Bible Text: John 21:15-23 |  

“What About Him?” John 21:15-23

Introduction:  After breakfast Jesus invites Peter to walk the beach with him.

It was to be a private and uncomfortable conversation.  How does one begin?

I.        Follow Me

A.     (v15) “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”

1.      Do you love me more than you love the nets and the fish?

2.      Do you love me more than you love the other disciples and your family?

3.      Do you love me more than the other disciples love me?

4.      How much do we love Jesus?  This is not a place for half-measures or hollow words.

B.     Peter responds, “Yes, Lord’ you know that I love you.”

1.      Much is made of John’s verb choice:  Agape and Philia

2.      Peter’s answer, though earnest, is now tempered by humility and, perhaps, shame.

3.      Jesus replied, “Feed my lambs”  Peter is reinstated.

C.     Three times in all Jesus asks the question.  (vs. 16, 17) “Do you love me?”

1.      Three times with the same question hurts Peter.  It calls to mind the three denials.

2.      “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.”

3.      Jesus knows us and exposes us at our deepest shame.

a.  He does so to lance the wound and heal it.

b.  I know you—“Feed my sheep.”

II.       Don’t Look Back; Don’t Look Sideways

A.     Haunted by a recent past [John 13:36-37]

1.      John 13:36, Jesus said, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now.”  Peter protests.

2.      (v18) Jesus warns Peter that he will die a martyr’s death.  Peter sees the cross and the cost.

3.      (v19) “Follow me.”

B.     (v20) “Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them.”

1.      The disciples had seen Jesus.  Why were they still inside behind locked doors?

2.      Jesus repeats his greeting of “Peace be with you.”  Does he note their expressions?

3.      Gospel culminates with Thomas’ profession: (v28) “My Lord and my God.”

C.     (v29) “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

1.      Why was he tagging along?  Was he concerned or envious or maybe curious?

2.      (v21) “When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, what about this man?’”

3.      Was John concerned or envious or maybe curious?  Jesus will have none of it.

Conclusion:   Philippians 3:13-14, Hebrews 12:2