A New Way

1 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias. It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. 5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. 6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. 7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11 Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.

1. Those who can’t see a future will return to their past

Peter had already seen the Resurrected Savior

This is now the third time Jesus appeared to them

Fresh in the mind of Peter is the fact that He denied Jesus three times

They could not without Jesus

Luke 5:4-5 “4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” 5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.””

Another night of defeat

The parallel of Luke 5 and John 21 are noteworthy

It was dark - they are walking in darkness

They did not have a command from the Lord

They tried without the Lord just to experience failure

They did not recognize Jesus

They could not see in the Spirit

Peter led others astray because he could not see a future in Christ

2. God is doing something new, stay in Christ

Don’t let impatience drive you to your past

Do not return to what Christ delivered you from

If it was good for you, you would still be there

Wait on the Lord

It is better to wait on the Lord for direction

Wait on His blessing

He does not need our help, we need His

Jn 15:5 “5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Lk 5:10 “10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.””

3. Christ will sustain you in the new way

Lk 5:5-6 “5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” 6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.”

Jn 21:11 “11 Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.”

Peter beat the boats to the shore

Peter then went and brought the fish to shore

God empowered him for such a show of strength

You are going to do what others deem impossible

With God, all things are possible

4. The new way is to reach the lost

Peter had been called to be fisher of men

His denial of Jesus led him to his past

This catch reminded Him of his commission

Jesus was by the fire, just like Peter was when he denied Christ

Jesus was reminding Peter of the miracles, feeding thousands, walking on water, catching the fish with the coin, calming the storm, and so many others

5. The new way is to feed them

Jesus fed Peter before dealing with his sins

When you love Jesus, you will leave everything behind

You must be loyal and dedicated to Jesus and His work

We need the evangelist to bring the lost but we also need the pastors to feed the sheep

We need the apostles to break ground, the prophets to give direction, the evangelist to reach the lost, the pastors to feed them, the teachers to equip them in the new way

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind

Only dogs return to their vomit

You are delivered

The new way

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