Nowhere too far John 21:15-17

Prologue Exhibit A: Matthew 14 – Walking on Water “Your faith is small” (NCV)

Prologue Exhibit B: Mark 8:31-33 – Arguing with Jesus “Get behind me Satan!” (NIV)

Prologue Exhibit C: Mark 14:27-31 – All will fall away (NIV) “you will disown me three times” (NIV)

A Devoted Disciple Peter acted out of devotion in a Rabbi/Disciple relationship It was his intense love of Jesus as his master and the Saviour he confessed him to be that would cause him to cast away any thought of losing him to death The thought of Jesus dying was inconceivable. The thought of his abandoning and denying his relationship with were even worse.

The breaking of Peter’s bow Matthew 15:66-72 – Peter denies knowing Jesus Luke 22:61 – Jesus turns to look at Peter When Jesus then dies on the cross Peter has little thought of the resurrection, only of his master whom he cannot reconcile with now he is gone

John 21:15-17 Jesus Reinstates Peter 15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 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.

When we brake the bow Though our sins may have an effect on other people, our first offence is against God It is often harder for people who’ve been a Christian for a long time to approach God after a moral lapse We feel shame before God and his church

Be like Peter Peter knew what he had done Peter didn’t assume Jesus was going to forgive him Peter still loved Jesus – both a brotherly and sacrificial love When Peter still declared his love for Jesus, his heart was in the place to not only receive forgiveness but also a commission to take on his role and feed his sheep

Nowhere too far There is nothing you can do, no place you can go beyond God’s grace when you still love him