Sermon nuggets Mon Jan 12
Theme- Called to Service
Verses- John 21:14-17 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.
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."
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."
The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.”
The Criteria for Service
This week we will conclude our devotionals from the book of John begun in 2008. John’s purpose in writing was that people might believe that Jesus is the Christ and believing, they might have life in His name. Jesus’ story is to be told from generation to generation. By the prompting of the Holy Spirit, people are called to follow Him in each country, tongue, nation and people group.
The story is a story of love. John recorded the words that are most often quoted about the love of God that gave His Son that whoever believes might have eternal life. He did not send His Son to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
Jesus concluded His earthly mission of love. It was His love that took us in our shame of sin and resurrected us to become royalty, the bride of Christ. Until Jesus returns for us we have been given a mission. Peter’s mission was perhaps a bit different but as the team of servants Christ is working to redeem the world and calls us to be part of that team.
The criteria for service is love. We continue to grow in love when we follow Him.
Jesus realized Peter was a different person after his denial. He was more humble. But some things still needed to be completed in his life. He needed the reaffirmation of Jesus’ love and realize his past is forgiven and dealt with. He didn’t have to continue in defeat of failure any more. Isn’t it tremendous to know the Lord calls us all regardless of our past and our background to love him? That is the criteria required for service for our Lord. He asked Peter, Simon, Son of John, do you truly love me more than these?
Commentaries like to make something of the “more than these” phrase. They disagree. Some think it refers to Peter’s career, meaning “do you love me more than all these fish. Do you love me more than the nets, the boat, the sea, and the occupation of fishing?” They refer to the earlier call on Peter to move from being a fisherman to fish for men. So why did Peter return to his old occupation?
Others think the phrase is asking if Peter loves him more than he loves the other disciples. “Do I have first place in your heart for devotion more than friends, family, and other loved ones? “
I agree with those who think since Jesus posed the question three times it is related to the three times Peter denied the Lord. Before the group left that upper room to go to the garden of Gethsemane, Peter said his commitment was greater than the others for even if they all denied the Lord, Peter claimed he never would do so. He would die first. The question of love even more than all these others points to his inability to follow through on his commitments. He was weak. So are we all. That commitment was based on the personal desire and personal strength but in temptation for his life, he fell.
Peter answered “Lord, you know all things. You know that I love you.” He is no longer making comparisons with the others but recognizing Jesus sovereignty for Himself. When He experienced the Lord and recognized His forgiveness and power Peter’s desire was a humble life in service out of love.
Martin Luther said, “A man whose soul is filled to overflowing with gratitude does more of his own free will than what is demanded from him.” The power of love becomes the motivation for serving Jesus Christ. That is the truth Paul shares in 1 Cor 13. If we have the power to do miracles, faith to remove mountains and even commit our bodies to be burned but have not love we have nothing. We gain nothing. The motivation that counts for God is love. It is what makes Christianity different from all the other religions. What is it that wins souls to Jesus Christ? It is not methods. It is not talents, it is not intellect, nor programs, nor eloquence, nor persuasive techniques. It is the power of God as we have become witnesses of His love and demonstrate His love in our lives to a world that has a faulty understanding of what real love is about.
Do you desire to serve Jesus? Then He asks for your love, not perfection, not sinlessness, not academic degree, only love. “If you love me, keep my commands.” If we keep his commands out of obligation, it would be a drudgery and unpleasant task. If He has our heart, it is a delight for it isn’t what we do for Him, but what He chooses to do through us. We are blessed to be His servant for eternal purposes in whatever gifts and opportunities the Holy Spirit gives.
Pastor Dale
