Jesus warns all the disciples (Peter in particular) against desertion

(John 13:31-38)• Preparations had been made for the last

Passover• Strife amongst the Lord’s apostles• Jesus then washed their feet

• He points out Judas as His betrayer• Jesus warns all the disciples against desertion• Peter felt very secure in His relationship with

the Lord at this point…

The arrest of Jesus(Mt. 26:47-56; Mk. 14:43-52; Lk. 22:47-53; Jn. 18:2-12)

“Do you love Me more than these?”

(John 21:15)

Peter denies Christ three times (Mt. 26:58, 69-75; Mk. 14:54, 66-72;

Lk. 22:54-62; Jn. 18:15-18, 25-27)

Peter denies Christ three times (Mt. 26:58, 69-75; Mk. 14:54, 66-72;

Lk. 22:54-62; Jn. 18:15-18, 25-27)

Peter denies Christ three times (Mt. 26:58, 69-75; Mk. 14:54, 66-72;

Lk. 22:54-62; Jn. 18:15-18, 25-27)

• The path to stumbling can be a slippery slope… • There are signs that will point to what position you really are in.

(Lk. 22:54)• Are we distancing ourselves from the Lord? (Lk. 22:54; Jn. 18:16)• Are we taking heed from the warnings from God’s word

seriously? ((Lk. 22:31, 34, 40, 46)• Do we sometimes think that we are the “greatest in the

kingdom”, in that maybe we’ve elevated ourselves over others ?• Let us be careful that we not get overly confident… • Remember, the Lord is watching; observing; taking note. (Lk.

22:61-62)

Appearance to seven disciples beside the Sea of Galilee; Miraculous catch of fish

(John 21:1-14)

Full moon reflecting on Sea of Galilee

Appearance to seven disciples beside the Sea of Galilee; Miraculous catch of fish

(John 21:1-14)

A very poignant and painful conversation between Jesus and Peter

(John 21:15-24)• So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter,

"Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs." 16 He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My sheep." 17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep. (Verses 15-17; NKJV)– Note different wording in the original text for “love”; Also for the

word “know” in verse 17!!!

A very poignant and painful conversation between Jesus and Peter

(John 21:15-24)

• After Peter is reconciled to the Lord…– Jesus tells Peter of how he will be put to death in

such a way that will glorify God. • Peter then turns to see the apostle John, and

asks Jesus about him… – Jesus tells Peter that he need not to be concerned

with John’s fate.

Lessons to take home…

• We can (and should) be zealous. We must, however, be wary of growing overconfident in that pursuit.

• Let us constantly examine ourselves & strive to be “unprofitable servants”.

• God wills that His children remain humble in service to Him. If we do not make that effort our own, He may very well choose to MAKE us humble. (James 4:6-7)

Lessons to take home…

• When Simon Peter was brought low, the Lord still required this painful discussion.– Even though Simon felt very humbled; even though he

was very sorrowful for what he’d done.– Peter had to deal with the painful consequences of his

actions.• We see the Lord Jesus Christ as being stern in this

instance…– We also see a loving and forgiving Jesus Christ in this

instance; if one is willing to do what whatever is necessary in repenting (Acts 26:20).

Lessons to take home…

• The lesson also brings for us the principle of taking care of our OWN concerns.– Too many are like Peter -- wondering about John’s fate.– Although we are to express concern for others and

their welfare, this instance speaks to the need that many have in needing to deal with their own concerns (Matthew 7:1-5).

• Sacrifices must be made, but the Lord is willing to have you reconciled unto Him -- if you are willing to take the necessary steps.

“Do you love Me more than these?”

(John 21:15)