Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Last Moments with the Risen Jesus

George Gregory · August 4, 2022

John 21

sharonrpc.org/sermons/last-moments-with-jesus

Summary

After a fruitless night, the disciples obey a stranger's direction, receive an abundant catch, and recognize the risen Jesus on the shore.
Peter's eagerness and Jesus' prepared breakfast display both the excitement and the quiet fellowship of being in the risen Lord's presence.
The full net contrasts human inability with Christ's abundant provision and shows that fruitful service depends upon his direction.
Beside another charcoal fire, Jesus addresses Peter's three denials with three questions about love and recommissions him to feed Christ's sheep.
Love for Jesus, awakened by his sacrificial love for sinners, is the proper motive for obedience, service, sacrifice, and endurance.
Christ graciously uses weak and humbled servants; their usefulness rests on his presence and calling rather than a claim to perfect love or personal sufficiency.
Jesus redirects Peter from comparing his future with John's and calls him simply to follow, trusting Christ's sovereign rule over each disciple's path.

Where am I laboring in my own competence while neglecting dependence on Christ's direction and provision?
Do prayer and worship include the gladness and settled fellowship of being welcomed by the risen Jesus?
How has Christ met a real failure with both searching truth and restoring grace?
Is my service driven chiefly by fear, duty, recognition, or grateful love for Christ?
What sheep or lambs has Jesus placed within my responsibility to feed, tend, protect, or encourage?
Have I treated weakness or past sin as proof that Christ cannot use a humbled and repentant servant?
Whose calling or suffering am I comparing with mine instead of hearing Jesus say, 'You follow me'?

Restoration: Christ's gracious renewal of a fallen disciple to fellowship, calling, and useful service.
Charcoal fire: The repeated setting linking Peter's three denials with Jesus' threefold examination and recommissioning.
Under-shepherd: A servant called to feed and care for people who remain Christ's own lambs and sheep.
Christian obedience: Following Christ's commands as a grateful response to his love rather than an attempt to earn his favor.
Providence: Christ's wise direction of circumstances, callings, suffering, and the distinct paths of his servants.
Follow me: Jesus' personal summons to trust, obey, and walk the particular path he appoints without comparing it to another's.