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John 21:15-22 (the Charge to Peter)
Gospel : John 21:15-22 (the Charge to Peter)
Peter's name has been incorporated into the English language with two words.
The first is an adjective /impetuous/. Impetuous Peter boasted he would never
deny Jesus. The second is a verb /to peter out/. Around the fire of coals his
nerve failed, and he 'petered out' (John 18:18; 25-27).
So it was an awkward interview for Peter after breakfasting around the fire of
coals with Jesus on the beach (John 21:9).
The last time he'd warmed himself at a fire of coals he'd denied his Lord
three times, and the cock crowed. How can Jesus ever trust him again?
1. JESUS CONFIRMS TO PETER THE OFFICE OF A PASTOR 15-17
a. By His threefold Interrogation.
"Do you love Me more than these? ...Do you love Me? ...Do you love Me?".
Peter's earlier threefold denial had not cast doubt on his faith (Jesus had
prayed that it fail not, Luke 22:32), but on his love for the Master. Now He
asks "Do you love Me more than you love these friends of yours?" (or, more
than these nets and fish, your means of livelihood?). When Peter said "I am
going fishing" (for fish again, John 21:3), it meant he had 'petered out' of
fishing for *men*.
b. By His threefold Exhortation.
"Feed My lambs; tend My sheep; feed My sheep".
Peter was not only to be a Fisher of Men but also a Feeder of the Flock. Not
only an Evangelist but a Pastor too. It is thrilling to be an evangelist; but
often heartbreaking to be a pastor.
We should feed them on the sincere Milk of the Word (1 Peter 2:2); and then,
when they are ready for it, on the strong Meat of the Word (Hebrews 5:14).
2. JESUS CONFERS UPON PETER THE HONOUR OF A MARTYR 18-19
a. By His twofold Affirmation.
"Truly, truly..." (18). As Christ foresaw His own sufferings, so He foresees
Peter's. Not just yet, but when he is old, he will be bound and lifted up to
die with his arms spread out. This could only mean crucifixion (18-19).
b. By His twofold Admonition.
"Follow Me.... Follow Me!" (19, 22). Peter had boasted his readiness to die
for Christ in the Upper Room; but then he was too young. When he is old the
boast must be fulfilled. Did you see the film "Quo Vadis"? Peter was fleeing
Rome before Nero's persecution, and met Jesus going back into Rome. "Quo
vadis, Domine? Where are you going, Lord?". "I'm going into Rome to die
there again". "No, Lord. I'll go back and die there for you".
Peter's Denial vilified God; but Peter's Death will glorify God.
Do we love the Lord Jesus? Fish out and feed up His flock.
Do we love the Lord Jesus? Follow Him even unto the end.
__________________________________________________________________________
In Christ,
Ben
--
Revd Ben Crick, BA CF
232 Canterbury Road, Birchington, Kent, CT7 9TD (UK)
http://www.cnetwork.co.uk/crick.htm
