical diary can't 00:00:51.679 --> 00:00:57.259 ring a bell or let you know that something is coming up unless you look at it. 00:00:58.519 --> 00:01:06.599 But the digital calendar gives me regular notifications and it makes you confident of a reality that 00:01:06.599 --> 00:01:10.620 that event you're looking forward to is actually coming up. 00:01:10.700 --> 00:01:12.060 It actually is happening. 00:01:12.060 --> 00:01:14.719 That there is a deadline to a task. 00:01:15.060 --> 00:01:21.320 That each notification, each reminder, it shapes your heart for a reality. 00:01:22.020 --> 00:01:27.659 It could be a new job, a doctor's appointment, a party, a funeral. 00:01:29.760 --> 00:01:33.140 Today's passage does exactly that. 00:01:34.359 --> 00:01:40.460 John brings all the threads, the signs, the notifications of the entire Gospel of John together 00:01:40.459 --> 00:01:46.139 and all these little notifications, all these signs point to a reality. 00:01:47.199 --> 00:01:53.699 In last week's passage, it said in John chapter 20, verse 30 to 31, Jesus performed many other 00:01:53.699 --> 00:01:57.519 signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 00:01:58.239 --> 00:02:07.119 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that 00:02:07.120 --> 00:02:10.640 by believing you may have life in his name. 00:02:11.800 --> 00:02:19.099 The reality that John wants every person who reads and encounters this book is the reality 00:02:19.099 --> 00:02:24.819 he wants you to be confident is that Jesus is God. 00:02:25.640 --> 00:02:30.980 What we see in this epilogue is that he wants us to be confident in three things. 00:02:30.979 --> 00:02:34.199 Number one, confident in Christ. 00:02:35.500 --> 00:02:37.439 Number two, confident in grace. 00:02:38.399 --> 00:02:40.979 And lastly, confident in life. 00:02:41.439 --> 00:02:42.239 So let's pray. 00:02:43.579 --> 00:02:49.959 Kind Heavenly Father, we ask that you might help us as we see these threads and signs woven 00:02:49.959 --> 00:02:57.539 together in this passage, that you might give us confidence in our Lord Jesus Christ, 00:02:57.539 --> 00:03:02.079 the one from whom we have received grace and life. 00:03:02.719 --> 00:03:03.120 Amen. 00:03:04.199 --> 00:03:06.259 So keep your Bibles open at John 21. 00:03:06.379 --> 00:03:08.299 We're going to dive straight into verse 1. 00:03:08.500 --> 00:03:09.060 It says, 00:03:09.819 --> 00:03:15.799 Afterward, Jesus appeared again to his disciples by the Sea of Galilee. 00:03:16.699 --> 00:03:17.659 It happened this way. 00:03:18.280 --> 00:03:24.079 Simon, Peter, Thomas, also known as Didymus, Nathaniel from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, 00:03:24.159 --> 00:03:25.699 and two other disciples were together. 00:03:25.699 --> 00:03:28.899 I'm going out to fish, Simon Peter told them. 00:03:29.259 --> 00:03:29.799 And they said, 00:03:30.500 --> 00:03:31.639 We'll go with you. 00:03:32.239 --> 00:03:36.899 So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 00:03:37.959 --> 00:03:42.159 This is the third time that the disciples encountered Jesus since his resurrection. 00:03:42.599 --> 00:03:46.679 And the disciples in this passage are going late at night for fishing. 00:03:46.899 --> 00:03:52.060 And that's customary because they can then sell the fresh fish the next day in the market. 00:03:52.359 --> 00:03:54.620 But that doesn't happen, does it? 00:03:54.620 --> 00:03:56.500 No fish are caught. 00:03:57.219 --> 00:04:03.080 And that has this feeling of sense of depletion, and it'd probably be disappointing. 00:04:03.400 --> 00:04:07.719 But look at the contrast that we see in the next section in verse 4. 00:04:07.719 --> 00:04:14.240 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realise that it was Jesus. 00:04:14.960 --> 00:04:18.040 He called out to them, Friends, haven't you any fish? 00:04:18.720 --> 00:04:20.160 No, they answered. 00:04:20.600 --> 00:04:23.939 He said, Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some. 00:04:23.939 --> 00:04:30.300 When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. 00:04:31.160 --> 00:04:38.779 Suddenly, the means of catching fish is purely from the fact that it comes from the instruction of Christ. 00:04:38.779 --> 00:04:43.479 But Jesus offers something better than catching the fish. 00:04:43.799 --> 00:04:47.959 And you would expect the disciples to go, Oh, wow, look at the amount of fish we've got. 00:04:48.079 --> 00:04:53.399 Thank you, person, who can have x-ray vision into the water, who can be an expert fisherman. 00:04:53.719 --> 00:04:57.859 Because the whole purpose of them to be out there is to fish. 00:04:57.860 --> 00:05:03.639 And their response doesn't align with that. 00:05:03.960 --> 00:05:04.480 Verse 7. 00:05:06.080 --> 00:05:10.759 Then the disciples whom Jesus loved said to Peter, It is the Lord. 00:05:11.680 --> 00:05:19.800 As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, It is the Lord, he wrapped his outer garment around him, 00:05:19.800 --> 00:05:24.000 for he had taken it off and jumped into the water. 00:05:25.379 --> 00:05:27.540 It is the Lord. 00:05:27.860 --> 00:05:32.319 I remember reading this, sitting down and being so in awe with that term, Lord. 00:05:33.340 --> 00:05:41.840 Because generally, as Australians and other cultures, we have an interesting relationship with authority figures. 00:05:42.060 --> 00:05:46.259 Either we joke about them or we have some inordinate fear about them. 00:05:46.439 --> 00:05:55.460 And I just sat there and imagined the deep affection that the disciples had to Jesus to exclaim, Lord, with that excitement. 00:05:55.459 --> 00:06:06.359 Because what kind of Lord or master beckons not only obedience, but love and relationship? 00:06:07.359 --> 00:06:11.679 Because the fish miracle is simply a sign. 00:06:12.319 --> 00:06:13.359 It's a reminder. 00:06:13.360 --> 00:06:16.600 That's what stands out for the disciples. 00:06:17.100 --> 00:06:26.960 Because in this section already, we see little speckles of notifications that Jesus gives to the disciples of the reality that he is the Lord. 00:06:26.959 --> 00:06:28.539 It says, 00:06:28.539 --> 00:06:35.319 When they see Jesus from the distance of water, they think of the man who walked on water and called them not to be afraid. 00:06:36.359 --> 00:06:40.879 When Jesus calls out the fishermen in verse 5 from the distance and says, 00:06:41.740 --> 00:06:44.639 Put your net on the other side of the boat. 00:06:44.799 --> 00:06:46.419 And they catch 153 fish. 00:06:46.420 --> 00:06:54.319 They see the Lord who initiated the discipleship relationship with them from their boats in the very beginning. 00:06:54.879 --> 00:07:01.600 When Jesus launches into breakfast, he breaks bread like the time when Jesus broke the bread at the last supper. 00:07:02.140 --> 00:07:08.400 He then shares around the fish as if to trigger this memory when the Lord fed the 5,000. 00:07:08.399 --> 00:07:19.359 Because each moment is like this notification that reaffirms this reality in their brains that, yes, he is the risen Lord Jesus. 00:07:19.739 --> 00:07:21.199 The Lord who heals. 00:07:21.620 --> 00:07:22.719 The Lord who saves. 00:07:22.839 --> 00:07:24.079 The Lord who provides. 00:07:24.759 --> 00:07:26.679 But then, it's undeniable. 00:07:27.579 --> 00:07:30.459 Jesus is who he says he is. 00:07:31.519 --> 00:07:36.019 And all throughout the Gospels, Matthew to John are speckled with those signs. 00:07:36.019 --> 00:07:43.719 That similarly point to the glory of Jesus, his divinity, his character, and his grace. 00:07:44.819 --> 00:07:50.560 And so I want to affirm and remind you of Steve's encouragement to check out the Gospels last week if you haven't. 00:07:52.039 --> 00:07:55.500 And so I want to ask, we've been in John for this whole term. 00:07:55.500 --> 00:08:06.540 How have you been constantly reminded to be confident that Jesus is your personal Lord? 00:08:07.300 --> 00:08:15.199 Not a Lord or someone else's Lord or even the Lord of the world, but your Lord. 00:08:15.199 --> 00:08:26.560 The second reality that we are going to be called to have confidence in this passage is grace by the very story of Peter. 00:08:27.120 --> 00:08:32.620 Peter, if you've forgotten, is the one who rejects any knowledge or association with Jesus in chapter 18. 00:08:32.840 --> 00:08:40.019 And ironically, Jesus actually predicts five chapters later, before, that Peter will reject him. 00:08:40.019 --> 00:08:41.539 And Peter says, no, no, no, no, no, no. 00:08:41.819 --> 00:08:44.699 I will lay down my life for you. 00:08:45.939 --> 00:08:50.439 But here, Peter denies Jesus three times. 00:08:51.360 --> 00:09:00.740 And the questions that he's even asked is not even by any means close to having his life threatened. 00:09:01.840 --> 00:09:05.159 So imagine having breakfast with a close friend. 00:09:05.659 --> 00:09:09.120 And you've done the most awful thing behind their back. 00:09:10.019 --> 00:09:10.879 And they know. 00:09:12.259 --> 00:09:15.899 Wouldn't you expect a rebuke or a cold shoulder? 00:09:17.439 --> 00:09:21.399 Or maybe here's what you can do to repay your debt to me. 00:09:22.000 --> 00:09:26.340 But Jesus doesn't even force a to-do list of things to make up for his denials. 00:09:27.340 --> 00:09:28.319 Verse 15. 00:09:29.319 --> 00:09:32.939 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 00:09:33.799 --> 00:09:37.579 Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? 00:09:38.419 --> 00:09:39.659 Yes, Lord, he said. 00:09:40.019 --> 00:09:41.179 You know that I love you. 00:09:41.759 --> 00:09:42.500 Jesus said. 00:09:42.919 --> 00:09:43.840 Feed my lambs. 00:09:44.720 --> 00:09:45.799 Again, Jesus said. 00:09:46.240 --> 00:09:48.600 Simon, son of John, do you love me? 00:09:49.240 --> 00:09:49.899 He answered. 00:09:50.340 --> 00:09:51.019 Yes, Lord. 00:09:51.519 --> 00:09:52.759 You know that I love you. 00:09:53.259 --> 00:09:53.759 Jesus said. 00:09:53.879 --> 00:09:55.220 Take care of my sheep. 00:09:55.919 --> 00:09:57.480 The third time he said to him. 00:09:58.019 --> 00:10:01.840 Simon, son of John, do you love me? 00:10:01.840 --> 00:10:06.899 Jesus asks him three times, do you love me? 00:10:06.899 --> 00:10:10.080 Do you love me? 00:10:10.860 --> 00:10:12.560 That's the question he asks. 00:10:13.320 --> 00:10:17.080 In fact, the first question is, do you love me more than these? 00:10:17.080 --> 00:10:22.600 It's no coincidence that I think that there are other disciples here for breakfast. 00:10:23.700 --> 00:10:30.840 And Peter, previously, rashly and impulsively, was so bold in saying that he would sacrifice his life for Jesus. 00:10:30.840 --> 00:10:38.759 But now, after knowing that Christ died for his sins and sacrificed his own life, 00:10:39.700 --> 00:10:48.320 and also that he's done just a colossal failure of rejecting Jesus, 00:10:48.460 --> 00:10:51.040 he cannot boast and claim no success, 00:10:51.039 --> 00:10:57.379 but humble himself and offer his life to his Lord. 00:10:58.819 --> 00:11:00.699 That is grace. 00:11:02.159 --> 00:11:07.419 Grace is the benefit you receive from God without deserving or earning it. 00:11:08.299 --> 00:11:14.039 And even when Jesus gives Peter the command of following him by leading and loving his people, 00:11:15.099 --> 00:11:19.539 it's secondary to the primary issue of love. 00:11:19.539 --> 00:11:23.839 It's not, do you have a degree in sheep herding? 00:11:24.480 --> 00:11:28.079 Or have you ticked off the key competencies of being a Jesus follower? 00:11:29.699 --> 00:11:30.839 It's love. 00:11:32.579 --> 00:11:38.779 That's why when we're looking for Christian leaders for kids, youth and community groups, teams, 00:11:40.159 --> 00:11:45.899 my question is never, tell me how good you are at hanging with kids 00:11:45.899 --> 00:11:49.639 or what an amazing Canva presentation you can make. 00:11:50.100 --> 00:11:51.819 Show me how skilled you are. 00:11:53.079 --> 00:11:58.340 It's tell me when you started to love Jesus. 00:11:59.240 --> 00:12:00.720 Tell me about you and the gospel. 00:12:02.480 --> 00:12:05.799 Tell me when you first understood grace. 00:12:07.559 --> 00:12:09.819 Church, do we love Jesus? 00:12:09.820 --> 00:12:13.760 Do we love his grace? 00:12:15.200 --> 00:12:20.520 Often we read passages like this or even the last few weeks in the crucifixion and resurrection 00:12:20.520 --> 00:12:25.760 and think, oh, forgiveness and grace, it just makes sense. 00:12:26.420 --> 00:12:27.440 It seems normal. 00:12:27.640 --> 00:12:29.300 It seems like the fair response. 00:12:29.920 --> 00:12:30.800 God's a loving God. 00:12:30.799 --> 00:12:33.899 Well, everyone deserves it. 00:12:35.159 --> 00:12:36.719 But I don't think that's the case. 00:12:37.899 --> 00:12:44.139 Grace that is as wide and open as Jesus' grace is a scandal. 00:12:45.539 --> 00:12:47.500 We live in a cancel culture. 00:12:48.000 --> 00:12:51.659 And once you've been canceled, the path to redemption is irredeemable. 00:12:52.399 --> 00:12:57.979 Grace and forgiveness are not common concepts for us. 00:12:57.980 --> 00:13:04.340 And I wonder if that breeds even into our everyday relationships. 00:13:04.860 --> 00:13:06.000 Don't get me wrong. 00:13:06.259 --> 00:13:07.779 We do need to call out sin. 00:13:09.100 --> 00:13:10.700 God is a just God. 00:13:11.500 --> 00:13:16.000 But we hold on to grudges and resentments and find it harder to forgive. 00:13:17.639 --> 00:13:22.100 God is a just God and he will judge all people. 00:13:22.100 --> 00:13:30.659 But in this air that we breathe, it begs the question that something you say or do or something 00:13:30.659 --> 00:13:36.560 that other people won't like, will I be forgiven by my friends? 00:13:37.240 --> 00:13:38.960 Will I be rejected by my colleagues? 00:13:39.560 --> 00:13:41.279 Am I too far from change? 00:13:42.639 --> 00:13:46.639 And maybe in the society that we live in, that might be the case. 00:13:46.639 --> 00:13:50.220 But that's not the economy of the gospel. 00:13:51.259 --> 00:13:53.120 That's not the economy of grace. 00:13:53.740 --> 00:14:01.259 Peter, well knowing of what was sin, still chooses to reject Jesus three times. 00:14:02.240 --> 00:14:08.639 But the disease of sin was not just the action he took, but was in his very will and mind to deny Christ. 00:14:09.000 --> 00:14:11.299 He had a heart of rejection of someone who he knew. 00:14:11.559 --> 00:14:12.500 He was two-faced. 00:14:12.740 --> 00:14:14.360 He denied ever knowing Jesus. 00:14:14.360 --> 00:14:16.460 He was deceitful. 00:14:16.919 --> 00:14:19.519 He was ashamed to associate with his Lord. 00:14:20.360 --> 00:14:22.139 Three times does Peter sin. 00:14:23.620 --> 00:14:31.159 But Jesus, three times does he allow Peter to realign his heart and love with his Lord. 00:14:32.580 --> 00:14:36.419 Friend, you might hear the words of Jesus on the cross. 00:14:37.100 --> 00:14:41.460 Yet you might doubt the finished work of Christ. 00:14:41.460 --> 00:14:51.920 The countless times of your transgressions, your multitudes of sins are covered by the one action of Christ, crucified. 00:14:53.060 --> 00:14:56.240 Church, you are Peter. 00:14:57.379 --> 00:14:59.440 Grace for the Christian is not foreign. 00:14:59.440 --> 00:15:08.200 If you believe in Jesus wholeheartedly that you put no confidence in your works, cling nothing to nothing else but Jesus as your saving grace. 00:15:08.760 --> 00:15:10.680 Grace is available. 00:15:11.100 --> 00:15:14.720 Because Jesus is the means of this undeserved grace. 00:15:14.720 --> 00:15:23.139 You know that confidence that Thomas had after seeing the holes and the gaps in Jesus' hands and side, 00:15:23.399 --> 00:15:32.379 and also the confidence that those disciples earlier on had in Jesus' lordship after seeing the net full of fish? 00:15:34.340 --> 00:15:38.620 Jesus' offer of forgiveness to Peter is for you too. 00:15:39.500 --> 00:15:42.720 It's so that you can have confidence in grace. 00:15:42.720 --> 00:15:46.279 You can have confidence in forgiveness. 00:15:46.800 --> 00:15:48.600 He is asking you, do you love me? 00:15:49.899 --> 00:15:51.000 He has forgiven you. 00:15:52.080 --> 00:15:56.080 Loving him means you are a part of his family, his flock of sheep. 00:15:57.060 --> 00:15:59.100 Be confident about grace. 00:16:00.480 --> 00:16:09.580 Be confident that your forgiveness and invitation to God's flock is not by anything that you have done or is in you. 00:16:09.580 --> 00:16:19.420 Your confidence is in the steadfast character of Christ's grace, forgiveness and mercy, 100%. 00:16:19.420 --> 00:16:23.420 No returns, no take backs, done and dusted. 00:16:23.780 --> 00:16:24.680 It's certain. 00:16:24.679 --> 00:16:36.479 However, if you put your hope, life or anything else but the finished work of Jesus, you cannot have that confidence. 00:16:36.480 --> 00:16:47.879 If you are the finished work of Jesus and something else, person, then you cannot have that confidence. 00:16:49.159 --> 00:16:53.860 In Galatians 1-2, Paul warns the Christian church that you cannot add to the gospel. 00:16:54.399 --> 00:16:56.320 You cannot add to God's grace. 00:16:56.320 --> 00:17:03.280 And I am warning you now, it cannot be Jesus and being a good person. 00:17:04.059 --> 00:17:07.860 Nor can it be Jesus and having perfect kids. 00:17:08.680 --> 00:17:13.640 Nor Jesus and a life I am proud of. 00:17:14.779 --> 00:17:16.279 Those things will never be enough for you. 00:17:17.140 --> 00:17:18.640 And those things aren't enough for God. 00:17:18.640 --> 00:17:23.140 It didn't work for Peter because he couldn't attain perfect. 00:17:24.400 --> 00:17:25.400 And neither can you. 00:17:26.520 --> 00:17:27.640 Do you see the logic? 00:17:28.340 --> 00:17:36.520 Whatever you add and try to top off on the finished works of Jesus is simply futile. 00:17:37.960 --> 00:17:44.180 Whenever you try to add to his grace, you negate his grace. 00:17:44.460 --> 00:17:45.060 I'll say it again. 00:17:45.059 --> 00:17:51.339 Whenever you try to add to his grace, you negate his grace. 00:17:51.819 --> 00:17:53.139 And therefore, there is no confidence. 00:17:53.440 --> 00:17:54.899 There is no confidence in grace. 00:17:55.980 --> 00:18:01.359 You cannot have this assurance of anything abundant that Jesus offers in the book of John 00:18:01.359 --> 00:18:07.679 if your confidence, hope, faith is in anything but solely Jesus. 00:18:08.919 --> 00:18:13.019 Put your confidence in Jesus and you have confidence in grace. 00:18:13.019 --> 00:18:15.079 That is grace. 00:18:15.900 --> 00:18:20.339 That's what it means to be confident in grace. 00:18:21.619 --> 00:18:22.559 So what now? 00:18:23.740 --> 00:18:30.799 How does having confidence in Christ our Lord and grace, how does that change our life today? 00:18:31.619 --> 00:18:34.799 Well, we've been looking at John and if you've joined us for the first time, 00:18:34.859 --> 00:18:41.160 I hope the passage makes it really clear that Jesus is such a forgiving and gracious Lord and Saviour. 00:18:41.160 --> 00:18:49.680 I hope that the confidence of this grace and this Lord is so mind-boggling that when you truly consider it, 00:18:49.700 --> 00:18:52.840 it becomes one of the most essential parts of your being. 00:18:53.120 --> 00:18:55.840 But have a look at what it meant for Peter. 00:18:57.040 --> 00:18:57.840 Verse 20. 00:18:57.839 --> 00:19:02.439 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. 00:19:03.459 --> 00:19:07.319 This was the one who had leaned his back against Jesus at the supper and had said, 00:19:08.119 --> 00:19:10.059 Lord, who is going to betray you? 00:19:11.059 --> 00:19:16.439 When Peter saw him, he asked, Lord, what about him? 00:19:17.019 --> 00:19:21.480 It's almost like he's forgotten the reality of Jesus' offer of grace. 00:19:21.939 --> 00:19:25.199 Something else, someone else matters to him. 00:19:25.200 --> 00:19:31.360 In John, there's this sort of undercurrent of this rivalry between him and John, the beloved one. 00:19:32.180 --> 00:19:38.180 Peter earlier hears about his untimely, unpleasant death and he wants to compare with John. 00:19:38.920 --> 00:19:42.200 But Peter wants to do something completely on the periphery. 00:19:42.259 --> 00:19:44.319 He focuses on that matter. 00:19:45.080 --> 00:19:46.039 And so what does Jesus say? 00:19:46.100 --> 00:19:47.319 He replies in verse 22, 00:19:47.319 --> 00:19:54.740 If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? 00:19:55.879 --> 00:19:59.159 He completely shuts him down and says, it's none of your business. 00:20:00.079 --> 00:20:01.279 What does he say? 00:20:02.279 --> 00:20:05.599 He says, follow me. 00:20:06.639 --> 00:20:10.200 Peter, if I am your king, if I am the lord of your life, 00:20:10.200 --> 00:20:13.720 and even though you are awful, I still love you, 00:20:14.759 --> 00:20:18.819 focus on nothing but following me. 00:20:19.759 --> 00:20:20.580 Follow me. 00:20:22.200 --> 00:20:27.039 I think there are three trajectories that Jesus calls people to follow him in this passage. 00:20:27.200 --> 00:20:32.480 I'm going to briefly mention the first two and then go in and zone in on one. 00:20:33.080 --> 00:20:36.420 Feel free to come and grab me after if you want to ask more about the first two. 00:20:36.420 --> 00:20:41.820 Number one, following Jesus looks like leaning into community. 00:20:42.660 --> 00:20:48.400 There is a clear correlation that this passage connects between a follower of Christ and his community. 00:20:48.539 --> 00:20:52.420 And that's what we actually see earlier in Peter's restoration. 00:20:52.860 --> 00:20:55.500 Feed my sheep, feed my lamb, take care of my sheep. 00:20:56.880 --> 00:21:02.360 So the believer is to love and lean into relationship with other believers. 00:21:03.180 --> 00:21:06.180 Number two, self-denial. 00:21:07.039 --> 00:21:12.000 In verse 18 to 19, Jesus prepares Peter for the ending that is about to unfold. 00:21:12.300 --> 00:21:13.380 And it's quite unpleasant. 00:21:13.560 --> 00:21:18.660 And Jesus says to Peter that he will eventually stretch out his hands. 00:21:19.660 --> 00:21:26.140 And those who know what lies for Peter is that he dies on an upside-down cross, hands-wide. 00:21:27.480 --> 00:21:29.900 Like it says in Luke 9 to 10, 00:21:29.900 --> 00:21:34.420 self-denial is the response as a follower of Jesus, taking up our cross. 00:21:34.420 --> 00:21:42.539 But the last one I think will shock you, and you might think it's really odd, but it's this. 00:21:44.300 --> 00:21:45.300 Have breakfast. 00:21:45.299 --> 00:21:52.019 Do you remember Jesus' response when they realised it was him? 00:21:52.919 --> 00:21:56.700 It wasn't first, hey guys, I've just revealed myself to some of you. 00:21:56.779 --> 00:21:58.059 Why can't you tell it's me? 00:21:58.399 --> 00:22:00.319 This is, remember, the third time that he's appeared. 00:22:01.240 --> 00:22:02.659 Do you need to go to Specsavers? 00:22:02.660 --> 00:22:06.860 It wasn't a rebuke though either, was it? 00:22:07.279 --> 00:22:09.200 He didn't smack the back of their heads. 00:22:09.779 --> 00:22:11.580 He says in verse 12, 00:22:11.579 --> 00:22:20.960 They knew it was the Lord Jesus, not just because of the signs, 00:22:21.099 --> 00:22:26.779 but because this is the Lord who engages with them by inviting them into relationship. 00:22:28.439 --> 00:22:31.199 There's something that we as the reader, excuse me, 00:22:31.199 --> 00:22:36.119 has to see that the image and symbol of their relationship being breakfast. 00:22:36.119 --> 00:22:37.899 Why is it breakfast? 00:22:38.500 --> 00:22:39.599 Why is it bread? 00:22:40.259 --> 00:22:44.599 This is a culture where hospitality are about feasting. 00:22:45.619 --> 00:22:50.799 It's like the Prime Minister inviting you to his house for a bowl of oats every day. 00:22:52.479 --> 00:22:55.619 Breakfast is ordinary and regular, 00:22:56.619 --> 00:23:04.159 but the extraordinary fact is that you're having porridge with someone who matters. 00:23:04.160 --> 00:23:04.220 Have confidence. 00:23:05.120 --> 00:23:15.380 Have confidence that following Jesus starts and continues by having breakfast with Jesus, 00:23:16.200 --> 00:23:21.700 remembering that his bread, his body was broken for you. 00:23:23.080 --> 00:23:25.000 And it continues that way. 00:23:25.240 --> 00:23:29.560 It started by you loving him and having a relationship with him, 00:23:29.840 --> 00:23:31.960 and it doesn't stop. 00:23:31.960 --> 00:23:35.880 It's the regular rhythms of a relationship with the extraordinary one, 00:23:36.600 --> 00:23:39.640 the creator of the earth and the heavens. 00:23:40.819 --> 00:23:44.620 Jesus Christ, who is the saying yesterday, today, and tomorrow, 00:23:46.420 --> 00:23:51.380 is people who can follow the whims and ways of our world and our own voices. 00:23:52.500 --> 00:23:57.100 What we need is a regular digital reminder, 00:23:57.099 --> 00:24:00.079 not just a one-time diary entry. 00:24:01.579 --> 00:24:06.279 I want to specifically talk to the one who has been listening to sermon after sermon, 00:24:06.859 --> 00:24:09.139 who reads the Bible and is tired. 00:24:09.799 --> 00:24:11.159 You know John 3.16. 00:24:11.519 --> 00:24:14.240 You know that eternal life is for the one who believes, 00:24:15.039 --> 00:24:17.719 but you really aren't feeling it. 00:24:18.179 --> 00:24:21.679 You feel like your relationship with Jesus is a little dry, 00:24:21.680 --> 00:24:24.220 so you've stopped valuing the Bible, 00:24:25.019 --> 00:24:26.240 church is just optional, 00:24:27.019 --> 00:24:28.360 rather than essential. 00:24:29.500 --> 00:24:30.920 This is for you. 00:24:32.180 --> 00:24:34.480 The measure of your feelings, 00:24:35.259 --> 00:24:37.400 nor how tight you grasp onto Christ, 00:24:37.560 --> 00:24:39.279 is not what keeps you in Christ, 00:24:40.320 --> 00:24:45.140 but by his measure of endless love and abundant grace, 00:24:45.140 --> 00:24:48.580 and how he has grasped hold of you. 00:24:49.800 --> 00:24:54.520 Don't let those feelings or doubts define your relationship with Jesus. 00:24:55.640 --> 00:24:59.120 Your part is to simply not let go, 00:24:59.980 --> 00:25:02.100 to follow him. 00:25:02.820 --> 00:25:04.580 Follow me, he says. 00:25:05.680 --> 00:25:08.600 Sometimes we doubt the means because we have no zeal. 00:25:09.400 --> 00:25:10.580 Reading the Bible today, 00:25:10.740 --> 00:25:12.000 it didn't feel like much. 00:25:12.000 --> 00:25:14.720 This passage is saying, zero in. 00:25:15.500 --> 00:25:17.079 Don't doubt what's keeping you, 00:25:17.160 --> 00:25:18.559 continuing with Jesus. 00:25:19.980 --> 00:25:23.059 Your will, your affections, your heart, your mind, 00:25:23.119 --> 00:25:26.039 all of it will come in alignment with Jesus 00:25:26.039 --> 00:25:29.099 as you continue to seek his grace. 00:25:30.440 --> 00:25:34.279 Don't doubt the means of preaching the gospel to yourself daily. 00:25:34.960 --> 00:25:37.900 Don't give up gathering with his people. 00:25:38.440 --> 00:25:41.640 Seeing Christ's character in a passage that you read, 00:25:42.599 --> 00:25:45.460 you know, the next steps that we keep mentioning about 00:25:45.460 --> 00:25:48.039 aren't for you to tick a to-do list box 00:25:48.039 --> 00:25:50.299 so that you can earn your way to Jesus. 00:25:51.640 --> 00:25:55.380 They are there to encourage you to position your life 00:25:55.380 --> 00:25:58.140 in a way that helps you build confidence 00:25:58.140 --> 00:26:02.000 in the grace that you have already received in Jesus. 00:26:02.339 --> 00:26:06.720 It's a means of grace to see the signs of Jesus again, 00:26:06.720 --> 00:26:09.039 to see his character, his promises. 00:26:09.039 --> 00:26:14.159 This is the regular notifications versus the one look diary. 00:26:15.200 --> 00:26:21.799 Be regularly notified to be confident of life and grace in Christ. 00:26:21.799 --> 00:26:25.319 This is how David Mathis puts it in his book, 00:26:25.940 --> 00:26:27.119 Habits of Grace. 00:26:28.259 --> 00:26:32.559 I can flip a switch, but I don't provide the electricity. 00:26:33.399 --> 00:26:36.159 I can turn on a faucet, but I don't make the water flow. 00:26:36.960 --> 00:26:39.599 There will be no light and no liquid refreshment 00:26:39.599 --> 00:26:41.980 without someone else providing it. 00:26:41.980 --> 00:26:46.279 And so it is for the Christian with the ongoing grace of God. 00:26:47.240 --> 00:26:51.660 His grace is essential for our spiritual lives, 00:26:52.079 --> 00:26:53.640 but we don't control the supply. 00:26:54.319 --> 00:26:56.160 We can't make the favour of God flow, 00:26:56.860 --> 00:27:00.519 but he has given us circuits to connect 00:27:00.519 --> 00:27:02.940 and pipes to open expectantly. 00:27:04.220 --> 00:27:06.519 Our God is lavish in his grace. 00:27:06.519 --> 00:27:09.819 He is free to liberally dispense his goodness 00:27:09.819 --> 00:27:12.339 without even the least bit of cooperation 00:27:12.339 --> 00:27:14.700 and preparation on our part. 00:27:15.200 --> 00:27:16.799 And often he does. 00:27:17.779 --> 00:27:20.579 But he also has his regular channels, 00:27:20.960 --> 00:27:23.859 and we can routinely avail ourselves 00:27:23.859 --> 00:27:26.900 to these revealed paths of blessing 00:27:26.900 --> 00:27:30.460 or neglect them to our detriment. 00:27:32.440 --> 00:27:35.819 Reading the Bible is not just about consuming the knowledge 00:27:35.819 --> 00:27:41.599 but hearing the words from whom you have received grace. 00:27:43.579 --> 00:27:46.919 Confession comes not from a place of guilt and penance, 00:27:47.299 --> 00:27:49.839 but confidence that because of God's grace, 00:27:49.980 --> 00:27:50.919 he will forgive. 00:27:52.059 --> 00:27:53.740 Gathering with his people on Sunday 00:27:53.740 --> 00:27:54.939 or with your community group 00:27:54.939 --> 00:27:56.720 is not your weekly social club, 00:27:57.279 --> 00:27:59.099 but the flock of broken people 00:27:59.099 --> 00:28:02.339 who regularly share the news of grace. 00:28:03.599 --> 00:28:05.599 You know that frozen yogurt place? 00:28:05.819 --> 00:28:07.379 They have yogurt on tap, 00:28:07.759 --> 00:28:10.339 and all you want to do is rest your head under that tap, 00:28:10.939 --> 00:28:12.259 mouth wide open. 00:28:14.419 --> 00:28:16.939 Grace is on tap. 00:28:19.859 --> 00:28:22.579 Jesus is inviting you to do what seems impossible. 00:28:23.919 --> 00:28:25.759 It's having frozen yogurt for breakfast, 00:28:26.519 --> 00:28:27.679 mouth right under the tap. 00:28:27.680 --> 00:28:36.460 Friends, we've had a whole turn of John, 00:28:36.519 --> 00:28:37.920 and I want to ask you this. 00:28:38.600 --> 00:28:40.539 What has it been in this series 00:28:40.539 --> 00:28:44.240 that has grown your confidence about Jesus? 00:28:45.299 --> 00:28:48.820 What has made you more confident that he is God, 00:28:49.220 --> 00:28:52.420 he is your Lord and your Saviour? 00:28:52.420 --> 00:28:56.060 What has made you more confident about the grace 00:28:56.060 --> 00:28:56.960 that Jesus offers? 00:28:58.380 --> 00:29:00.240 What has made you more confident 00:29:00.240 --> 00:29:04.539 about living a life with and for Jesus? 00:29:04.539 --> 00:29:04.920 What has made you more confident 00:29:04.920 --> 00:29:06.039 than the eight years he willrando has 00:29:06.039 --> 00:29:06.899 good news. 00:29:07.319 --> 00:29:10.119 So in Sinarsi your life 00:29:10.599 --> 00:29:12.019 we've had this beginning 00:29:12.019 --> 00:29:13.240 how many questionsution and Надsten 00:29:13.240 --> 00:29:14.579 are left up 00:29:14.579 --> 00:29:15.519 what has made you more confident 00:29:15.519 --> 00:29:16.240 for her life 00:29:16.240 --> 00:29:18.440 and LYMART 00:29:19.079 --> 00:29:21.059 once again 00:29:21.299 --> 00:29:22.339 I want you to see 00:29:22.740 --> 00:29:23.460 what his head partner 00:29:23.980 --> 00:29:25.079 along規制 00:29:25.079 --> 00:29:25.879 for his job 00:29:26.200 --> 00:29:28.059 in the Dr knocks 00:29:28.240 --> 00:29:34.000 in the industr