Homily [16] Pastor Dan Neary

Jesus: Great Shepherd [17]

There was a typical blond. She had long, blond hair, blue eyes, and she was sick of all the blond jokes. One day, she decided to get a make over, so she cut and dyed her hair. She also went out and bought a new convertible. She went driving down a country road and came across a herd of sheep. She stopped and called the sheep herder over.
“That’s a nice flock of sheep” she said.
“Well thank you” said the herder.
“Tell you what. I have a proposition for you” said the woman. “If I can guess the exact number of sheep in your flock, can I take one home?”
“Sure” said the sheep herder.
So, the girl sat up and looked at the herd for a second and then replied “382".
“Wow” said the herder. “That is exactly right. Go ahead and pick out the sheep you want to take home.”
So the woman went and picked one out and put it in her car.
Then, the herder said “Okay, now I have a proposition for you”.
“What is it?” Queried the woman.
“If I can guess the real color of your hair, can I have my dog back?”

John 21

20 is the climax of the book – “Blessed are those who believe without seeing.” [18]

The Catch of Fish (1-14) [19]

• An interesting scene
• In some ways odd

What had happened… and what are they doing? [20]

• The Triumphal Entry
• The expectation of a new Kingdom
• Betrayal by a trusted friend
• Near arrest
• Denial of Jesus by Peter
• Crucifixion
• Resurrection
• Manifestations of a Risen Lord

Where are they now? Sea of Tiberius is another name for the Sea of Galilee: [21]

• “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” Matthew 4
• Walking on water
• A similar catch of fish

Basically, these guys went home and seemingly went back to work. The Boys were back in town. Why?

• They had mouths to feed
• Lives to live…
• And Jesus told them to go to Galilee (Matthew)

Some feel like Peter and the Disciples were blowing it by going back to their old lives…

I think they were simply living their lives… it was as if it was Monday, and it was time to fish.

Jesus certainly didn’t rebuke them

• He helped them… miraculously
• He was waiting with a fire, bread, and fish of His own

But His business was more important than fishing… he had serious work to attend to with Peter.

(15-17)

Denied by a fire 18:18,25… now reinstated by a fire. [22]

• Jesus took him back – he knew where he had been

Simon Son of John [23]

• Jesus took him back – he knew who he was

Do you truly love me more than these? [24]

• Jesus took him back – he knew what he said (Matthew 26:33)
• Jesus wasn’t asking, “Do you love me more than you love these guys.” Nor was he asking, “Do you love me more than boats and fish.”

Three times he asked [25]

• Jesus took him back – he knew what he did

[26]Obviously Jesus knew that, deep down inside, Peter was a good person and would finally come around.

Absolute Baloney

Jesus knew what Peter was capable of… capable only because of what God the Holy Spirit would do through Peter.

He wasn’t waiting for Peter to realize his potential… He was getting him back on track for the work He had for Peter.

It is as if Jesus wanted Peter to be certain that Jesus would use him in spite of himself.

Learn your lesson Peter – trust in Jesus.

Three times Jesus gave Peter a new job description [27]

• Feed my lambs
• Take care of my sheep
• Feed my sheep

Not just catch ‘em… keep ‘em.

Young lambs and mature sheep need feeding and leading.

There are enemies that want to destroy the flock, and the shepherd must be alert and courageous.

While it is true that the Holy Spirit people to serve as shepherds, and gives these a gifts to the church (have you ever thought you might like to take this gift back and trade it in for something you really wanted?)…

It is equally true that we all are charged to care for each other.

Sheep are prone to wander, and we must look-after and encourage each other.

The Scriptures declare Jesus as: [28]

• The Good Shepherd (John 10:11)
• The Great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20,21)
• The Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4)

No matter what argument you might like to make out of the different words used here for love, sheep, and service… one word remains the same: My.

What ever our role in caring for “the sheep” they are Jesus’. Our first priority is to love Him.

As with any other new job offer… Jesus explained the reward for following Him, or loving Him

• Crucifixion
• Church history tells us that Peter, like most of the Apostles, was martyred.

The last verse is particularly interesting [29]

• The Gospels only record selected accounts of the earthly life of Jesus
• The accounts of Jesus work on earth now span 2000 years

Although this is described as a limited account, our walk through the Gospel of John has given us a full-featured view of Jesus. We asked ourselves, “Who is Jesus” and we answered chapter by chapter:

• The Word (chapter 1) – April 7 [30]

• The pre-existent Word of God
• In the beginning was the Word
• The Son (chapter 2) [31]
• Son of God, and
• Son of Man
• The Savior (chapter 3) [32]
• Clear that belief in Jesus secures our eternity with Him
• Fount of Living Water (chapter 4) [33]
• Cleansing & Restoration
• Power to Change
• Son of Man (chapter 5) [34]
• Jesus bridged the gap by being fully human
• Bread of Life (chapter 6) [35]
• The Father’s greatest provision
• The Christ (chapter 7) [36]
• Jesus clearly makes His claim that He is the Savior
• I Am (chapter 8) [37]
• Jesus makes undeniable statements about His divinity
• The Sight-Giver (chapters 9 & 10) [38]
• Demonstrating His compassion, and
• His ability to bring clarity to life’s situations as well as eternity
• The Resurrection (chapter 11) [39]
• Jesus makes a good promise that we will live forever
• King of Israel (chapter 12) [40]
• Not just that… King of Everything
• Servant Leader (chapter 13) [41]
• Demonstrating this upside-down Kingdom
• The Way (chapter 14) [42]
• And the Truth, and the Life
• Not simply a way… The Way
• The Vine (chapter 15 & 16) [43]
• Pruning takes courage
• Intercessor (chapter 17) [44]
• Christ is on our side
• Willing Sacrifice (chapter 18) [45]
• Always in control, even when it seemed like He was under attack
• Messiah (chapter 19) [46]
• He is undeniably who He says He is
• Risen One (chapter 20) [47]
• Empirically verified
• Go ahead and ask your questions
• Great Shepherd (chapter 21) [48]

So What? [49]

Jesus: The Second Chance [50]

Do you ever feel hopeless regarding your faith?
Do you doubt God’s willingness to forgive you over and over again?

Peter might easily have felt that way. He had risen to a position of leadership among the Disciples. But when he felt the heat… Peter denied Jesus… three times.

So when Jesus engaged Peter in a conversation on the shore, Peter might easily have felt that he was already disqualified from further service for the Lord.

After all, as we would say, three strikes and you’re out.

But Jesus reconnected with Peter and called him to genuine love and the continuation of His work through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Second chances aren’t always easy to come by…

All you have to do in many situations is fail once too many times…
and you’re gone!
But Christ offers boundless forgiveness – to those who own up to their failures and repent.

I suppose there are all sorts of reasons why people don’t come to Christ for forgiveness. But I think self-condemnation must be one of the biggest reasons.

1 John 3:20

For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.

Don’t misunderstand… I’m not saying

• Forgive yourself
• Realize your potential

I’m saying: Come to Jesus [51]

· Follow the Great Shepherd

· Take Your place in His flock