Our Lord shows His miraculous power and confirms our commission to follow Him. John finishes His gospel by saying more could have been written. But we are living letters as we out His message.
John 21: Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples
1 After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way.
2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together.
3 Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.
5 Jesus said to them, "Children, do you have any fish?" They answered him, "No."
6 He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish.
7 That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea.
8 The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.
9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread.
10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught."
11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn.
12 Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord.
13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish.
14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
Jesus and Peter
15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs."
16 He said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep."
17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep.
18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, 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."
19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, "Follow me."
Jesus and the Beloved Apostle
20 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who had been reclining at table close to him and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?"
21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?"
22 Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!"
23 So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?"
24 This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true.
25 Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.
Things to think about…
1. The miracle of the net full of fish in John 21:1-11 is well known. When we travelled to Tiberias in 2014 we had what are believed to be these same fish called ‘St Peter’s fish’. They are actually a species of Tilapia. I am sure the fish Jesus had cooking on the charcoals were better tasting than the fish we had – Tilapia are quite muddy tasting. Peter said to the other disciples “"I am going fishing.", vs 3. This is not a once off trip. Peter is speaking about going back to fishing as a trade. The disciples agree to do the same. They have a fruitless night. Jesus tells them something ridiculous, to “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some”, vs 6. As if the side of the boat has any influence. But when it is at the request of Jesus the miraculous happens. Our labours are blessed in Him. It is a great reminder that our Lord provides even more than we ask, and He does so directly. The only effort that’s required is obedience. What are you fishing for today? Have you found it? Perhaps like the disciples you are fishing in your own strength and with your own understanding. Go to the risen Lord for your supply, he promises to provide for your every need, even more than you ask.
2. Peter was asked 3 times “Do you love Me?” in John 21:15-19. He betrayed Jesus 3 times and is asked to affirm his love of Jesus 3 times. Christ restores us, but only through a conformation of that restoration through a response from the heart. Peter would then go on to fulfil his role of establishing the church through his bold proclamation of seeing Christ as the risen saviour as we see in the early chapters of Acts. He would indeed die the way Jesus had foretold. John writing after the events of Peter’s death confirms how Peter died as prophesied by our Lord, vs 19.
3. Peter is restored John 21:15-25 and told by Jesus to “follow Me”, vs 19 and emphatically again in vs 22. But what of John? We know that he had to receive further revelation from Jesus. This is recorded in the book of Revelation when John was exiled on the island of Patmos. I am glad the Lord had more work for this disciple whom Jesus loved. John finished his gospel and said more could have been written, but his whole focus is that we believe and be saved through knowing Jesus as our saviour from sin. Rejoice in your salvation.
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Cell groups are encouraged to do alpha at church on Wednesday night 6:30pm at church. Be encouraged and join us.
Prayer Points
1. Pray for Ric Benson’s ministry as the Church Health and Communities pastor.
2. Pray for alpha course session Wed 6:30pm at Church. Invite non-Christians.
3. Pray about your involvement in hospitality – help keeping the church running.
4. That those who are new to the church are encouraged and settle in well into the church.
5. That we be bold in our witnessing for Christ. Pray for a heart to see those around you saved.
6. Pray for Rosie and Kids@church, pray for continued growth of this ministry.
7. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. Praise God for our Father’s Day Sunday. Praise God for all the dad’s who show their kids the heavenly Father and how to listen to His voice.
2. Give thanks for Sally who has consistently been able to come to church with Richard.
3. Some encouraging signs of those wanting to consider who Jesus was. People asking about baptism.
4. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Alpha Course 6th session on Wed 24th Aug – 6:30pm – invite non Christians to this course.
2. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
3. Tune in again this week on our YouTube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for September...
Q. 12. Does God know all things? A. Yes - nothing can be hidden from God.
