We are living through a time of DISRUPTION in most every area of our lives. The Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus was a disruption also. In this audio message Pastor Larry shows how Jesus recalibrated Peter's life, attitude, and ministry through the disruption.
The Crucifixion was not what Peter and the rest of the disciples were anticipating Jesus to do. Jesus had tried to explain to them but in their minds they saw Jesus at the Messiah, the coming Ruler who was going to deliver Israel from the bondage of Roam.
When that did not happen - it disrupted their lives and their faith. As you listen to this message you will see how Jesus restored Peter after he had gone back to his old life of fishing.
John 21:3, “Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.” “We’ll come, too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night.”
What is Ministry?
God has a purpose and He allows us to be a part of that purpose, through ministry. & service.
First: Ministry to God.
Exodus 28:41, “Clothe Aaron and his sons with these garments, and then anoint and ordain them. Set them apart as holy so they can serve as my priests.”
Luke 10:17-20, “Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” 18 And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 “Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
Then: For God to people.
In some way we are helping people come into contact to the living God. That is a high calling.
Most of what we hear today is about serving "ME" the individual, my family, The most popular preaching can be summed up in, what you are going to get from God"
Matthew 21:13, He said, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a place of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!”
You have "Turned it." You have changed the drivers, motive and the purpose from what ministry is meant to be. That self attitude degrades ministry.
Philippians 1:15, “Some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives.”
Jesus is dealing with Peter's motives.
John 21:15-21, “After breakfast Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. 16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. 17 Once more he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep. 18 The truth is, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked and go wherever you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will direct you and take you where you don’t want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to let him know what kind of death he would die to glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”
Verse 20, Peter turned around and saw the disciple Jesus loved following them . . .21 Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?”
1. Begins with loving Jesus. Do you love me.
2 Corinthians 5:14, 15, “Whatever we do, it is because Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for everyone, we also believe that we have all died to the old life we used to live. 15 He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live to please themselves. Instead, they will live to please Christ, who died and was raised for them.”
2. Loving people, "feed my lambs."
John 21:17, “Once more he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.”
Matthew 9:36, “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.”
3. Surrender to God’s Will
"When you were young, you were able to do as you liked and go wherever you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will direct you and take you where you don’t want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to let him know what kind of death he would die to glorify God.
Give yourselves completely to God—every part of you—for you have been brought back to life, and you want to be tools in the hands of God, used for his good purposes.”
That’s the highest commitment you can make in life. To give yourself completely to God to be used for the purposes that he made you, that he created you.
Larry Neville