Jesus Challenges Peter

​Text: John 21:15-19
Service Date: 5.4.25
Sermon:

• Similarly to Thomas, Peter is facing a fork in the road in his faith. At the time of Jesus’ crucifixion, Peter had denied Jesus and his involvement in Jesus’ ministry. Now, Peter is face to face with Jesus and having to come face to face with the decisions that he made. I could only image the shame and guilt that Peter would feel at this point.
• Originally, Peter was very loyal to Jesus and the ministry that he ran, but in a few brief moments, Peter turned his back on Jesus and his faith. Yet, Jesus offers grace and forgiveness to Peter. In the same moment, Jesus give Peter back his dignity as a man and his calling as a man of God.
• Peter’s life changed when he finally realized who Jesus was. His occupation changed from fisherman to evangelist; his identity changed from impetuous to “rock”; and his relationship to Jesus changed…. he was forgiven, and he finally understood the significance of Jesus’ words about his death and resurrection.
• Three times Jesus asked Peter if he loved him. When Peter answered yes, Jesus told him to feed his sheep. It is one thing to say that you love Jesus, but the real test is your willingness to serve him.
• I believe this is the pinnacle of the scripture for today. At any time, we can proclaim the name of Jesus and claim to be Christian, but it our actions do not match the actions and the teachings of Jesus than we are not having the impact on life and culture that we believe that we are.
• At the core of Jesus’ teachings, Christ and his followers are meant to care for those that need it. We show that we care through our actions as well as our words. Peter was asked to take care of Jesus’ sheep, to feed them and ensure that they have what they need to survive on their own abilities.
• Obviously, this is a metaphor for the people of the world. We are asked to care for people, to feed them, to dress them and to provide for them until they are able to provide for themselves.
• I believe that one of the best ways to accomplish this goal is to create systems and programs that provide for those that are in need.
• When Peter was asked if he loved Jesus, the word is agape: volitional, self-sacrificial love. The third time he asked if he loved Jesus, the word is phileo: signifying affection, affinity, or brotherly love. 
• Every time Peter responded with the word translated into Greek as phileo. Jesus doesn’t settle for quick, superficial answers. He has a way of getting to the heart of the matter. Peter had to face his true feelings and motives when confronting him.

 
Conclusion: Let us be people who love and care for those in need, both in our personal lives and in our society.