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DO YOU LOVE ME?... PERFECT LOVE |
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Do You Love Me?/Jn.21:1-17/Perfect Love
#1 Do You Love Me?/Jn.21:1-17/The Background...Do You Have Any Fish? vs.1-7 (1/4)
#2 Do You Love Me?/Jn.21:1-17/The Background...It
is the Lord vs.7 (2/4)
#3 Do You Love Me?/Jn.21:1-17/The Background...Come and Eat 8-13 (3/4)
#4 Lovest Thou Me?/Jn 21:1-1715-17/ (4/4)
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
#5 Love, Imperfect to Perfect/I would like to point out two things (1/2)
#6 Love, Imperfect and Perfect/(2/2)
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#1 Do You Love Me?/Jn.21:1-17/The Background...Do You Have Any Fish? vs.1-7 (1/4)
After Jesus was crucified dead (19:16-30), buried (19:31-42) and then raised again (20:1-31), He met with the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, another name for the Sea of Galilee (21:1-17). It happened like this. A number of the disciples got together and went fishing (1-3). Sometimes there are events in our lives which require a change in schedule and habit, such as death in our family or social circles. Certainly the death and resurrection of Jesus was one of those extraordinary events. Though we can and should come apart from the cares of life for awhile, we cannot come apart from life itself. If we do, life itself will come apart. Regardless of major events in our lives, we still have responsibilities and needs. We can not allow our grief, joy, disappointment or any other emotion to keep us from our necessary tasks. If our encounter with Jesus does not equipe us to deal with life, then we do not have a mature relationship with Him. These seven disciples joined together in work and fellowship. They occupied their time with that which was productive. Though there is a time for mourning and a time for rejoicing, we must always live life in the now. Even when we "sit together in heavenly places" we are still in this world and cannot neglect our responsibilities. We should not be "so heavenly minded that we are of no earthly good."
But the disciples did not catch anything that night. They worked hard and had been up long hours, but had nothing to show for it. That is when work is the hardest, when we toil but have no return for our labors. We don't always get the results we want even when we do our best. We pour ourselves into a project and then we know that we are going home empty handed. That is a load in itself, but the idea of facing others with our failures can be devastating.
As the day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shoreline but the disciples did not recognize Him (4). He called out to them asking if they had any fish, a normal question from those who are wanting fish and waiting for the boats to come in. He spoke with compassion and concern by calling them "children" or "lads". They answered, I would guess with some disappointment and embarassment, "No" (5). "Whoever" this was standing on the shore called back out to them and told them to cast their net on the other side of the boat and told them that they would catch fish. They followed His instructions and could not haul the net because of so great a catch (6).
There must have been great excitement and activity with such a large catch. Seven men pulling as hard as they could and still unable to haul the net into the boat. Keeping the boat at it's right attitude and staying out of one another's way with so many fish would have been a rush of excitement and activity.
When everything settled down, John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, told Peter that the man on the beach was Jesus. Wouldn't it be wonderful to be known as the one whom Jesus loved. It is expected that we should love Jesus, but for Him to love us, that is glory, mystery and victory. It is true that Jesus loves all of us. But there are some with whom Jesus has a special and close relationship. Those are the ones who choose to have a special and close relationship with Him. Jesus loved the world enough to die for it. Jesus loved the Jews and would have gathered them as a mother hen gathers her brood. Jesus loved the disciples and the inner circle of three in a very special way. But John was "the disciple whom Jesus loved."
We are loved, but we can deepen our relationship with Him by drawing nearer and nearer to Him. We can be the disciple whom Jesus loves in our world today.
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#2 Do You Love Me?/Jn.21:1-17/The Background...It
is the Lord vs.7 (2/4)
Though it took John a little while, the identity of Jesus finally registered (7). There were several factors which kept them from recognizing Jesus: they were tired from a hard nights work (3), they were about 300 feet from the shoreline (8), it was only daybreak (4). They were not expecting to see Jesus in this setting, then again, it could be that Jesus was intentionally not making His identity evident to them*.
Then, there He was, nearby, caring, consoling and counseling them in their daily routine. It was not His voice across the waters that told who He was. His words did not give Him away. But then, all of a sudden, John knew who He was. Jesus comes to us when we do not expect it*. Often He helps us and we are not aware of it*. Help is there when all seems helpless. After the dark night of emptiness and weariness, Jesus is waiting to show us the way to fulness and vitality. After our dark night of failure, Jesus is waiting to show us the way of success. Jesus will appear to us just as the sun rises at day break. He will show us what we should do, and if we obey Him, we will be blessed. Sometimes we don't act on our feelings, the seven disciples did not feel like trying again; sometimes we don't act according to the facts around us, they had just fished these waters, what would the other side of the boat matter? Unless we have a reason to reject counsel, we should at least consider it*. When we are so filled with our own knowledge and wisdom that we do not take or even want another's advice we are puffed up and headed for trouble. Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall*. The young may have more knowledge about any given subject but wisdom is not the same as knowledge. Wisdom is knowing how to live and use the knowledge we have. Wisdom comes with age and experience. A young person who knows Christ is wiser about some things than an older person without Christ. But even young Christians can learn important lessons from older people, especially those that are saved. A "know it all" will never know the things they really need to know to be successful in life.
But they did listen to the Man on the beach. They caught the multitude of fish and then they realized who had directed them (6-7). When John told Peter that it was Jesus, Peter put his outer garment on and jumped into the water (7). Peter, as usual, could not wait for the normal course of events to pass, he had to take hold of the moment*. It was Peter, the one whom Jesus said would deny Him*; Peter, the one who swore and said, "I know Him not"*; Peter who hid with the disciples for fear of the Jews*; Peter who, when he heard that Jesus was alive, ran to the opened tomb and rushed into to find it empty*. It was Peter who had repented and now had a new and living relationship with Jesus, who could not wait to see Him and be near Him.
Regardless of how we have treated Jesus, even if we have denied Him; He waits for us on the shore with open arms. Our past does not need to stand between us and Jesus. God's forgiveness of our sins makes us new creatures, old things pass away, everything becomes new*. Jesus is the God of new beginings. Whatever your past, trust Jesus. He died for our sins*, He rose from the dead physically* and since He is God*, He can and will forgive us of our sins*.
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#3 Do You Love Me?/Jn.21:1-17/The Background...Come and Eat 8-13 (3/4)
Jesus met with His disciples after His resurrection and then instructed them to meet Him at a later time and place. They had followed Jesus when He called them to leave their homes, boats and lifestyles, but while they were waiting for further instructions from the risen Master they decided to go fishing. They would be able to fill their time and hopefully make some money for the ministries they were about to launch. Jesus had called them while they were actively employed therefore it was not unusual for them to be occupied with productive activity.
God looks for the active person to serve Him. God hates laziness and foolishness. Maybe that is why there are so few serious servants of Christ in our western society today. We have become so pleasure seeking and slothful that God has very few to send. They worked all night but had no success (3) until Jesus directed them (6). The Scripture says, "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build it."* Our work will always come short of success until God gives the increase*. Sometimes we don't receive what we need until the last minute; though it may be at the last minute, God is never late. But we must be faithful about our responsibilities and not idle or presumptuous. Trusting God for our supply is one thing, presuming on God is quite another.
After Peter jumped overboard in order to get to Jesus quickly (7), the other six disciples brought the little boat ashore with it's net full of large fish (8). We all have different personalities and temperments, some are spontaneous and some are deliberate, but we should all draw close to Jesus when we recognize Him. When they arrived on the beach they found that Jesus had a a fire going and was preparing fish and bread (9). Jesus was not in need of thier fish after all (5), they were in need of His. Jesus was not in need of their supply after all, they were in need of His.
Jesus greeted them, not as the High and Holy King of the universe that He was, but as a loving Friend who wanted them to join Him in a meal. He told them to bring some of the fish that they had caught (10). Notice, Peter was as quick to do the work he was assigned as he was to draw close to Jesus (11). Some folks want only the fellowship but cannot be found to do the work of God. Those who are serious disciples want to please Him in every way.
And what a catch it was too. So great a catch that it had to be pulled up on the beach instead of aboard the boat. And all 153 of the fish were large (11). What a haul. But the excitement of an enormous catch was dwarfed by the presence of the One Who had called them three years earlier to be fishers of men. Now they start to catch the enormity of their call.
Keep in mind, they were not just hangin' with a friend, they were with the One Who was hung on a cross for His enemies*. He was not just the Master of the sea, He was the Lord of life*. He didn't just quell storms, He conquered death*. Though He stood there in His resurrection power, He invited them to dine with Him (12). He gave them fish and bread (13). There He was; crucified but ALIVE; King of righteousness, but FRIEND OF SINNERS; God of the universe, but SERVANT TO FISHERMEN. He fed His disciples...and still does*.
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#4 Lovest Thou Me?/Jn 21:1-1715-17/ (4/4)
Jesus had fed the disciples and had enjoyed the meal of fish and bread on the beach. Not much time had passed since they had eaten together (Mt.26:17-35). At that time Jesus foretold the betrayal of Judas* and His own death*. Jesus also said that in fulfillment of prophecy, He would be smitten and the flock would be scattered*. Peter boldly asserted that though all the others
forsake Him, he would not*. Jesus then told Peter that he would deny Christ three times before the cock should crow twice*. Peter then boasted that even if he should die, he would not deny Jesus*.
Every thing that Jesus had foretold took place. Jesus fed His re-gathered sheep. He confronted the dark stain of failure that Peter carried in his heart. Peter had to face his act of cowardice and his inner self. After the fish meal on the beach, Jesus asked Peter to declare the state of his love for Christ. "Simon, son of Jonas..." Jesus did not call him by the name He had given to him, "Peter, Rock". Peter had not stood firm like a rock when he was faced with the question of his loyalty. He had hidden in the shadows and he coward behind a maiden girl instead*. He had sworn and denied that he had known Jesus*. Jesus then asked him, "Do you love me more than these?" More than what? The other men who also deserted Jesus in His hour of trial? Or more than the boats and nets and sea and fish that was as much a part of Peter's life as his sun-and-sea-weathered skin? More than the money and independence that went with having his own business? Whatever the meaning, Peter was not ready to say yes.
Let us take a quick overveiw of the conversation.
JESUS the first time...Do you love me more than these?
PETER...Yes Lord, you know that I love you.
JESUS the second time...Do you love me?
Peter...Yes Lord, you know that I love you.
JESUS the third time...Do you love me?
Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, Do you love me? PETER...Lord you know all things, you know that I love you.
I know what it looks like in our English translation. But we are not getting what actually happened in this conversation. Our Lord is not asking a simple question to which He gets a simple and affirmative answer. There are two different Greek words being used in this exchange. Without getting technical, the two words are forms of
1-AGAPE' (a-ga-pay) and
2-PHILEO (fill-a-o).
The first word is to be understood as a deep, self sacrificing, self denying kind of love, as in John 3:16, for God so "LOVED" the world. This is the love that God has for us and the love that is found in I Cor. 13. The second word is to be understood as a brotherly love, as in the word Philadelphia (the city of BROTHERLY LOVE).
Now let us look at that part of the conversation from this point of view.
JESUS 1st time...Do you love me above all, with holy, God like, self denying love?
PETER...Yes Lord, I love you like a brother.
JESUS 2nd time...Do you
love me with holy, God like, self denying love?
PETER...Yes Lord, I love you like a brother.
JESUS 3rd time...Peter, do you love me like a brother?
Peter wasgrieved because He asked him the third time, do you love me like a brother?
PETER...Lord you know all things, you know I love you like a brother.
Do you see it? Peter loved Him, but only as a brother, not with a holy, God like, self denying love. Do you see it? Too many of us love Jesus with an affectionate, brotherly love, when He wants us to love Him with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength. No wonder Peter was grieved. No wonder we are grieved when we examine our love for Him. He loved us to death, while we only love Him like a brother. No wonder we fail, deny and abandon Him. No wonder He hung on the cross till dead. It is a matter of LOVE. Yes we love Him, but with what kind of love?
However, something happened to make Peter love Jesus with "perfect love."
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#1 Love, Imperfect to Perfect/I would like to point out two things (1/2)
1- Simon Peter believed in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior before the crucifixion and
though he loved Christ, he loved him imperfectly.
2- Simon Peter was made perfect in love, subsequent to his conversion.
In Simon Peter we see the same characteristics which we find in ourselves. Though we have faith in Christ, our love for Him is imperfect. But as Simon Peter found the answer to his problem, so can we. In John 6:29 when others left Jesus, He asked the remaining disciples if they would leave also and "Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that Thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God (68-69)."
Ch.13... Jesus prepares to wash the feet of the disciples as an example of servanthood. When He came to Peter, Peter said "No" (5-6). Jesus then said that if he was not washed, he would have no part in Jesus (7), and Peter asked that his hands and head also be washed (9). Jesus pointed out that he only needed his feet washed and said that he was clean (10-12). Jesus then commended him and the other disciples for calling Him Lord and Master, for so He is (13).
Ch.14... Jesus said that He was going to prepare a dwelling in heaven for Peter and the other disciples and then he would come to receive them to Himself (1-3). Jesus promised not to leave the disciples comfortless but to send them the Holy Spirit (18). Jesus points out that He will give the Holy Spirit to His followers, not to the unsaved world (18-27).
Ch.15... Jesus said that the disciples were clean through His word which He had spoken to them (3). Then He told the disciples to abide, or continue in Him, indicating that they were already in Him (4). He calls the disciples His branches (5). He describes the new relationship He has with them (9-17). Jesus points out that they would be hated because the world hated Him (18-27).
Ch.16... Jesus promises the Holy Spirit again to His followers (7-15). Jesus acknowledges the love and faith of the disciples (27). Jesus foretold the weakness of their faith and love (28-32) and promised them victory over the world (33).
Ch.17... In His prayer to the Father, Jesus acknowledges that His disciples have been given to Him by the Father and that they have come out of the world and they have kept the Word of God (6-7). Jesus differentiates between the disciples and the world (8-9). He states that He is glorified in them (10). Jesus states that He and the disciples are one (11), that He had kept them and lost none but Judas (12), that the disciples are not of the world even as Jesus is not of the world (14,16), Jesus prays for His disciples to be sanctified, that is,set apart and made holy (17-19). If there was ever any question about the saving faith in the disciples bfore Calvary, this should end all such questions.
Ch.18... While meeting with His disciples in a garden, Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested by the Roman cohort (1-8). Though Peter draws a sword to fight for Jesus, he is reproved for his violence (10-11). Peter denies Christ (15-27).
Ch.20... Peter had left Jesus at His crucifixion and hidden with the other disciples until His resurrection. When he heard that Jesus was alive, he ran with John to the tomb and found it empty (2-7). He then returned to his home (10).
Ch.21... While fishing, Peter sees Jesus standing on the beach and jumps overboard to reach Him quickly (1-7). Jesus confronts Peter about his love for Him. Peter admits that he had only loved Jesus like a brother instead of loving Him with his whole heart, mind, soul and strength (15-17).
(See Pastor David's "Do You Love Me #4" devotional in "Path Light" club.)
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#2 Love, Imperfect and Perfect/(2/2)
As we established in the first part of this short study, John makes it clear that Peter was a true believer in Jesus Christ before the crucifixion. However, his faith in Christ and love for Christ, though real, were imperfect. I would now like to show that Peter became a man of perfect love shortly after the resurrection of Christ.
As background let us remember that Jesus had set the standard for Christian life and practice early in His ministry. In His "Sermon on the Mount" (Mt.5-7), Jesus had said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled" (5:6). Jesus also said, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" (5:8). When speaking of a Chtistian's love, Jesus said that the standard was to love perfectly as God the Father loves perfectly (5:43-48). In reference to a Christian's earthly needs, Jesus said to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you (6:33). Jesus had set the standard for Christians, but the disciples did not measure up to it.
After His resurrection Jesus had told the disciples to go into all the world and makedisciples of all nations (Mt.28:18-20). How could He send such a group of men who were so vascilating and had such imperfect faith and love? He didn't. He told them to wait in Jerusalem until they received power from on high (Lk.24:48-49). They were not ready but He had a plan. Jesus taught the disciples concerning the kingdom of God (Ac.1:3). He also told them to wait for the Father's promise of the Holy Spirit (4). Of course He was referring to the Baptism with the Holy Spirit which they were to receive on the Jewish celebration of Penetcost. After He had said these things, Jesus was taken to heaven while His disciples were standing and watching. They then joined together and sought God on a daily basis. They appointed another to take the place of Judas. While they were waiting for the promise of the Holy Spirit, He came in all of His power which was accompanied with signs and wonders. The upper room, where they were gathered together, was filled with the sound of a rushing, violent wind; and there appeared tongues of fire over each one of them. They were then filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other human languages which they had never learned. In the power of the moment they told others about Christ and a multitude of people turned from sin to salvation.
Those are all very important things that happended on that historic day but there is another event that took place that day which impacted Peter's life and should impact ours. Remember, Peter was an off-and-on, hot-and-cold, up-and-down believer. He was inspired and inspiring in one moment and a faltering failure in the next. He loved Jesus but not with his whole heart. He confessed Jesus and then denied Him. He was sent into all the world but told to tarry in Jerusalem. Peter needed a deeper work of God in his life and he got it on the day of Pentecost.
When we look at Peter's life after the day of Pentecost we see a different man. He was bold, consistant, unashamed. With the exception of one bad choice concerning the Judaizers, he lived a life of purpose, power and purity until he gave his life as a martyr. What was it that happened to him that day? When he was asked about it years later he said that those who were baptized with the Holy Spirit had their hearts purified. Remember the promise of God to purify the heart? How about us, do we need the purifying touch of God? You see, we can't love God perfectly until our heart is purified. It is God's standard ,and His provision. We can, we should love God with a perfect love. Are you tired of imperfect love? Jesus will do for you what He did for Peter.
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