Sermon John Chapter 21

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[2] The title of the sermon today is “JOHN CHAPTER 21.”

They Have Taken The Lord’s Body

• Let’s do a quick summary of the last chapter before we begin John Chapter 21.
• In the last chapter, John Chapter 20, we saw Mary Magdalene come to the tomb of Jesus.
• She sees that the stone has been taken away and she runs to Peter and John and tells them.
• She says, “They have taken the Lord’s body, and we don’t know where they have laid Him.”

[3] John 20:3-4 Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. 4 So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.

• John stoops down and looks into the sepulchre or tomb and sees the linen clothes laying there.
• Peter comes next and goes right into the tomb and sees the linen and napkin that was around Jesus’ head.
• John then goes in and believes. He didn’t know the Scripture that Jesus would rise from the dead.
• But John believed.

[4] John 20:8-9 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. 9 For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.

• Peter and John then leave and go back to their own home.
• Mary Magdalene stands there weeping and looks into the sepulchre.
• She sees two angels inside the tomb where Jesus had lain. The angels speak to her.
• They ask her why she is crying. She says, “They have taken away my Lord. I don’t know where He is.”
• Jesus shows up and asks her why she’s crying. She doesn’t know it’s Jesus. She thinks He is a gardener.

[5] John 20:16-17 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

• Jesus tells Mary Magdalene to not touch Him but to go tell His brethren that He’s alive.
• He isn’t yet ascending to His Father and there’s many things He needs to do in this time.
• Mary goes and tells the disciples, but they don’t believe her.

[6] John 20:19-20 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.

• Jesus shows up there to the disciples in person on the same day of His resurrection.
• But Mary Magdalene saw Jesus first. Jesus says, “PEACE BE UNTO YOU.”
• He shows them proof that He is who He says He is. They witnessed Him die on the cross.
• And now He’s standing there right directly in front of them. And the disciples were glad.
• Something very significant happens there in John Chapter 20.

[7] John 20:21-22 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

• This is the first time the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is given after the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• He breathes on them the Holy Spirit who is the Spirit of Christ and the Spirit of Truth.
• He says, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost!!!” And they breathe in this Spirit. The Spirit indwells them.
• Now, you can have peace because God is always with you. He’s living inside of you.
• We see that Thomas the disciple misses out on this because he wasn’t there.
• 8 days later Jesus shows up again with Thomas and proves to Thomas that He is alive.

[8] John 20:28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

• But it took Jesus showing up in person to Thomas to prove He was alive.
• He wouldn’t take the disciples word for it. He wanted to see Jesus with His own eyes.

[9] John 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

• Remember, don’t be like Thomas. Just take God’s word for it. This happened. Believe it.
• At the very end of John Chapter 20, we see a very important Bible verse.
• The last verse gives us the purpose of the Book of John. This is why the Gospel of John was written.

[10] John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

• Believe that Jesus is the Christ. Believe that Jesus is THE SAVIOR. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
• When you believe that, you will receive eternal life. Some choose to believe and some don’t.
• Those who choose to believe will live forever. Those who don’t will be dead forever.
• And not just dead but tormented in hell because they wouldn’t trust God who gave them life.
• They wouldn’t trust or believe on the one who gave His life for them. It’s simple to be saved right now.
• Simply believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. This is why the Book of John was written.
• Read through it, believe what it ways, and be saved.
• With that quick summary of John Chapter 20, let’s start there in verse 1 of John Chapter 21.

Jesus Appears At The Sea Of Tiberias

[11] John 21:1 After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.

• After Jesus arose from the dead on the first day of the week, He stayed on earth for 40 days.
• At the end of the 40 days, Jesus ascended into heaven.
• But before He does so, we see Jesus show Himself many times to many different people.
• He’s showing Himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias. Where is the sea of Tiberias?

[12]

• The Sea of Tiberias is the Sea of Galilee. You’ll see it towards the middle top of that map right there.
• You see Nazareth to the West and a little South of the Sea of Galilee.
• Notice in the South is Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and the Dead Sea.
• Remember, Galilee is in the North, Samaria is in the middle, and Judea is in the South.
• Israel is the Northern Kingdom after King Solomon and Judah is the Southern Kingdom.
• If you look a little closer at the Sea of Galilee in the North, you’ll see this.

[13]

• Do you see Tiberias on the West bank of the Sea of Galilee there? John Chapter 20 is taking place there.
• The disciples are going fishing in the Sea of Galilee. In John Chapter 6, we learn they are the same place.

[14] John 6:1 After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.

• Sea of Galilee equals the Sea of Tiberias. Jesus stayed on earth for 40 days after He arose from the dead.
• But remember this. Where did Jesus die on the cross? All the way in the South country in Jerusalem.

[15] Matthew 28:5-6 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

[16] Matthew 28:7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

• So we know after He rises from the dead that He’s going North to Galilee.
• But, the disciples should already know this because earlier in Matthew Chapter 26 we see this.

[17] Matthew 26:31-32 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. 32 But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.

• Jesus is going to Galilee and in John Chapter 21 we see this happen at the Sea of Tiberias.

[18] Acts 1:3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

• Jesus was seen of the disciples during those 40 days after He arose from the dead.
• He was seen by many other witnesses too.

[19] 1 Corinthians 15:3-5 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:

[20] 1 Corinthians 15:6-8 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. 7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

• Please keep in mind that John Chapter 21 is during the 40 days after Jesus arose from the dead.
• At the end of the 40 days, Jesus will ascend into heaven to be with His Father.
• But we’re not yet to that ascension of Jesus to heaven. Let’s see what happens in John Chapter 21.

[21] John 21:2 There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.

• Who was there? Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples.
• The sons of Zebedee are James and John. And John is the one writing the Book of John.
• So, of course, John is there in person when John Chapter 21 is taking place. 7 disciples are there in total.

[22] John 21:3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.

• Peter is a fisherman. “I’m going fishing!!!” Some of the others were also fisherman.
• They all go out together fishing that night. They catch nothing that night.

[23] Matthew 4:18-19 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

• We see that Peter and Andrew are fisherman. Jesus says, “Follow me, and we’ll fish for men.”

[24] Matthew 4:20-22 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. 21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. 22 And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.

• James and John, the sons of Zebedee, are fisherman. They leave the fishing and follow Jesus.
• Now, all the way forward to John Chapter 21, we see them go back to fishing.
• They must have forgot how to fish for actual fish. They catch nothing that night.

[25] John 21:4-5 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.

• It’s now morning time. Jesus asks them, “Have you caught anything?” They say, “No, we haven’t.”
• They didn’t know this was Jesus standing there asking them.

[26] John 21:6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.

• Jesus does another miracle right there. “Cast your net on the right side of the ship and ye shall find.”
• And what happens? They were not able to draw the net in because of the number of fish they caught.
• This should you remind you of Luke Chapter 5 where see something very similar.
• And Luke Chapter 5 is going back in time. Something similar has already happened.

[27] Luke 5:1-2 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.

• There’s another name for the Sea of Galilee. Lake Gennesaret. Sea of Tiberias. All the same lake or sea.

[28] Luke 5:3-4 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. 4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

• This is Simon Peter or Peter as we call him most of the time.
• Jesus says, “Let down your nets to draw fish in.”

[29] Luke 5:5-6 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

• So, we see Peter is there with Jesus in Luke Chapter 5. Who else is there in Luke Chapter 5?

[30] Luke 5:7-8 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

[31] Luke 5:9-10 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: 10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

• John, who is writing this, is fishing partners with Peter.
• Now, the same thing is happening here in John Chapter 21. They didn’t know it was Jesus at first.
• But I’m sure this will trigger one of them to remember this because this has happened before.
• They now can’t draw in the net that is full of fish. Let’s go back to the story in John Chapter 21.

[32] John 21:7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.

• John looks at Peter and says, “IT IS THE LORD.”
• Peter is so happy, he puts on his fisher’s coat, jumps into the sea, and goes to see Jesus.
• Peter doesn’t care about the fish. He wants to go see Jesus.

Cast The Net Down On The “RIGHT” Side Of The Ship

Notice that Jesus tells them to cast the net down on the right side of the ship.

• When they do what Jesus asks, they pull up a ton of fish.
• When we go out fishing for men, we need to do it the right way.
• When we go out into the world each day, we need to do things how Jesus commands.
• If not, don’t expect good in return. If we want to do it our way, don’t expect good in return.

[33] John 21:8 And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.

• The other disciples come in a little ship to help gather all the fish. And they weren’t far from land.
• 200 cubits is about 300 feet from the shore. Peter didn’t have far to swim when he jumped out.

[34] John 21:9-10 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. 10 Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.

• Fish was already cooking on the shore before they bring the other fish there.
• There’s also bread. Jesus says, “Bring the other fish too.” They’re going to have a meal.
• Did you know that Jesus eats fish? Jesus eats meat. It’s true.

[35] Luke 24:41-43 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? 42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. 43 And he took it, and did eat before them.

• This is Jesus eating in His glorified body. This shows us that we’ll be eating in our glorified bodies.
• We see Jesus eat fish here. Fish is definitely meat. Is it wrong to eat meat? No, it’s not wrong.
• You need to watch out for the so-called “Christians” who say it’s wrong to eat meat.
• Seventh Day Adventists are one of those so-called “Christian” denominations. They aren’t Christian.

[36] 1 Timothy 4:1-2 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

• The Seventh Day Adventists teach doctrines of devils. They say that they no longer sin.
• Since Adam and Eve didn’t eat meat before they sinned, they don’t eat meat because they don’t sin.
• That’s called a doctrine of the devil. They are only deceiving themselves.
• Watch what 1 Timothy Chapter 4 says to watch out for in the next verses.

[37] 1 Timothy 4:3-5 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: 5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

• God says that these people will command you to abstain from meats.
• But God has created those meats to be received with thanksgiving for those who know the truth.
• “EVERY CREATURE OF GOD IS GOOD. Nothing to be refused if it be received with thanksgiving.”
• “It is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.”

We see Jesus eating meat in HIS SINLESS BODY. Jesus has never sinned, and He eats meat.

• Some people will even argue that fish doesn’t count as meat. That’s crazy talk.
• But, let’s say Jesus ate beef. Would you still argue about that?
• We see Jesus show up to Abraham in Genesis Chapter 18 and eat beef.

[38] Genesis 18:1-3 And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day; 2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground, 3 And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:

[39] Genesis 18:4-5 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree: 5 And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.

[40] Genesis 18:6-7 And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth. 7 And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetcht a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it.

• Abraham went and fetched a CALF tender and good and told the young man to get it ready.

[41] Genesis 18:8 And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.

• We see Jesus right there eating beef and we see Him eating fish in Luke Chapter 24.
• Jesus ate and drank in His resurrected body. This means He wasn’t in a spirit body.
• He is in an actual glorified body that eats and drinks. He proved He is risen from the dead in His body.
• And He’s not a vegetarian in His newly resurrected body. THANK GOD!!!

[42] Acts 10:39-41 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: 40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; 41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

• Jesus wasn’t a ghost or a spirit after He died on the cross. He arose IN HIS BODY.
• That’s why His body wasn’t in the grave. They couldn’t find His body. Why?
• Because He was walking around in HIS BODY. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a bodily resurrection.

Jehovah’s Witness Don’t Believe In The Bodily Resurrection Of Jesus Christ

Did you know the Jehovah’s Witness don’t believe in the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ?

• This means they don’t believe the Bible. This means they aren’t Christian. They’re evil.
• Did you also know that more and more so-called “Christians” say the resurrection never happened?
• Martin Luther King Jr, a so-called “Baptist” preacher, said the resurrection didn’t happen.

[43] 1 Corinthians 15:17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

• There’s a point to Jesus arising from the dead. At this time, He is the only one who has risen from the dead and is in a new and glorified body.
• This means He fulfilled the FIRSTFRUITS within the Bible. He arose from the dead in HIS BODY.

[44] 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.

• When Christ comes in the clouds at the rapture, all the saved up to that point in time will arise.
• They will arise in their new and glorified bodies just like Jesus Christ.
• And we will eat and drink in our new bodies just like Jesus did. And we’ll eat meat!

If Jesus didn’t arise in His body, the Bible says YOUR FAITH is in vain and your sins are not forgiven.

• That should scare the Jehovah’s Witness. Martin Luther King Jr. should have read his Bible.
• Obviously he didn’t read it. The Jehovah’s Witness aren’t listening to God’s words.
• They make up their own so-called “BIBLE.” It’s not the word of God. It’s the word of man.

[45] Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

• You MUST believe in your heart that God hath raised JESUS CHRIST from the dead.
• THEN, you will be saved. If not, you’re not saved. It’s that simple.

[46] 1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

[47] 1 John 4:2-3 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

• Do you see that? Jehovah’s Witness have the spirit of antichrist.
• They won’t confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. They say He wasn’t raised in His flesh.
• It’s important to know that Jesus ate and drank in His body after His resurrection. He liked fish.
• Jesus says in John Chapter 21, “BRING THE FISH.”

[48] John 21:11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.

• They must have counted the exact number because there were so many. They were excited.
• 153 fish in total. And the net did not break this time. FULL OF GREAT FISHES.
• Many times, in Bible study, we try to make more out of something than what’s there.
• 153 fishes is 153 fishes. Some people try to make up something else.
• “The 153 fishes stand for the 153 people who were saved.” Blah, blah, blah.
• There is no other significance there when comparing Scripture with Scripture.
• They simply caught 153 great fishes and the net did not break.

[49] John 21:12-13 Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.

• Jesus tells them to come and eat. They knew it was Jesus. Jesus gives them bread and fish to eat.
• They didn’t ask Jesus who He was. They didn’t ask His name.
• To show you that Jesus is in the Old Testament like we saw in Genesis Chapter 18, watch this.

[50] Genesis 32:24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.

[51] Genesis 32:29-30 And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there. 30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

• We know that NO MAN HATH SEEN God the Father at any time.
• But Jacob saw God face to face and he wanted to know His name. That was Jesus right there.
• Jacob says, “What’s your name?” The name of Jesus is secret until this Scripture.

[52] Luke 1:30-31 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

• An angel of the Lord comes to Mary and tells her HIS NAME shall be JESUS.

[53] Matthew 1:18-19 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

[54] Matthew 1:20-21 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

• Mary knows His name and now Joseph knows His name. HIS NAME was a secret until then.
• But in John Chapter 21, the disciples don’t ask His name or who He is because they know Him.

This Is The Third Time That Jesus Showed Himself To The Disciples

[55] John 21:14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.

• He showed Himself to the disciples on the day of His resurrection when Thomas wasn’t there.
• Then He showed Himself 8 days later when Thomas was there.
• And now this is the third time when the disciples and Jesus are together.
• So it wasn’t just once. The disciples, as a group, saw Him multiple times.
• They witnessed His resurrection and believed in His resurrection because they saw it with their eyes.

[56] John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

• So, they have dined the Bible says. They have eaten. Jesus says, “Do you love me more than these?”
• Do you love me more than the others love me? Do you love me more than you love your brothers here?
• Peter doesn’t say He loves Jesus more than the others. Or that he loves the others more than Jesus.
• He does say, “YEA, LORD. You know that I love you.” Jesus says, “FEED MY LAMBS.”

[57] John 21:16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

• Same things as the previous verse but Jesus says, “Feed my sheep” versus “Feed my lambs.”

[58] John 21:17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

• This MUST be important. He says this three times. Peter says, “You know all things.”
• “You know that I love you.” Peter knows Jesus already knows ALL THINGS. Peter knows Jesus is God.
• Jesus says again, “FEED MY SHEEP.” We know that Peter lived for many years after Jesus ascended.
• Jesus wants Peter to feed His sheep. They are the sheep of Jesus. Not Peter’s sheep.
• Peter is just going to care for the sheep of Jesus.

[59] Psalm 78:71-72 From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance. 72 So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.

[60] Jeremiah 3:15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

• Jesus is asking Peter to feed His sheep with knowledge and understanding.
• Peter has the indwelling of the Holy Ghost, but he’ll also have the Holy Ghost come upon him in Acts Chapter 2.
• Peter has a special anointing here from Jesus Christ to feed the sheep of Jesus.

[61] Jeremiah 23:4 And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD.

• Notice this says THEY SHALL NOT BE LACKING any more. What does that mean? Here’s what it means.

[62] John 10:27-29 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.

• This means you’re saved once you believe on Jesus Christ. DONE DEAL.
• There’s nothing left to do for eternal life. You have everlasting life.
• You have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. YOU LACK NOTHING that you need. God dwells within you.
• Jesus is telling Peter to continue to feed HIS SHEEP. His sheep are those who believe on Him.
• And Peter does this, but Peter could have made the choice to not do this.
• And there’s many so-called “PASTORS” that are making that same choice today.
• And most of them have smoke machines, flashing lights, and a rock concert during each service.

[63] Ezekiel 34:2-3 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? 3 Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock.

[64] Ezekiel 34:5-6 And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered. 6 My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them.

• Jesus is telling Peter to not be like this. BE A GOOD SHEPHERD OF HIS FLOCK.
• If you don’t want to be a good shepherd to His people, listen to this.

[65] Ezekiel 34:10 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.

• God says He will be against those shepherds who simply look out for themselves. They use the sheep.
• They take everything from the sheep and give the sheep nothing.
• That’s what the so-called “PASTORS” are doing today. It’s wicked and evil.
• But God says, “Don’t worry my sheep. I will deliver you.” God is coming back to get us.

[66] Ezekiel 34:11-12 For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. 12 As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.

• Guess what? We’ve been scattered abroad. It’s tough to find those who truly love the one true God.
• It’s tough to find those who will stand up for God and do the right thing according to His words.
• But God is coming back for us to gather us together in the clouds one day with Him.

[67] Ezekiel 34:13 And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.

[68] Ezekiel 34:14-15 I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel. 15 I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD.

• That day is coming. We have no idea when it will be here, but it’s coming. And I can’t wait for that day.
• Jesus is telling Peter to feed His sheep so they aren’t scattered like we are today.
• This is very important because Jesus needed Peter to do this job He’s giving Him to do.
• Watch what Jesus says to Peter in the next verses.

[69] John 21:18-19 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. 19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

• Jesus is telling Peter right there what death he is going to die. He’s prophesying to Peter.
• Church “tradition” says that Peter was crucified upside down because he says he didn’t deserve to die upright as Jesus Christ did.
• I have no idea if that’s how Peter died because it isn’t written in the Scriptures.
• But verse 18 is telling us how Peter would die. And it depends on how you interpret that Scripture.

Peter Is Not Going To Die Soon

It’s not an easy Scripture to understand. We do know that Peter is going to live a good amount of time.

• We know this because Jesus tells him “But when thou shalt be old.”
• He says, “Peter, you’ll stretch forth your hands and another shall gird thee and carry thee where you don’t want to go.”
• To me, that’s Peter stretching forth his hands and someone taking him away.
• We know Peter went to prison in the book of Acts, but he escapes prison with God’s help.
• He could have died being crucified with his arms stretched out to the side.
• We don’t know for sure how he died. But he doesn’t have to worry about doing very soon.
• He’s going to have time to go out and feed the sheep of Jesus Christ.

[70] John 21:20-21 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? 21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?

• John, the writer of the book, is the one whom Jesus loved, and the one who leaned on Jesus and asked Him who would betray them.
• That happened in John Chapter 13. So we know this is talking about John.
• Peter turns about and sees John coming after him. Peter looks at Jesus and says, “What about John?”
• “What shall this man, John, do?” Peter and John were very close.

[71] John 21:22-23 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. 23 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?

• Some of the other disciples thought Jesus said that John would not die.
• “If I will that he tarry till I come.” He’s saying, “If he lives until I come, what is that to you?”
• Jesus didn’t say he would live until He comes back again. Jesus didn’t say John wouldn’t die.
• But we do know that John lived a long time because He wrote the Book of Revelation for us.
• Jesus is saying, “Don’t worry about John, Peter. You just follow THOU me.” Don’t worry about John.
• John lived a long time, but we know he didn’t live until the second coming of Jesus Christ.
• Yes, John is alive in heaven right now but his body isn’t alive.

[72] Deuteronomy 29:29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

• We need not worry about the secret things that belong to the Lord.
• Peter didn’t need to know what John would be doing or what type of death he would die.
• Those things weren’t revealed to Peter at that time. It wasn’t the right time.
• We simply need to follow the words of the Lord just like Jesus told Peter to follow Him.
• Don’t follow others. FOLLOW JESUS CHRIST. When you do that, you won’t be lost.
• And we do know that Peter had some trouble doing that.

[73] Galatians 2:11-12 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. 12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.

• Paul withstood Peter to the face because Peter was dividing the believing Jews from the believing Gentiles.
• That means Peter was caring for some of the sheep but not for others.

[74] Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

• Peter wasn’t fully doing what Jesus asked him to do so Paul withstood Peter to his face.
• Let’s finished out the entire Book of John with the last 2 verses in John Chapter 21.

[75] John 21:24 This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.

• We know that John wrote this book. And we know everything he wrote is the truth.
• There are no lies in this book, though, so-called “pastors” are calling John a liar.
• The Book of John says you can receive everlasting life by believing on Jesus Christ.
• That’s the only requirement, but that’s too easy for these lying false preachers of today.
• They call John a liar, but I do not, and I will not. John is my brother in Jesus Christ.
• And I trust everything he says because I know what he says here is true.

[76] John 21:25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

• There were more miracles and things that Jesus did that aren’t written in the Bible.
• The world couldn’t contain the books that SHOULD be written.
• And we’ll have eternity to find out all of the things that Jesus has done.
• And those things will make us as happy and joyful as the Book of John has done.
• We thank God for the Book of John because we know that we have everlasting life.
• And you can too by believing on Jesus Christ right now and receive everlasting life.

Let’s pray.