The Redemptive Love of God (John 21:1-19)

 The Redemptive Love of God (John 21:1-19)

Tony Tan.  September 9 2016



The Setting:

Jesus had already appeared to various disciples 2-3 times in His resurrected form. They have seen Him, touched Him, ate with Him. We find them now, back at their original profession ... fishing. They were probably a bit lost as to what to do next, so may have gone back to the familiar, to what they know.

However, it must feel discouraging and also unsatisfying work after having been called away to participate in the great Messianic work (fishers of men) and now returning to something they have left behind years ago (fishermen). Even so, the Lord leaves nothing to chance ... they are exactly where Jesus prophesied that He would meet them - by the sea of Galilee (Matt 26:32).

Sea of Galilee at dawn (December 2014)


The Experience:
This one event seems like an "instant replay" of many experiences with Jesus that Peter have had in the past. Each replay is also a reminder of the person, the reality and the relationship of Christ in his life.

1) Original call to discipleship (Lk 5:2-11) - Election & Call to Apostleship

2) Feeding of 5000 with bread & fish (Matt 14:13-21) - Compassion & Provision of Christ

3) Calling out to Peter while he was on a boat (Matt 14:22-33) - Power & Lordship of Christ

"We shall not cease from exploration. And the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time." TS Elliot

Sometimes God has to take us back to the beginning so we can experience Him afresh and learn the lessons of faith at a deeper level.

The Ultimate Lesson:
It is all about loving God. "Man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever" (Westminster Catechism).

1) Love redeems (3 affirmations cancels 3 denials)
2) Love is the source and qualification for serving God
3) Love is personified in obedience to God's direction
4) Love is the reason & result of serving God
5) Love is the reason nothing else really matters ("more than these")

Question for personal reflection:
What are the wounds, hurts and strongholds that are holding you back, keeps you going around in circles and preventing you from moving forward in your spiritual pilgrimage? As Jesus did with Peter, He wants to heal, redeem and restore you.

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