E Y Mullins in Baptist Beliefs (1912) says “Saving faith includes belief and trust: belief of the facts and truths of the gospel and trust in Jesus Christ for Salvation.”
Jesus, healed ten of Leprosy (Luke 17:11-19), but only the Samaritan came back to thank him. “He (Jesus) said to him (the Samaritan), “Rise and go: your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17:19)
As the Samaritan’s faith in Jesus saved him from the leprosy, only our faith in Jesus Christ provides us eternal Salvation.
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to your; he is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 (NIV),
Merry Christmas!
From, Homewords Small Group Bible Study
“Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room!” Luke 2:1-7
How can the Word both be with God and be God? John 1:1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 (NIV)
John is referencing us back the Genesis 1:1, In the beginning….(NIV),
John wants us to know that Jesus has always been with God from the very beginning. If we see this verse as John states it… In the Beginning was Jesus and Jesus was with God and Jesus is God…
As you study John, you will understand why his gospel starts at the beginning… unlike the other gospel Mark, Matthew and Luke. They start with the birth of Jesus or the Baptism of Jesus.
References: NIV Bible, Life Change series: John page 21.
Overview Summary of Lesson One
Life Changes Series by NAVPRESS (1)
Who is John?
John describes himself only as “ the disciple whom Jesus loved.” (John 13:23 plus ft.nt., 19:26, 20:2; 21:7, 20; see also 21:24).
John was the son of Zebedee, a Fisherman (Mark 1:19-20); his mother was Salome (Mark 15: 40, Matt. 27:56). He was the brother of James (Matt. 4: 21-22).
He was prominent in the early church but is not mentioned by name in this Gospel—which would be natural if he wrote it, but hard to explain otherwise. (NIV pg. 2177)
The book for this study is outlined simply, to give us a tour of the book of John. The author gives the students the time to slowly get use to the author and how he (John) writes and teaches us about the gift of eternal life Jesus offers to all who believe in Him.
The study guide has work book exercises. Some important workbook exercises for this lesson were:
Outlining JOHN – One of the important guides in understanding the Bible is to identify the author’s intent in writing the book. In this study, on page 11, the author asks the student to, as you initially read the book, make a broad outline of the book by giving a title to each chapter or themes within a chapter. Pages 11 and 12 provide assistance with a chapter/verse guide of important sections.
Question 5 on page 12 – “What do you learn about John’s intent and purpose for writing John from 20:30-31? “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
Four Gospels (page 14) – The group was given enough information to compare and contrast the gospel of John with the synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke by reading “Four Gospels” on pages 14-15.
Bible Study Lesson 6/25/2016 Key Scriptures: Luke 7:36-50
Supporting Scriptures: Luke 19:2-3; Romans 3:23; Is. 55:8; Rom. 6:23;
Matt. 7:1; Matt.23:2-3,13-14; Rev. 3:20; Zec.1:3; Matt. 28:19-20; John 3:16; Matt.22:37-38; John 14:23; Matt. 10:33; Prov. 3:6; Hebrews 8:12
Many times in scripture the main character is named, such as Zacchaeus, a man of short stature who climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus. (Luke 19:2-3). Other times, as in this lesson, no name is given. While pondering the reason why, consider this: any name would be appropriate; male or female. Romans 3:23 tells us “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”.
“She was a notorious sinner, possibly a prostitute or adulteress. Rather than trying to defend what was indefensible in her life, she admitted her sin and made a spectacle of herself in a passionate display of love and gratitude.” WOB, pg. 171.
In our humanness, we often attempt to categorize sin. For many a “LITTLE SIN” like lying is insignificant, while a “BIG SIN” such as murder is unforgiveable. In opposition to our thinking, let us look at Isaiah 55:8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways”, declares the Lord. We know that God hates all sin, for He tells us “the wages of sin is death…”. (Romans 6:23) Therefore, as we look at the character of the lady in this lesson; ourselves; and the many others in which we come in contact, let us remember “Do not judge, or you too will be judged”. (Matt. 7:1)
“That she had offended God so grievously”. (biblegateway.com)
“That Jesus forgave her sins and commended her great faith and love.” (biblegateway.com)
One of the Pharisees named Simon invited Jesus into his home for dinner and Jesus went and reclined at the table. (Luke 7:36) Based on scripture, we know that the Pharisees were experts in the law. They believed in God, but not that Jesus was the Messiah. Repeatedly, they attempted to entice Jesus into saying something they could use to bring about his arrest, imprisonment and crucifixion. In regard to the Pharisees, Jesus stated “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach”. (Matt. 23:2-3). Repeatedly, he referred to them as “hypocrites”. (Matt. 23:13-14)
Initially, we don’t know why Simon extended the invitation or why Jesus accepted; we simply know that it was done. Here is something we do know in full detail, Jesus has extended an open invitation to all of us. He says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person and they with me”. (Rev. 3:20) We can rejoice in the knowledge that God’s invitation remains open even when we err and fall into sin, if we will sincerely repent (as the woman in this lesson). Let us remember the words of the Lord in Zechariah 1:3, “Return to me”, declares the Lord Almighty, “and I will return to you”.
A woman in town who lived a sinful life heard that Jesus was dining at Simon’s house, so she arrived uninvited with an alabaster jar filled with perfume. (Luke 7:37)
Apparently, the woman had already heard Jesus speak or at least had heard about Him. She had seen or heard of His many miracles, healings and teachings. After hearing, she responded by seeking Him out and going to where He was. Obviously, she desired to connect with Him, learn more and pay homage to Him since she brought along a gift- love offering.
As children of God, it is our responsibility to spread the good news telling others about Jesus. He commands us to “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matt. 28:19-20)
Like the woman in our lesson, after hearing about Jesus our desire should be to make that connection with Him. We can rest assured that “God desires a continuing love relationship with us that is real and personal”. (Experiencing God; Henry and Richard Blackaby; pg. 52 2007). In Matthew 22:37-38, Jesus says “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and the greatest commandment.” While requiring our love, remember that God first demonstrated His love for us in that “…..He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”. (John 3:16) How appropriate is that age-old childhood song: “Jesus loves me this I know, for the bible tells me so”.
After entering Simon’s home, the woman stood behind Jesus at His feet weeping; wet His feet with her tears; wiped them with her hair; kissed them and poured perfume on them. (Luke7:38). Her love for Jesus was shown through her humility (the washing of His feet); tears (outward display of love and devotion); and unselfish giving (the alabaster jar filled with perfume). Scripture doesn’t indicate that she ever spoke a word, but her love and devotion was evident.
As believers, we should demonstrate our love for Jesus openly by living righteously and loving others as He commands. He tells us in John 14:23 “anyone who loves me will obey my teaching”. He further states in Matthew 10:33, that, if we deny Him before men, He will deny us before His Father.
When Simon saw what the woman was doing, his mind went straight to the negative. He thought to himself, “If Jesus is a prophet he would know that the woman touching him is a sinner”. (Luke 7:39) Now Simon reveals his true character and doubt of who Jesus is. How quickly he was ready to judge, placing himself above the woman, as though he was not also a sinner. Additionally, he seemingly places himself above Jesus, believing that he knows more because he recognizes the woman as a sinner while Jesus does not.
Jesus knew Simon’s thoughts and responded by explaining a parable about two men who owed a debt, one 500 denarii and the other 50. Neither man could repay the moneylender, so he forgave both debts. Jesus then asked the question, which of the debtors would love the most (be the most grateful). Simon answered the one who owed the most and Jesus replied that he was correct. (Luke 7:43-44)
The parable was meant to teach a lesson. Both Simon and the woman owed a debt that could never repay. Consider this summarization from Bible Gateway: “Though Simon’s sin was less obvious, it was the more dangerous. He was like a man who was following a map he was certain would lead to heaven—but when heaven came down and walked into his house, he didn’t even know it. The woman on the other hand, realized just how lost she had been. Forgiven much, she loved much. She found heaven at the feet of Jesus.”
Jesus went on to point out all the expected amenities Simon had failed to offer as a proper host, such as water to clean His feet; a welcoming kiss; or oil for His head. The woman, however, had done all these acts of love by washing His feet, kissing them and anointing them with oil. (Luke 7:44-46)
In our daily lives, there will be stumbling blocks. There will people who question our commitment to God; criticize our actions; intentionally place obstacles in our way, and even slander our name and more. Remember that God is omniscience, omnipresent and omnipotent. Trust completely in Him, stand firmly on His promises and “in all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths”. (Prov.3:6)
Jesus supports the woman and says to Simon, “Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown”. (Luke7:47). He also says directly to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven”. (Luke 7:48)
We know that the woman was not saved because of her actions or the expensive perfume, for it is “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us”. (Titus 3:5) Jesus makes it perfectly clear in Luke7:50 when he says to The Woman Who Has Lived A Sinful Life, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace”.
God has promised, “For I will forgive their wickedness and remember their sins no more”. (Hebrews 8:12) “This story isn’t included in scripture just so we can see the forgiveness given to one sinful woman, it is included so that we can know that no matter how sinful, how broken, how entrenched in error we might be, forgiveness is available if only we seek it in faith—he’s promised.” biblegateway.com/devotionals/women of the bible/2014/09/29.
Bibliography:
Holy Bible, New International Version, (NIV) Study Bible, Copyright 1985, Zondervan Corporation
Women of the Bible, 52 Bible Studies for Individuals and Groups, Copyright 1999,2002 by Ann Spangler and Jean Syswerda; Zondervan
Experiencing God, Knowing and Doing the Will of God, Henry and Richard Blackaby, Claude King; Copyright 2007, Reprinted 2015
biblegateway.com/devotionals/women-of-the-bible/2014/09/29
1. Joanna – her name means “T he Lord Gives Graciously” and in this story Joanna who experienced gracious healing at Jesus’ hands responded by giving herself totally, supporting his ministry and following him wherever he went. WOB p. 184
2. A woman of high rank in Herod’s court. She was married to Cuza, the manager of Herod’s household.
a. In Clarke’s commentary steward is used instead of manager and signifies the overseer of Herod’s domestic affairs. http://biblehub.com/commentaries/clarke/luke/8.htm
b. In Matthew Henry’s commentary it was debated whether Joanna was a widow and after her husband’s death was left with good financial means to support the ministry of Jesus Christ. Or if her husband Cuza had received the gospel and was wiling to have his wife be a “hearer of Christ and a contributor to him”. http://biblehub.com/commentaries/mhcw/luke/8.htm
3. Joanna’s background was that of a wife of a high ranking staffer in the court of Herod, Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the Great, the tetrarch (govenor) of Galilee. In our W.O.B.studies of Herodias and Salome, we learned of this devious mother and shameless daughter who plotted along with Herod in the death of John the Baptist. Matthew 14:1-12
4. Luke 23:7-12 Scripture describes more background on Herod’s court and his treatment of Jesus Christ after the Last Supper and the subsequent arrest of our Lord. Jesus was interrogated by Herod after being sent to him by Pilate. Pilate did not want to handle this case of Jesus and pushed him off onto Herod. Before sending Jesus back to Pilate, Herod attempted to humiliate and degrade him.
5. Accompanied by his disciples and the women who supported him, Jesus preached throughout every city and village of Galilee. Matthew Henry (in the same commentary mentioned above) called Jesus an itinerant preacher, a judge traveling his circuit, going through every city setting an example for his disciples. “They must traverse the nations of the earth, as he did the cities of Israel. http://biblehub.com/commentaries/mhcw/luke/8.htm
6. Joanna, along with Mary Magdalene, Sisanna and other women who names are not mentioned here, ministered and supported Jesus and his ministry. These women had been healed by Jesus of various illnesses, some with evil spirits and diseases. We know that Jesus freed Mary Magdalene of seven demons but scripture does not reveal what affliction was upon Joanna. We know that she was a patient of Jesus as others were that we have studied and that are offered in scripture (See W.O.B. pg 185). A patient offered grace who was healed by Jesus.
7. These women supported Jesus using their own means. After being healed they were possibly compelled by gratitude to serve him and his disciples. As we learned in the story of the Widow with Two Coins, we must give all we have willingly and lovingly to the Lord because what we give can never compare to what he gave and continues to give to us.These women knew this; they were the recipients of his grace and mercy and chose to support him financially and follow him wherever he went. Mark 12:43-44
Luke 24:1-11
8. Joanna and the other women who ministered to Jesus while alive, showed respect and homage to him by bringing prepared spices to his grave site.
9. On this 3rd day after Jesus’ death on the cross, the women were confronted at the grave site by 2 angels who reported that Jesus was risen from the dead. They were reminded that Jesus had spoken these words, “The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.” Luke 24:7
10. Then they remembered his words. They were: Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James and the other women who had supported Jesus and his ministry. They were the first to see the empty tomb, to hear that Jesus was not there and to be reminded of Jesus’ words that he would rise. When they came to tell the 11 Disciples, they were not believed as the disciples thought the words of the women were nonsense. They too would come to believe as they too were reminded of Jesus’ own words, some from Jesus himself.
RESOURCES:
Women of the Bible: 52 Bible Studies for Individuals and Groups; Jean E. Syswerda; Zondervan, 2002
NIV Study Bible; Zondervan
Clarke’s Commentary; http://biblehub.com/commentaries/clarke/luke/8.htm
Matthew Henry’s Commentary; http://biblehub.com/commentaries/mhcw/luke/8.htm
Bible Study Lesson 04/30/2016
Key Scriptures: Matthew 9:20-22, Mark 5:25-34, Luke 8:43-48
Introduction:
All three synoptic Gospels record the encounter of Jesus and the unnamed woman with the issue of blood. All three mention the length of time during which she had been suffering. Eusebius records a tradition that she was a Gentile, a native of Caesarea Philippi. This disease was a chronic hemorrhage, for which she had found no relief from the physicians. Lightfoot, in his ‘Horae Hebraicae,’ gives a list of the remedies applied in such cases, which seem quite sufficient to account for Mark’s statement that she was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse. Luke, himself a physician, says that she “had spent all her living upon physicians, and could not be healed of any.” (Pulpit commentary)
2. [1] The Hebrew children would often go down by the riverside to play. There was where the reeds grew. One of the things these reeds were useful for was that they made good flutes. So the children would cut them down, hollow them out and make flutes out of them. The riverbank would be full of these reeds, and many of them were less than perfect. If they came across one that was cracked or bruised, they would break it in half and toss it away. After all, they needed reeds of a certain quality in order to make a flute that would play well. Cracked or bruised reeds were worthless. Bruised reeds can easily be seen as symbols of people… in the eyes of the people that inhabited her world. She was bruised reed.
3. Mark 5:25 discharge of blood: The woman’s condition was not only physically debilitating, but it disqualified her from marriage ( 20:18) as well as religious life in general (Lev. 15:25–33)
4. The woman with prolonged menstruation suffered for 12 years from being ritually unclean. This meant she was unable to live a normal life, and was in a sense dead to the people around her.
5. Strictly speaking, she should not have been among other people. According to the laws of ritual purity, she should have been at home during her menstrual period, living quietly (see Leviticus 15:19-31).
6. But the woman in this story was not healthy. Her menstrual flow had lasted twelve years, so the purity laws had become an impossible burden for her. She could not go out, she could not touch members of her family, she could not enjoy a normal life, and she was constantly debilitated.
7. She was a woman of faith: (Mark 5:27-28) She could not throw herself, therefore, at the feet of Christ and state her complaint. Her modesty, humility, uncleanness and pressure of the crowd made close contact nearly impossible, hence her eagerness to touch in some unnoticed way the hem of His garment.
8. This poor lady had sought all kinds of medical care and the doctors were no help: (Mark 5:26) William Barclay says in his commentary, that “the Talmud gives no fewer than eleven cures” for such an illness. Can you imagine, eleven different treatments … no doubt she had tried all of them. Even the illegitimate ones such as carrying the ashes of an ostrich egg in a linen cloth. But when you’re desperate for a cure, when you’re long overdue for some relief… anything to make you whole again…. Yes you might even consider hollow superstitions. She “had spent all she had”. So desperate was she for some kind of cure she kept throwing good money after bad. The money had finally run out and now to add insult to injury she has to deal with financial strain dumped on top of physical strain.
9. A Risky Decision: By the time she gets to Jesus, He’s busy and surrounded by a crowd of people. Jarius, the most important man in the community, had summoned him to help his daughter and Jesus was in route. Her window of opportunity was closing quickly and what little hope she had was fading. This woman is down to her last prayer and she is about to pray it. What are the odds that Jesus will interrupt an urgent mission with an important official to help her? Very few. But twelve years is a long time and what are the odds that she will survive if she doesn’t take a chance? Fewer still. Her back was up against the wall and against all odds… she steps out on faith and takes a chance. This is how the Amplified Bible describes the incident: Scripture says that she had heard the reports about Jesus and verses 27 & 28 state, “She slipped in from behind and touched his robe. She was thinking to herself, “If I can put a finger on his robe, I can get well.” It was a risky decision. You should know this morning that exercising Faith means you must be willing to take some risk. To touch Jesus she had to touch the people. To get to Jesus she had to get pass the roadblocks. She had to get pass the possibility of rebuke, she had to get pass the possibility of being recognized. But what choice does she have? Our lady of faith is flat broke, she doesn’t have any clout like Jarius, she doesn’t have any friends, and she doesn’t have any solutions. All she has is a premonition, an intuitive feeling that Jesus can help her and a high hope that he will.
10. She Was Cured After Many Failures. What this poor woman really endured at the hands of the medical men of the time is left to the imagination. Where men failed, Christ succeeded. Down the ages men and women which no agency could reclaim have been restored by Christ. What is not possible with men is blessedly possible with God. Her disease was of long standing yet she was swiftly healed, for as soon as she touched the hem of His garment, “straight-way the fountain of her blood was dried up.” If a person suffers for a while from a complaint and seeks no medical advice, but in the end goes to the doctor, he invariably says, “You should have come to me sooner.” But it is the glory of Christ that He can heal those who come late to Him.
11. She Acknowledged Receipt of the Benefit Bestowed: As soon as the woman touched Christ’s garment, He felt that “virtue had gone out of Him,” and turned about and said, “Who touched me?” The disciples mildly rebuked Jesus by saying, “Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?” Perhaps her touch had been unnoticed by the eyes of those around, and she must have been one of many who touched the Master that day as he proceeded on His errand of love, but a touch of faith could not be hidden from Him. Quickly the Physician saw the patient and trembling with self-consciousness but too glad and grateful to falter, she confessed to her touch of His robe. “She told him all the truth.” She experienced that open confession is good for the soul. What a glow of gratitude her countenance must have had, as she publicly stated that her burden for twelve years had rolled away!
12. She Was Commended for Her Faith: The crowd who listened to her confession also heard the Savior’s benediction, “Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.” As a true daughter of Abraham (Luke 13:16), her faith is crowned by the Master. Hers was not faith without a touch, or a touch without faith. Believing, she appropriated and was healed. “Daughter,” was an endearing term for Jesus to use. Some tender insight of His own must have prompted Him to use it. As Theron Brown puts it so beautifully— The restored sufferer would never forget the friendly benignity that assailed her with one indulgent epithet or the sympathy in that endearing term by which the Messiah of Israel recognized her as His own…. She cherished her debt to the Man of Galilee.
Resources
Women of the Bible: 52 Bible Studies for Individuals and Groups; Jean E Syswerda; Zondervan, 2002
NIV Study Bible; Zondervan
http://www.biblegateway.com/…/commentaries/; Guidelines for Giving, BibleGateway, IVP New Testament Commentaries
www.biblestudytools.com/bible…/christian-…; 10 Essential Truths about Christian Giving, Crosswalk: Bible Study Tools; Dr. J. Ligon Duncan III
http://www.godvine.com › Online Bible › 1 Timothy › 1 Timothy 6; Clarke’s Commentary
Key Scriptures: Matthew 20:20-24, 27:56; Mark 15:40-41, 16:1-2
Points for Bible Study February 27,2016
Sources:
Background Scripture John 21: 1-25
Prayer: Lord, we’ve come today to worship you and to bring glory to your name during this Lenten season. May we be more aware during this 40 day period of the sacrifice that you made when you gave your life as a payment for our sins. May we then go through this year with a new found sense of gratitude to you. In your name, Amen.
THE MESSAGE: “ A RECALL TO SERVICE” AKA: “ WHERE’S PETER?”
The word, RECALL, means to officially return to a place. Synonyms: summon back, order back, call back. Some of us may have gotten a recall on some parts to our car, because some part of the car may have proven or suspect to be defective. We then need to take our cars back to the dealership for repairs.
In our message today, the disciple Peter, has gotten a recall. “ Who recalled Peter?” “ Jesus!” Why, because Peter had some defects that had prevented him from doing what he’d vowed not to do?
Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial (Matthew 26:31-35):
31. Then Jesus told them, “ This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.”
32. But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”
33. Peter replied, “ Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”
34 . “ I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “ this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”
35. But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.
Our focus is on Peter today, but there were a total of eleven other disciples, at this time, Judas had departed (Mt. 26:25). So we are focusing on the eleven with Peter as the leader.
Background: The Calling of the First Disciples
All four gospels unite in reporting that Peter became a disciple of Jesus in the very early days of Jesus ‘ ministry. (Matt. 4:18-22, Mark. 1: 16-20, Luke 5:1-11,John 1:35-42). (1., page 749)
The practice of mentioning Peter first was not due simply to his early call or to his prominence in the apostolic age. Throughout Jesus ministry Peter was an outstanding member of the twelve. At times he acted as a vigorous individual quick to take the initiative. (1., page 750)
For example: In Matt. 14:28 – where Peter volunteered to come to Jesus upon water, though he became afraid while carrying out his proposal. (1., page 750)
The scene plays out and Jesus is arrested in Matt.26: 47-55. The last line of this Scripture says, “Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.” Where was Peter?
Peter was located:
Matt. 26:69-75 – At verses 69 – Here’s Peter: “Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard….”
Mk. 14:66-72 – “ While Peter was below in the courtyard…..”
Luke 22:54-62 …. “Peter followed at a distance.”
John 18:25-27 “As Simon Peter stood warming himself, he was asked, “You are not one of the disciples, are you?”
The Crucifixion Happens:
Where’s Peter?
John 20:1 …. Mary Magdalene went to the tomb ( Jesus’ tomb) and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance….
John 20:2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple….. All of the Gospels now account for Peter’s whereabouts.(Matt. 28:7, Mark 16:7, Luke 24:12). Peter’s presence was accounted for with the other ten disciples.
The disciples go fishing (John 21:1-3):
1. Afterwards Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias. It happened this way:
2. Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathaniel from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together.
3. “I’m going out to fish.” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “ we’ll go out with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
Jesus Prepares Breakfast for the eleven disciples (John 21:4-14):
4. Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize it was Jesus.
5. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered.
6. He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
7. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.
8. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.
9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.
10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.”
11 Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.
12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord
13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same thing with the fish.
14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
Jesus Reinstates Peter (John 21:15-19):
15. When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “ Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?”
“Yes Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16. Again Jesus said, Simon son of John, do you truly love me?”
He answered, Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17. The third time he said to him, Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him a third time, “Do you love me?” He said, Lord you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said , “Feed my sheep.
18. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”
19. Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
After what Peter felt and experienced: fear for his life without the protection of Jesus, and trying desperately to save himself by denying that he was one of Jesus’ disciples. He is face to face with Jesus, who tells him what he needs to do next as a testament to his love for Jesus. “Feed my lambs, take care of my sheep, feed my sheep.” How would Peter accomplish this task? With the gifts Jesus had gifted him with, before he became afraid.
Leaders of God’s flock have been called to feed His sheep. Be careful not to allow any past sins and mistakes to deter you from this “Call.” Prayerfully ask God to show you where He’s at work and join Him. Do His work His way. (2, pp. 7-28.)
Jesus Reinstated Peter- He issued a RECALL with the instructions that he was to prove his love for Jesus by feeding His sheep.
References:
Note: This message was delivered by Pastor Glenda Brunson at Grand Villa St. Petersburg, Reverend Al Woods, Pastor on Sunday February 14, 2016.
Homewords Ministry 