1 00:00:00,000 –> 00:00:07,000 You are listening to a sermon from Pastor Colin Smith of Open The Bible. 2 00:00:07,000 –> 00:00:08,000 To contact us, call us at 3 00:00:10,000 –> 00:00:11,000 1-877-Open365 4 00:00:13,000 –> 00:00:16,000 or, visit our website, openthebible.org. 5 00:00:16,000 –> 00:00:20,000 Let’s get to the message. Here is Pastor Colin. 6 00:00:20,000 –> 00:00:23,000 This is the last message in our series on the life of Peter. 7 00:00:23,000 –> 00:00:29,000 And, I have loved every minute of working on this series. 8 00:00:29,000 –> 00:00:31,000 I see myself in Peter. 9 00:00:31,000 –> 00:00:35,000 And, some of you have told me that you do as well. 10 00:00:35,000 –> 00:00:39,000 I have heard many times over these weeks, 11 00:00:39,000 –> 00:00:41,000 Pastor, I am so like Peter. 12 00:00:41,000 –> 00:00:43,000 I really love Jesus. 13 00:00:43,000 –> 00:00:45,000 And, I fall far short. 14 00:00:45,000 –> 00:00:47,000 of what he calls me to be. 15 00:00:47,000 –> 00:00:50,000 We see ourselves in Peter. 16 00:00:50,000 –> 00:00:55,000 And that, of course, is why this story is such a marvelous encouragement to us. 17 00:00:55,000 –> 00:00:59,500 If the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ can triumph 18 00:00:59,500 –> 00:01:03,000 in the life of a flawed disciple like Peter, 19 00:01:03,000 –> 00:01:08,000 then there really is hope for every one of us 20 00:01:08,000 –> 00:01:12,000 here in this service this morning. 21 00:01:12,000 –> 00:01:16,000 Discipleship is sometimes portrayed as 22 00:01:16,000 –> 00:01:19,000 a list of disciplines and of skills 23 00:01:19,000 –> 00:01:23,000 that you learn, and then practice for a lifetime. 24 00:01:23,000 –> 00:01:27,000 But what we’ve seen is that authentic discipleship 25 00:01:27,000 –> 00:01:31,000 has its failures as well as its successes. 26 00:01:31,000 –> 00:01:34,500 Peter really loved Jesus. 27 00:01:34,500 –> 00:01:40,000 He was without any question a fully committed disciple. 28 00:01:40,000 –> 00:01:44,000 He said that he was ready to lay down his life for Jesus, 29 00:01:44,000 –> 00:01:47,000 and we have no reason at all to doubt 30 00:01:47,000 –> 00:01:51,000 his sincerity in what he said. 31 00:01:51,000 –> 00:01:53,500 Jesus indeed said to Peter, 32 00:01:53,500 –> 00:01:57,000 the spirit indeed is willing. 33 00:01:57,000 –> 00:02:00,500 Peter, you indeed have a willing spirit, 34 00:02:00,500 –> 00:02:03,000 but something else is also true of you. 35 00:02:03,000 –> 00:02:06,000 Your flesh is weak. 36 00:02:06,000 –> 00:02:09,500 And every believer lives with these two realities, 37 00:02:09,500 –> 00:02:10,500 your spirit is willing. 38 00:02:10,500 –> 00:02:11,500 You love Jesus. 39 00:02:11,500 –> 00:02:12,000 Of course, you do. 40 00:02:12,000 –> 00:02:13,500 You want to serve Him. 41 00:02:13,500 –> 00:02:15,000 God has made you willing. 42 00:02:15,000 –> 00:02:18,899 That’s the evidence of the work of His Holy Spirit in your 43 00:02:19,899 –> 00:02:19,899 44 00:02:19,899 –> 00:02:24,899 But you also know this, that your flesh remains weak. 45 00:02:24,899 –> 00:02:28,899 And that is why you often fall short of what you want to be 46 00:02:28,899 –> 00:02:32,399 and what you want to do. 47 00:02:32,399 –> 00:02:35,899 Now, we have seen that Peter overestimated the power 48 00:02:35,899 –> 00:02:36,899 of his willing spirit. 49 00:02:36,899 –> 00:02:41,899 And he underestimated the power of his reluctant flesh. 50 00:02:41,899 –> 00:02:46,899 Spiritual pride got ahold of him and ignoring the warnings 51 00:02:46,899 –> 00:02:49,899 he walked right into that courtyard, 52 00:02:49,899 –> 00:02:54,899 where he denied ever having known his Lord. 53 00:02:54,899 –> 00:02:58,899 It was a spiritual disaster. 54 00:02:58,899 –> 00:03:05,899 It was the ruining of the public testimony of an esteemed leader. 55 00:03:05,899 –> 00:03:09,399 And we ended last week with this wonderful promise 56 00:03:09,399 –> 00:03:13,899 that even when we are faithless, as we often are, 57 00:03:14,899 –> 00:03:16,899 our Lord remains faithful. 58 00:03:16,899 –> 00:03:18,899 Thank God for that. 59 00:03:18,899 –> 00:03:21,899 And today we’re going to follow the wonderful story 60 00:03:21,899 –> 00:03:24,899 of how Peter was restored and then commissioned 61 00:03:24,899 –> 00:03:30,899 for a whole new chapter of life and of ministry. 62 00:03:30,899 –> 00:03:32,899 Now we don’t know where Peter was 63 00:03:32,899 –> 00:03:39,899 or where he went on the night that he denied the Lord. 64 00:03:39,899 –> 00:03:41,899 What did he do when he left that courtyard— 65 00:03:41,899 –> 00:03:43,899 we’re not told. 66 00:03:43,899 –> 00:03:46,899 But think what a night it had been. 67 00:03:46,899 –> 00:03:49,899 The beautiful intimacy of sharing the Last Supper 68 00:03:49,899 –> 00:03:54,899 with Jesus when he had spoken about how his body 69 00:03:54,899 –> 00:03:56,899 would be given and his blood would be shed 70 00:03:56,899 –> 00:04:01,899 for Peter and for the other disciples, 71 00:04:01,899 –> 00:04:05,899 singing songs as they went down from the upper room 72 00:04:05,899 –> 00:04:08,899 into the garden of Gethsemane. 73 00:04:08,899 –> 00:04:11,899 The passion of Jesus praying so intensely, 74 00:04:11,899 –> 00:04:14,899 the warning that Jesus had given to Peter 75 00:04:14,899 –> 00:04:18,899 to watch and pray so that he did not fall into temptation. 76 00:04:18,899 –> 00:04:21,899 And then the sudden drama 77 00:04:21,899 –> 00:04:24,899 of the arrest of Jesus when Judas arrived 78 00:04:24,899 –> 00:04:28,899 with that band of thugs and of soldiers. 79 00:04:28,899 –> 00:04:31,899 And Peter drew his sword and struck 80 00:04:31,899 –> 00:04:34,899 the servant of the high priest, 81 00:04:34,899 –> 00:04:35,899 and cut off his ear, 82 00:04:35,899 –> 00:04:37,899 and Jesus rebuked him. 83 00:04:37,899 –> 00:04:39,899 Put away your sword, 84 00:04:39,899 –> 00:04:42,899 and then Jesus healed the severed ear 85 00:04:42,899 –> 00:04:46,899 of Malchus, the high priest’s servant. 86 00:04:46,899 –> 00:04:50,899 And then that awful disaster in the courtyard 87 00:04:50,899 –> 00:04:54,899 where Peter had denied his lord on oath, 88 00:04:54,899 –> 00:04:59,899 calling down curses on himself. 89 00:04:59,899 –> 00:05:03,899 And we saw from Luke’s gospel 90 00:05:03,899 –> 00:05:05,899 that in that very moment 91 00:05:05,899 –> 00:05:11,899 as Peter was cursing and swearing 92 00:05:11,899 –> 00:05:13,899 that Jesus was brought out of 93 00:05:13,899 –> 00:05:14,899 the house of the high priest 94 00:05:14,899 –> 00:05:16,899 where he had been interrogated, 95 00:05:16,899 –> 00:05:18,899 he was dragged across the courtyard 96 00:05:18,899 –> 00:05:20,899 and in that moment 97 00:05:20,899 –> 00:05:25,899 he looked directly at Peter. 98 00:05:25,899 –> 00:05:30,899 What a moment that was. 99 00:05:30,899 –> 00:05:32,899 And the scripture records 100 00:05:32,899 –> 00:05:36,899 that Peter went out 101 00:05:36,899 –> 00:05:39,899 and wept bitterly. 102 00:05:39,899 –> 00:05:43,899 If only I had not gone into that courtyard. 103 00:05:43,899 –> 00:05:48,899 If only I had not spoken as I did. 104 00:05:48,899 –> 00:05:50,899 If only I had lived up to the faith 105 00:05:50,899 –> 00:05:53,899 that I professed. 106 00:05:53,899 –> 00:05:55,899 If only I could now tell Jesus 107 00:05:55,899 –> 00:05:57,899 how sorry I am. 108 00:05:57,899 –> 00:06:00,899 But of course he couldn’t do that. 109 00:06:00,899 –> 00:06:02,899 Jesus had been arrested. 110 00:06:02,899 –> 00:06:05,899 He had been taken away. 111 00:06:05,899 –> 00:06:07,899 And Peter’s last memory on that night 112 00:06:07,899 –> 00:06:09,899 was not the wonderful occasion 113 00:06:09,899 –> 00:06:11,899 when he was called first to be a disciple 114 00:06:11,899 –> 00:06:13,899 and Jesus said to him, 115 00:06:13,899 –> 00:06:15,899 follow me. 116 00:06:15,899 –> 00:06:16,899 It was not the great moment of faith 117 00:06:16,899 –> 00:06:18,899 when he walked on the water. 118 00:06:18,899 –> 00:06:20,899 It wasn’t that beautiful intimacy 119 00:06:20,899 –> 00:06:21,899 when he was in the Last Supper, 120 00:06:21,899 –> 00:06:24,899 at the Last Supper with Jesus. 121 00:06:24,899 –> 00:06:25,899 Peter’s last memory that night 122 00:06:25,899 –> 00:06:28,899 was the eyes of Jesus 123 00:06:28,899 –> 00:06:31,899 looking at him at that awful moment 124 00:06:31,899 –> 00:06:34,899 when the cock crowed 125 00:06:34,899 –> 00:06:37,899 and Peter denied on oath 126 00:06:37,899 –> 00:06:41,899 that he had ever known his Lord. 127 00:06:42,899 –> 00:06:44,899 Now, 128 00:06:44,899 –> 00:06:47,899 if you have known 129 00:06:47,899 –> 00:06:50,899 a plunge to spiritual disaster, 130 00:06:50,899 –> 00:06:54,899 this story is for you. 131 00:06:55,899 –> 00:06:59,899 If you have known the experience 132 00:06:59,899 –> 00:07:02,899 of not being able to put right 133 00:07:02,899 –> 00:07:05,899 something that you did wrong 134 00:07:05,899 –> 00:07:06,899 to another person 135 00:07:06,899 –> 00:07:09,899 because that person has been taken away from you, 136 00:07:09,899 –> 00:07:13,899 well, this story is for you. 137 00:07:14,899 –> 00:07:16,899 And if you find yourself surrounded 138 00:07:16,899 –> 00:07:17,899 with great darkness 139 00:07:17,899 –> 00:07:20,899 and wonder if there will ever be hope for you again, 140 00:07:20,899 –> 00:07:23,899 well, this story is for you. 141 00:07:23,899 –> 00:07:26,899 This story is for you. 142 00:07:26,899 –> 00:07:29,899 We’re going to follow what happened together. 143 00:07:31,899 –> 00:07:33,899 Well, that dark Thursday night 144 00:07:33,899 –> 00:07:36,899 led to the day we call Good Friday, 145 00:07:36,899 –> 00:07:40,899 the day when they crucified our Lord. 146 00:07:41,899 –> 00:07:45,899 What was that day like for Peter? 147 00:07:46,899 –> 00:07:49,899 Well, we don’t know where Peter was on Good Friday, 148 00:07:49,899 –> 00:07:52,899 Peter then was with Mary, the mother of Jesus, 149 00:07:52,899 –> 00:07:55,899 at the foot of the cross along with several other women. 150 00:07:55,899 –> 00:07:57,899 But Peter was not there, 151 00:07:57,899 –> 00:08:01,899 and I expect that Peter spent Good Friday 152 00:08:01,899 –> 00:08:05,899 far away from the crowds. 153 00:08:05,899 –> 00:08:08,899 But wherever he was, 154 00:08:08,899 –> 00:08:11,899 there were some things that happened on that day 155 00:08:11,899 –> 00:08:12,899 that he could not avoid, 156 00:08:12,899 –> 00:08:16,899 and nor could anyone else avoid them on that day. 157 00:08:17,899 –> 00:08:22,899 You remember that at noon, 158 00:08:22,899 –> 00:08:27,899 the whole land was covered in darkness. 159 00:08:27,899 –> 00:08:29,899 What did Peter think 160 00:08:29,899 –> 00:08:36,900 when the day after his calling down a curse on himself 161 00:08:36,900 –> 00:08:40,900 the whole city was covered in darkness? 162 00:08:40,900 –> 00:08:42,900 He couldn’t see a thing. 163 00:08:42,900 –> 00:08:45,900 Not a thing. 164 00:08:46,900 –> 00:08:50,900 And it lasted for three hours. 165 00:08:50,900 –> 00:08:53,900 And then, when the darkness was relieved, 166 00:08:53,900 –> 00:08:56,900 Matthew records that at that time 167 00:08:56,900 –> 00:09:00,900 the ground beneath them began to shake. 168 00:09:00,900 –> 00:09:04,900 The earth shook, and the rocks were split. 169 00:09:04,900 –> 00:09:09,900 Peter must’ve felt that this was the end of the world. 170 00:09:09,900 –> 00:09:14,900 God’s day of judgment has come. 171 00:09:14,900 –> 00:09:17,900 The curse that I called down has now fallen on me, 172 00:09:17,900 –> 00:09:21,900 and it’s fallen on everyone else as well. 173 00:09:26,900 –> 00:09:30,900 But after the terrors of Friday 174 00:09:30,900 –> 00:09:35,900 came Saturday, 175 00:09:35,900 –> 00:09:38,900 an empty day no doubt for Peter 176 00:09:38,900 –> 00:09:41,900 and for all of the other disciples, 177 00:09:41,900 –> 00:09:46,900 another day of enduring an indescribable loss. 178 00:09:46,900 –> 00:09:49,900 Some of you know what that is like. 179 00:09:49,900 –> 00:09:55,900 Another day of fighting with self-loathing 180 00:09:55,900 –> 00:09:59,900 and an overwhelming sense of condemnation. 181 00:09:59,900 –> 00:10:03,900 Where do you go from there? 182 00:10:03,900 –> 00:10:08,900 What do you do if you find yourself in that place? 183 00:10:08,900 –> 00:10:13,900 What do you do when you feel you really have come to the end? 184 00:10:16,900 –> 00:10:19,900 Now we’re going to see today that there is hope 185 00:10:19,900 –> 00:10:22,900 for every person in Jesus Christ 186 00:10:22,900 –> 00:10:25,900 even after your worst sins and failures. 187 00:10:25,900 –> 00:10:28,900 This is the most marvelous good news. 188 00:10:28,900 –> 00:10:30,400 We’re going to see today from the Bible 189 00:10:30,400 –> 00:10:32,900 how it is that a person can be restored 190 00:10:32,900 –> 00:10:37,900 even after a spiritual disaster. 191 00:10:38,900 –> 00:10:41,900 There are three elements in Peter’s restoration 192 00:10:41,900 –> 00:10:46,900 and there will be three elements in any restoration for us. 193 00:10:46,900 –> 00:10:49,900 First, a promise to trust. 194 00:10:49,900 –> 00:10:52,900 Second, a savior to seek. 195 00:10:52,900 –> 00:10:55,900 And third, a mission to fulfill. 196 00:10:55,900 –> 00:10:58,900 First then a promise to trust. 197 00:10:59,900 –> 00:11:04,900 What did Peter have to hold onto on that shameful night 198 00:11:05,900 –> 00:11:08,900 when he denied his Lord 199 00:11:08,900 –> 00:11:12,900 on that darkest of days, Good Friday 200 00:11:13,900 –> 00:11:17,900 and on the emptiness of the Saturday that followed? 201 00:11:18,900 –> 00:11:21,900 Well, the answer, of course, is that Jesus had given Peter a promise. 202 00:11:21,900 –> 00:11:24,900 We saw it last time in Luke Chapter 22. 203 00:11:24,900 –> 00:11:47,900 Now, notice that Jesus did not say, if you turn again, 204 00:11:47,900 –> 00:11:51,900 Jesus said, when you have turned again. 205 00:11:51,900 –> 00:11:56,900 I have prayed for you, Jesus said, and when you have turned 206 00:11:56,900 –> 00:12:02,900 again. So, Jesus knew that Peter’s spiritual disaster 207 00:12:02,900 –> 00:12:07,900 would not be the end for him, he would turn, he would turn 208 00:12:07,900 –> 00:12:11,900 because Jesus had prayed for him and when he turned 209 00:12:11,900 –> 00:12:15,900 Jesus had work for him to do, to go and strengthen 210 00:12:15,900 –> 00:12:20,900 his brothers. See Jesus knew in advance that 211 00:12:20,900 –> 00:12:25,900 Peter would deny Jesus, but he also knew in advance that 212 00:12:25,900 –> 00:12:29,900 Peter would be sorry for what he had done. 213 00:12:29,900 –> 00:12:33,900 Jesus knew that Peter’s repentance would be real 214 00:12:33,900 –> 00:12:40,900 When you have turned strengthen your brothers. 215 00:12:41,900 –> 00:12:44,900 Now the Bible tells us that Peter 216 00:12:44,900 –> 00:12:46,900 went out and wept bitterly 217 00:12:46,900 –> 00:12:51,900 and I expect that the weight of his sin 218 00:12:51,900 –> 00:12:54,900 the shame and guilt of it were 219 00:12:54,900 –> 00:12:58,900 heavy on him in the days that followed 220 00:12:58,900 –> 00:13:01,900 And you remember that in the Bible King David 221 00:13:01,900 –> 00:13:04,900 knew what is was like in Psalm 51 222 00:13:04,900 –> 00:13:07,900 In which he describes his own experience 223 00:13:07,900 –> 00:13:12,900 of carrying the guilt of sin 224 00:13:12,900 –> 00:13:16,900 and finding his way gradually towards peace 225 00:13:16,900 –> 00:13:18,900 He tells us in Psalm 51 226 00:13:18,900 –> 00:13:21,900 I know my transgressions 227 00:13:21,900 –> 00:13:26,900 And my sin is ever before me 228 00:13:27,900 –> 00:13:29,900 Now you will know what this is like 229 00:13:29,900 –> 00:13:31,900 in your own experience 230 00:13:31,900 –> 00:13:33,900 To look back with bitter regret 231 00:13:33,900 –> 00:13:36,900 at what you have done 232 00:13:36,900 –> 00:13:39,900 and to say, what in the world possessed 233 00:13:39,900 –> 00:13:43,900 me to speak or act in the way that I did 234 00:13:43,900 –> 00:13:46,900 What was I thinking about? 235 00:13:46,900 –> 00:13:50,900 How could I have been such a fool? 236 00:13:52,900 –> 00:13:56,900 My sin is always before me 237 00:13:57,900 –> 00:13:59,900 But, very wonderfully 238 00:13:59,900 –> 00:14:01,900 Peter tells us in Psalm 51 239 00:14:01,900 –> 00:14:04,900 at the end what helped him 240 00:14:04,900 –> 00:14:07,900 when his sin was always before him 241 00:14:07,900 –> 00:14:09,900 he says this 242 00:14:09,900 –> 00:14:14,900 the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit 243 00:14:14,900 –> 00:14:17,900 a broken and contrite heart, O God 244 00:14:17,900 –> 00:14:21,900 You will not despise 245 00:14:22,900 –> 00:14:25,900 Friend, God knows 246 00:14:25,900 –> 00:14:29,900 when you are sorry for what you have done 247 00:14:29,900 –> 00:14:32,900 and He will never turn away 248 00:14:33,900 –> 00:14:37,900 from a contrite and a broken heart 249 00:14:39,900 –> 00:14:42,900 in the darkness of Friday and Saturday 250 00:14:42,900 –> 00:14:46,900 Peter had a promise to believe 251 00:14:47,900 –> 00:14:50,900 and when you come to a dark place in your life 252 00:14:50,900 –> 00:14:52,900 you have a promise to believe as well 253 00:14:53,900 –> 00:14:56,900 Jesus knows when you are sorry 254 00:14:57,900 –> 00:14:58,900 so when the 255 00:14:58,900 –> 00:15:01,900 darkness of guilt and of shame 256 00:15:01,900 –> 00:15:04,900 and of condemnation press in on you 257 00:15:04,900 –> 00:15:05,900 Here’s what you must do 258 00:15:05,900 –> 00:15:07,900 You must trust the promise 259 00:15:07,900 –> 00:15:09,900 that a broken and contrite heart 260 00:15:09,900 –> 00:15:11,900 God will never despise 261 00:15:11,900 –> 00:15:13,900 He’ll never turn away from you 262 00:15:13,900 –> 00:15:14,900 When your heart is contrite 263 00:15:14,900 –> 00:15:16,900 He’ll be towards you 264 00:15:17,900 –> 00:15:19,900 Jesus has prayed 265 00:15:19,900 –> 00:15:21,900 that your faith will not fail 266 00:15:22,900 –> 00:15:25,700 and when you have turned 267 00:15:25,900 –> 00:15:27,900 here’s what you’re going to do 268 00:15:27,900 –> 00:15:30,900 you also will strengthen 269 00:15:30,900 –> 00:15:32,900 your sisters 270 00:15:33,900 –> 00:15:34,900 and your brothers 271 00:15:36,900 –> 00:15:37,900 so try and take this in 272 00:15:37,900 –> 00:15:41,900 In the shame of Thursday night 273 00:15:41,900 –> 00:15:44,900 In the darkness of Friday 274 00:15:44,900 –> 00:15:47,900 In the emptiness of Saturday 275 00:15:48,900 –> 00:15:50,900 Peter had a promise 276 00:15:50,900 –> 00:15:52,900 to cling to 277 00:15:53,900 –> 00:15:55,900 And then 278 00:15:56,900 –> 00:15:58,900 there was Sunday 279 00:15:58,900 –> 00:16:02,900 Now, the gospels record 280 00:16:02,900 –> 00:16:04,900 nine occasions when the Risen Lord 281 00:16:04,900 –> 00:16:06,900 appeared to his disciples 282 00:16:06,900 –> 00:16:08,900 Let me just walk you through them very quickly 283 00:16:08,900 –> 00:16:10,900 the first resurrection appearance 284 00:16:10,900 –> 00:16:12,900 of course was to Mary Magdalene 285 00:16:12,900 –> 00:16:16,900 and John records very beautifully 286 00:16:16,900 –> 00:16:18,900 how she thought she was speaking to the Gardener 287 00:16:18,900 –> 00:16:20,900 and then when Jesus spoke her name 288 00:16:20,900 –> 00:16:24,900 she realized she was speaking to her Risen Master 289 00:16:24,900 –> 00:16:28,900 And then Matthew records very briefly 290 00:16:28,900 –> 00:16:30,900 an appearance of Jesus to the women 291 00:16:30,900 –> 00:16:32,900 who had gone to the tomb and heard from the angel 292 00:16:32,900 –> 00:16:34,900 he is not here, he is risen 293 00:16:34,900 –> 00:16:36,900 And go tell his disciples 294 00:16:36,900 –> 00:16:38,900 And they had gone on their way to tell the disciples 295 00:16:38,900 –> 00:16:40,900 and as they acted in obedience 296 00:16:40,900 –> 00:16:42,900 Matthew records very briefly 297 00:16:42,900 –> 00:16:44,900 Jesus met them 298 00:16:44,900 –> 00:16:46,900 as they were walking in the way 299 00:16:47,900 –> 00:16:49,900 and then there was 300 00:16:49,900 –> 00:16:51,900 a Resurrection appearance 301 00:16:51,900 –> 00:16:53,900 that was uniquely given 302 00:16:53,900 –> 00:16:55,900 to Peter 303 00:16:55,900 –> 00:16:57,900 then there was a Resurrection 304 00:16:57,900 –> 00:16:59,900 appearance to two disciples 305 00:16:59,900 –> 00:17:01,900 on the road to Emmaus 306 00:17:01,900 –> 00:17:03,900 A Resurrection appearance to 307 00:17:03,900 –> 00:17:05,900 the disciples together 308 00:17:05,900 –> 00:17:07,900 without Thomas 309 00:17:07,900 –> 00:17:09,900 and eight days later another Resurrection 310 00:17:09,900 –> 00:17:11,900 appearance to the disciples together 311 00:17:11,900 –> 00:17:13,900 this time when Thomas was with them 312 00:17:13,900 –> 00:17:15,900 then there was another 313 00:17:15,900 –> 00:17:17,900 appearance to the disciples 314 00:17:17,900 –> 00:17:19,900 in Galilee after the night 315 00:17:19,900 –> 00:17:21,900 of fishing recorded in 316 00:17:21,900 –> 00:17:23,900 John 21 which we read earlier 317 00:17:23,900 –> 00:17:25,900 and then an appearance 318 00:17:25,900 –> 00:17:27,900 to the disciples on a mountain 319 00:17:27,900 –> 00:17:29,900 in Galilee where Jesus gave them 320 00:17:29,900 –> 00:17:31,900 the great commission and then 321 00:17:31,900 –> 00:17:33,900 lastly an appearance to the disciples 322 00:17:33,900 –> 00:17:35,900 to the Mount of Olives 323 00:17:35,900 –> 00:17:37,900 when Jesus blessed them and then 324 00:17:37,900 –> 00:17:39,900 ascended and disappeared 325 00:17:39,900 –> 00:17:41,900 out of their sight 326 00:17:41,900 –> 00:17:43,900 as he went up into heaven 327 00:17:43,900 –> 00:17:45,900 Just for the sake of completedness 328 00:17:45,900 –> 00:17:47,900 there are three other 329 00:17:47,900 –> 00:17:49,900 resurrection appearances that 330 00:17:49,900 –> 00:17:51,900 are recorded later in the New Testament 331 00:17:51,900 –> 00:17:53,900 Paul tells us in 1C 332 00:17:53,900 –> 00:17:55,900 chapter 15 about an occasion 333 00:17:55,900 –> 00:17:57,900 where Jesus appeared to James 334 00:17:57,900 –> 00:17:59,900 another occasion where 335 00:17:59,900 –> 00:18:01,900 Jesus appeared to 500 336 00:18:01,900 –> 00:18:03,900 at the same time and 337 00:18:03,900 –> 00:18:05,900 of course Acts records the appearance 338 00:18:05,900 –> 00:18:07,900 of the risen lord to Saul of 339 00:18:07,900 –> 00:18:09,900 Tarsus on the road 340 00:18:09,900 –> 00:18:11,900 to Damascus 341 00:18:11,900 –> 00:18:13,900 so 12 resurrection 342 00:18:13,900 –> 00:18:15,900 appearances of the Lord Jesus 343 00:18:15,900 –> 00:18:17,900 but I want us to focus particularly 344 00:18:17,900 –> 00:18:19,900 on the nine appearances 345 00:18:19,900 –> 00:18:21,900 of the risen lord that are 346 00:18:21,900 –> 00:18:23,900 recorded in the gospels 347 00:18:23,900 –> 00:18:25,900 now this happened over a period of 348 00:18:25,900 –> 00:18:27,900 40 days and what I want 349 00:18:27,900 –> 00:18:29,900 you to notice as we follow the story 350 00:18:29,900 –> 00:18:31,900 is that Peter was blessed 351 00:18:31,900 –> 00:18:33,900 to share in six 352 00:18:33,900 –> 00:18:35,900 of these 353 00:18:35,900 –> 00:18:37,900 nine appearances of the risen lord 354 00:18:37,900 –> 00:18:39,900 recorded in 355 00:18:39,900 –> 00:18:41,900 the gospels 356 00:18:41,900 –> 00:18:43,900 now what we learn from this is very important 357 00:18:43,900 –> 00:18:45,900 that Peter 358 00:18:45,900 –> 00:18:47,900 was restored 359 00:18:47,900 –> 00:18:49,900 not only by trusting 360 00:18:49,900 –> 00:18:51,900 in the promise of Jesus 361 00:18:51,900 –> 00:18:53,900 but by a 362 00:18:53,900 –> 00:18:55,900 repeated encounters with 363 00:18:55,900 –> 00:18:57,900 the risen lord 364 00:18:57,900 –> 00:18:59,900 and so when we ask the question 365 00:18:59,900 –> 00:19:01,900 now how can we be restored 366 00:19:01,900 –> 00:19:03,900 the answer is that we must 367 00:19:03,900 –> 00:19:05,900 trust God’s promise368 00:19:05,900 –> 00:19:07,900 and it is also 369 00:19:07,900 –> 00:19:09,900 walk in sustained fellowship 370 00:19:09,900 –> 00:19:11,900 with our risen 371 00:19:11,900 –> 00:19:13,900 lord 372 00:19:13,900 –> 00:19:15,900 so let’s focus in on this 373 00:19:15,900 –> 00:19:17,900 this very important and central part of the 374 00:19:17,900 –> 00:19:19,900 story not only is there 375 00:19:19,900 –> 00:19:21,900 a promise to trust there is 376 00:19:21,900 –> 00:19:23,900 a savior to seek 377 00:19:23,900 –> 00:19:25,900 peter 378 00:19:25,900 –> 00:19:27,900 saw the risen lord 379 00:19:27,900 –> 00:19:29,900 on 6 380 00:19:29,900 –> 00:19:31,900 occasions 381 00:19:31,900 –> 00:19:33,900 and is very clear from reading 382 00:19:33,900 –> 00:19:35,900 the gospels that Jesus used these 383 00:19:35,900 –> 00:19:37,900 occasions first to restore peter 384 00:19:37,900 –> 00:19:39,900 and then to commission 385 00:19:39,900 –> 00:19:41,900 Peter 386 00:19:41,900 –> 00:19:43,900 we’re not given any 387 00:19:43,900 –> 00:19:45,900 details of the private 388 00:19:45,900 –> 00:19:47,900 meeting between our risen lord 389 00:19:47,900 –> 00:19:49,900 and peter all we have 390 00:19:49,900 –> 00:19:51,900 is the testimony of 391 00:19:51,900 –> 00:19:53,900 the two disciples who met the lord 392 00:19:53,900 –> 00:19:55,900 on the road to Emmaus and 393 00:19:55,900 –> 00:19:57,900 they told the other disciples the lord 394 00:19:57,900 –> 00:19:59,900 has risen indeed 395 00:19:59,900 –> 00:20:01,900 and has appeared 396 00:20:01,900 –> 00:20:03,900 to Simon 397 00:20:03,900 –> 00:20:05,900 and this of course is confirmed 398 00:20:05,900 –> 00:20:07,900 by the Apostle Paul in first Corinthians 399 00:20:07,900 –> 00:20:09,900 in chapter fifteen where he says 400 00:20:09,900 –> 00:20:11,900 that he appeared to ceephas 401 00:20:11,900 –> 00:20:13,900 another name for peter 402 00:20:13,900 –> 00:20:15,900 and then to the twelve 403 00:20:17,900 –> 00:20:19,900 now we don’t know what jesus said 404 00:20:19,900 –> 00:20:21,900 what jesus said to peter in that first 405 00:20:21,900 –> 00:20:23,900 and most personal encounter 406 00:20:25,900 –> 00:20:27,900 but we do know 407 00:20:27,900 –> 00:20:29,900 what jesus said when he appeared 408 00:20:29,900 –> 00:20:31,900 to the group of disciples 409 00:20:31,900 –> 00:20:33,900 gathered on the evening 410 00:20:33,900 –> 00:20:35,900 of that first Easter day 411 00:20:35,900 –> 00:20:37,900 and then a week later 412 00:20:37,900 –> 00:20:39,900 when Thomas was present 413 00:20:39,900 –> 00:20:41,900 and so 414 00:20:41,900 –> 00:20:43,900 putting the pieces together 415 00:20:43,900 –> 00:20:45,900 I think that if Peter was here with us today 416 00:20:45,900 –> 00:20:47,900 he would say something 417 00:20:47,900 –> 00:20:49,900 like this 418 00:20:51,900 –> 00:20:53,900 you know when I went 419 00:20:53,900 –> 00:20:55,900 out from that 420 00:20:55,900 –> 00:20:57,900 courtyard and whipped bitterly 421 00:20:57,900 –> 00:20:59,900 I really thought 422 00:20:59,900 –> 00:21:01,900 that there was no hope left for me 423 00:21:05,900 –> 00:21:07,900 but then i remembered the words of Jesus 424 00:21:09,900 –> 00:21:11,900 I have prayed 425 00:21:11,900 –> 00:21:13,900 for you that your 426 00:21:13,900 –> 00:21:15,900 faith may not fail and 427 00:21:15,900 –> 00:21:17,900 when you have turned 428 00:21:17,900 –> 00:21:19,900 strengthen 429 00:21:19,900 –> 00:21:21,900 your brothers 430 00:21:21,900 –> 00:21:23,900 so I dared to believe 431 00:21:23,900 –> 00:21:25,900 that he 432 00:21:25,900 –> 00:21:27,900 he was not finished with me yet 433 00:21:29,900 –> 00:21:31,900 and then 434 00:21:31,900 –> 00:21:33,900 on that first Easter day 435 00:21:33,900 –> 00:21:35,900 Jesus 436 00:21:35,900 –> 00:21:37,900 appeared to me 437 00:21:37,900 –> 00:21:39,900 I can’t tell you 438 00:21:39,900 –> 00:21:41,900 the joy and the relief 439 00:21:41,900 –> 00:21:43,900 that was 440 00:21:43,900 –> 00:21:45,900 the conversation 441 00:21:45,900 –> 00:21:47,900 was just between us 442 00:21:47,900 –> 00:21:49,900 but I can tell you 443 00:21:49,900 –> 00:21:51,900 that those same eyes 444 00:21:51,900 –> 00:21:53,900 that had looked to me 445 00:21:53,900 –> 00:21:55,900 in the courtyard 446 00:21:55,900 –> 00:21:57,900 with wounded love 447 00:21:57,900 –> 00:21:59,900 looked at me on that day 448 00:21:59,900 –> 00:22:01,900 with forgiving love 449 00:22:03,900 –> 00:22:05,900 and his grace 450 00:22:05,900 –> 00:22:07,900 was sufficient 451 00:22:07,900 –> 00:22:09,900 for me 452 00:22:09,900 –> 00:22:11,900 I wasn’t sure 453 00:22:11,900 –> 00:22:13,900 what to do after that 454 00:22:13,900 –> 00:22:15,900 but Jesus had said 455 00:22:15,900 –> 00:22:17,900 when you have turned, strengthen 456 00:22:17,900 –> 00:22:19,900 your brothers 457 00:22:19,900 –> 00:22:21,900 and I knew that He would want me to stay close 458 00:22:21,900 –> 00:22:23,900 to my disciples, so I went and 459 00:22:23,900 –> 00:22:25,900 found them 460 00:22:25,900 –> 00:22:27,900 we all felt that our lives 461 00:22:27,900 –> 00:22:29,900 were in danger, and so we had locked 462 00:22:29,900 –> 00:22:31,900 the door to the room where we 463 00:22:31,900 –> 00:22:33,900 were meeting but 464 00:22:33,900 –> 00:22:35,900 Jesus came and appeared 465 00:22:35,900 –> 00:22:37,900 to us in that room 466 00:22:37,900 –> 00:22:39,900 I just 467 00:22:39,900 –> 00:22:41,900 looked up 468 00:22:41,900 –> 00:22:43,900 and there he was 469 00:22:45,900 –> 00:22:47,900 peace 470 00:22:47,900 –> 00:22:49,900 be with you 471 00:22:49,900 –> 00:22:51,900 he said 472 00:22:51,900 –> 00:22:53,900 and I grabbed 473 00:22:53,900 –> 00:22:55,900 hold of these words as if they had been 474 00:22:55,900 –> 00:22:57,900 spoken only to me, that was exactly 475 00:22:57,900 –> 00:22:59,900 what I needed to hear 476 00:23:01,900 –> 00:23:03,900 and then he showed us his hands 477 00:23:03,900 –> 00:23:17,900 that were pierced and his 478 00:23:17,900 –> 00:23:23,900 hands were in his mouth 479 00:23:23,900 –> 00:23:25,900 and that is exactly what I needed to hear 480 00:23:29,900 –> 00:23:32,900 and he spoke them back as he told us 481 00:23:33,900 –> 00:23:35,900 as it were 482 00:23:36,900 –> 00:23:39,900 then Jesus said to us a second time 483 00:23:41,900 –> 00:23:44,900 peace be with you 484 00:23:46,900 –> 00:23:48,900 as the Father has sent me 485 00:23:48,900 –> 00:23:51,900 so I am sending you 486 00:23:52,900 –> 00:23:56,900 Jesus gave me peace and I received it 487 00:23:57,900 –> 00:23:59,900 but I have to tell you 488 00:24:00,900 –> 00:24:01,900 that in the week that followed 489 00:24:01,900 –> 00:24:04,900 I still had battles with my conscience 490 00:24:05,900 –> 00:24:07,900 that condemned me 491 00:24:08,900 –> 00:24:10,900 just when I thought that 492 00:24:11,900 –> 00:24:12,900 I had dried my tears and buried my sorrows 493 00:24:13,900 –> 00:24:15,900 it was as if regret 494 00:24:16,900 –> 00:24:18,900 rose up from the grave 495 00:24:19,900 –> 00:24:20,900 and took possession of me all over again 496 00:24:21,900 –> 00:24:25,900 and a week later 497 00:24:26,900 –> 00:24:28,900 when Thomas was with us 498 00:24:29,900 –> 00:24:30,900 Jesus appeared again 499 00:24:31,900 –> 00:24:33,900 and what was the first thing he said? 500 00:24:34,900 –> 00:24:39,900 Peace be with you 501 00:24:40,900 –> 00:24:42,900 Peter was restored friends 502 00:24:43,900 –> 00:24:48,900 through repeated encounters with the risen Lord 503 00:24:49,900 –> 00:24:50,900 and I wonder if you’ve ever noticed this 504 00:24:51,900 –> 00:24:53,900 3 times Peter denied Jesus 505 00:24:54,900 –> 00:24:57,900 3 times John records 506 00:24:57,900 –> 00:25:03,900 Jesus said peace be with you 507 00:25:04,900 –> 00:25:08,900 Jesus restores us in the same way as he restored Peter 508 00:25:09,900 –> 00:25:12,900 He speaks peace into our souls 509 00:25:13,400 –> 00:25:17,900 Now obviously there was a uniqueness about the resurrection appearances of Jesus to Peter 510 00:25:18,900 –> 00:25:20,900 but we have this sure promise of scripture 511 00:25:21,900 –> 00:25:24,900 that I want us to take hold of firmly today 512 00:25:24,900 –> 00:25:26,900 The bible says to us 513 00:25:26,900 –> 00:25:33,900 draw near to God and He will draw near to you 514 00:25:34,900 –> 00:25:37,900 And friends isn’t that exactly why we came to church here today 515 00:25:37,900 –> 00:25:40,900 We come to here to draw near to God 516 00:25:41,400 –> 00:25:43,900 And we draw near to Him through His Son 517 00:25:44,900 –> 00:25:47,900 and His Son speaks to us how? 518 00:25:47,900 –> 00:25:50,900 Through His Word in the scripture 519 00:25:51,900 –> 00:26:00,900 And so I want you to hear Jesus speaking peace into your soul today 520 00:26:09,900 –> 00:26:12,900 He gives peace 521 00:26:12,900 –> 00:26:15,900 He offers forgiveness 522 00:26:15,900 –> 00:26:18,900 He brings restoration 523 00:26:18,900 –> 00:26:22,900 He holds all of these gifts in His hand 524 00:26:22,900 –> 00:26:26,900 And the reason that He’s able to offer them to you 525 00:26:26,900 –> 00:26:30,900 is that He bore our sins 526 00:26:30,900 –> 00:26:32,900 that He took our guilt 527 00:26:32,900 –> 00:26:35,900 and its shame 528 00:26:35,900 –> 00:26:36,900 and its condemnation 529 00:26:36,900 –> 00:26:38,900 He took it all upon Himself 530 00:26:38,900 –> 00:26:40,900 and He did it when He died on the Cross 531 00:26:40,900 –> 00:26:42,900 Listen to the Risen Lord Jesus 532 00:26:42,900 –> 00:26:44,900 and what He says to you 533 00:26:44,900 –> 00:26:50,900 Peace be with you 534 00:26:50,900 –> 00:26:53,900 There’s a promise to trust 535 00:26:53,900 –> 00:26:58,900 There’s a Saviour to seek 536 00:26:58,900 –> 00:27:02,900 And you’ll be restored as you trust the promise 537 00:27:02,900 –> 00:27:06,900 and as you walk in fellowship with the Risen Lord 538 00:27:06,900 –> 00:27:10,900 Who speaks peace to your soul 539 00:27:10,900 –> 00:27:15,900 And then there’s a third dimension to this restoration 540 00:27:15,900 –> 00:27:17,900 and that is 541 00:27:17,900 –> 00:27:21,900 that there is a mission to fulfil 542 00:27:21,900 –> 00:27:25,900 And if the primary focus of the first three occasions 543 00:27:25,900 –> 00:27:27,900 where Peter met with the Risen Lord 544 00:27:27,900 –> 00:27:28,900 was his restoration 545 00:27:28,900 –> 00:27:30,900 peace being spoken into his soul 546 00:27:30,900 –> 00:27:34,900 Then certainly the focus of the last three meetings 547 00:27:34,900 –> 00:27:36,900 that Peter had with the Risen Lord 548 00:27:36,900 –> 00:27:39,900 was on his being commissioned 549 00:27:39,900 –> 00:27:41,900 for a whole new chapter of life 550 00:27:41,900 –> 00:27:42,900 and of ministry 551 00:27:42,900 –> 00:27:45,900 Let me remind you of these last three occasions 552 00:27:45,900 –> 00:27:48,900 and I’ll do them in reverse order 553 00:27:48,900 –> 00:27:49,900 beginning with the last 554 00:27:49,900 –> 00:27:51,900 On the Mount of Olives 555 00:27:51,900 –> 00:27:55,900 When Jesus ascended into heaven 556 00:27:55,900 –> 00:27:59,900 Jesus said to Peter 557 00:27:59,900 –> 00:28:02,900 as well as to the other disciples 558 00:28:03,900 –> 00:28:05,900 You will be my witnesses 559 00:28:05,900 –> 00:28:06,900 in Jerusalem 560 00:28:06,900 –> 00:28:07,900 Judea, Samaria 561 00:28:07,900 –> 00:28:09,900 and to the ends of the earth 562 00:28:09,900 –> 00:28:11,900 Can you imagine what this meant 563 00:28:11,900 –> 00:28:12,900 to Peter? 564 00:28:12,900 –> 00:28:15,900 To hear Jesus say to him 565 00:28:15,900 –> 00:28:19,900 You are going to be my witness 566 00:28:19,900 –> 00:28:20,900 Why? 567 00:28:20,900 –> 00:28:23,900 Because the man is restored 568 00:28:23,900 –> 00:28:27,900 And there is work that Jesus has for him to do 569 00:28:27,900 –> 00:28:29,900 And you get the same theme 570 00:28:29,900 –> 00:28:31,900 when they were on the mountain in Galilee 571 00:28:31,900 –> 00:28:32,900 just a little earlier 572 00:28:32,900 –> 00:28:36,900 Remember, the 11 there worshipped Jesus 573 00:28:36,900 –> 00:28:38,900 And we’re told that he said that 574 00:28:38,900 –> 00:28:41,900 to Peter and to the others 575 00:28:41,900 –> 00:28:47,900 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations 576 00:28:47,900 –> 00:28:48,900 put yourself in Peter’s shoes 577 00:28:48,900 –> 00:28:49,900 Jesus is saying 578 00:28:49,900 –> 00:28:52,900 Look, I’ve got work for you to do 579 00:28:52,900 –> 00:28:57,900 You’re going to go and make disciples 580 00:28:57,900 –> 00:29:00,900 But I want to end today 581 00:29:00,900 –> 00:29:02,900 with the words of Jesus 582 00:29:02,900 –> 00:29:04,900 spoken directly to Peter in John chapter 21 583 00:29:04,900 –> 00:29:06,900 that was read to us 584 00:29:06,900 –> 00:29:09,900 The disciples were back in Galilee 585 00:29:09,900 –> 00:29:12,900 John tells us that they had gone fishing 586 00:29:12,900 –> 00:29:15,900 There in the morning light 587 00:29:15,900 –> 00:29:18,900 was Jesus standing on the shore of the lake 588 00:29:18,900 –> 00:29:23,900 Just as he had been those years before 589 00:29:23,900 –> 00:29:27,900 And the disciples had breakfast with Jesus 590 00:29:27,900 –> 00:29:32,900 Then John records that when they had finished breakfast 591 00:29:32,900 –> 00:29:34,900 Jesus said to Simon Peter 592 00:29:34,900 –> 00:29:36,900 Simon son of John 593 00:29:36,900 –> 00:29:39,900 do you love me more than these? 594 00:29:39,900 –> 00:29:41,900 Peter said to him 595 00:29:41,900 –> 00:29:43,900 Yes Lord You know that I love You 596 00:29:43,900 –> 00:29:45,900 Jesus said to him 597 00:29:45,900 –> 00:29:48,900 Feed my lambs 598 00:29:48,900 –> 00:29:52,900 Notice that question that Jesus asked him 599 00:29:52,900 –> 00:29:56,900 Peter, do you love me 600 00:29:57,900 –> 00:30:00,900 more than these? 601 00:30:00,900 –> 00:30:04,900 Well you see 602 00:30:04,900 –> 00:30:06,900 Peter had been very confident 603 00:30:06,900 –> 00:30:08,900 that indeed he loved 604 00:30:08,900 –> 00:30:11,900 Jesus more than the other disciples 605 00:30:11,900 –> 00:30:14,900 You remember we saw 606 00:30:14,900 –> 00:30:17,900 that that was the first sign of spiritual pride 607 00:30:17,900 –> 00:30:22,900 To think that he was stronger than all the others 608 00:30:22,900 –> 00:30:26,900 Oh, Peter was quite sure 609 00:30:26,900 –> 00:30:29,900 that he was more devoted, more loyal 610 00:30:29,900 –> 00:30:31,900 more committed to Jesus 611 00:30:31,900 –> 00:30:33,900 than any of these other disciples 612 00:30:33,900 –> 00:30:35,900 That’s why he said to Jesus 613 00:30:35,900 –> 00:30:37,900 though they all fall away 614 00:30:37,900 –> 00:30:41,900 I will never fall away 615 00:30:41,900 –> 00:30:44,900 But you see what had happened 616 00:30:44,900 –> 00:30:47,900 Peter had discovered 617 00:30:47,900 –> 00:30:50,900 That he was not as strong as he thought 618 00:30:50,900 –> 00:30:52,900 And now Jesus asks him 619 00:30:52,900 –> 00:30:54,900 Well, Peter 620 00:30:54,900 –> 00:31:00,900 Do you love me more than these? 621 00:31:00,900 –> 00:31:03,900 And I want you to notice 622 00:31:03,900 –> 00:31:04,900 I love this 623 00:31:04,900 –> 00:31:06,900 That Peter does not say 624 00:31:06,900 –> 00:31:10,900 Yes Lord, I love you more than these 625 00:31:10,900 –> 00:31:13,900 No, he just says very simply 626 00:31:13,900 –> 00:31:17,900 Yes Lord you know that I love you 627 00:31:17,900 –> 00:31:21,900 You see the old spiritual pride 628 00:31:21,900 –> 00:31:25,900 Has gone at last 629 00:31:25,900 –> 00:31:28,900 He’s no longer claiming a stronger love 630 00:31:28,900 –> 00:31:30,900 Or a deeper commitment 631 00:31:30,900 –> 00:31:32,900 There’s no claim to 632 00:31:32,900 –> 00:31:35,900 Spiritual superiority here 633 00:31:35,900 –> 00:31:40,900 Just Lord you know that I love you 634 00:31:40,900 –> 00:31:41,900 And then Jesus says 635 00:31:41,900 –> 00:31:46,900 Feed my lambs 636 00:31:46,900 –> 00:31:49,900 Feed the weakest 637 00:31:49,900 –> 00:31:51,900 Feed the youngest 638 00:31:51,900 –> 00:31:57,900 Feed the most vulnerable of all 639 00:31:57,900 –> 00:32:00,900 And that of course is something 640 00:32:00,900 –> 00:32:02,900 That Peter could never have done before 641 00:32:02,900 –> 00:32:04,900 A disciple who feels 642 00:32:04,900 –> 00:32:08,900 Spiritually superior to other believers 643 00:32:08,900 –> 00:32:11,900 Cannot minister to them or strengthen them 644 00:32:12,900 –> 00:32:16,900 He will only crush them 645 00:32:16,900 –> 00:32:19,900 But you see, God used the exposure 646 00:32:19,900 –> 00:32:21,900 Of Peter’s spiritual weakness 647 00:32:21,900 –> 00:32:24,900 To cure him of his spiritual pride 648 00:32:24,900 –> 00:32:26,900 Peter became humble 649 00:32:26,900 –> 00:32:28,900 He really did 650 00:32:28,900 –> 00:32:30,900 And in becoming humble 651 00:32:30,900 –> 00:32:32,900 He became useful 652 00:32:32,900 –> 00:32:33,900 More useful than he would 653 00:32:33,900 –> 00:32:37,900 Ever otherwise had been 654 00:32:37,900 –> 00:32:39,900 You can see the fruit 655 00:32:39,900 –> 00:32:41,900 Of what the Lord Jesus Christ did 656 00:32:41,900 –> 00:32:43,900 In this man’s life 657 00:32:43,900 –> 00:32:44,900 In the letters that he wrote 658 00:32:44,900 –> 00:32:45,900 That we have at the end 659 00:32:45,900 –> 00:32:47,900 Of the new testament 660 00:32:47,900 –> 00:32:48,900 Listen to this 661 00:32:48,900 –> 00:32:50,900 From the man who was once 662 00:32:50,900 –> 00:32:54,900 Gripped by spiritual pride 663 00:32:54,900 –> 00:32:55,900 He says, 664 00:33:04,900 –> 00:33:05,900 And of course 665 00:33:05,900 –> 00:33:07,900 All the early believers 666 00:33:07,900 –> 00:33:10,900 Knew as we do 667 00:33:10,900 –> 00:33:13,900 That Peter had denied his Lord 668 00:33:13,900 –> 00:33:15,900 So they knew exactly 669 00:33:15,900 –> 00:33:16,900 What he was saying 670 00:33:16,900 –> 00:33:17,900 Peter is saying to them 671 00:33:17,900 –> 00:33:18,900 Quite clearly 672 00:33:18,900 –> 00:33:19,900 You know, I’m the one 673 00:33:19,900 –> 00:33:23,900 Who became proud 674 00:33:23,900 –> 00:33:26,900 And God humbled me 675 00:33:26,900 –> 00:33:27,900 Because God does 676 00:33:27,900 –> 00:33:28,900 Oppose the proud 677 00:33:28,900 –> 00:33:29,900 He always brings them down 678 00:33:29,900 –> 00:33:34,900 And he brought me down 679 00:33:34,900 –> 00:33:37,900 Where I found 680 00:33:37,900 –> 00:33:40,900 What you need to know 681 00:33:40,900 –> 00:33:44,900 That he also gives grace to the humble 682 00:33:44,900 –> 00:33:45,900 So humble yourselves therefore 683 00:33:45,900 –> 00:33:47,900 Under the mighty hand of God 684 00:33:47,900 –> 00:33:49,900 So that at the proper time 685 00:33:49,900 –> 00:33:51,900 He may exalt you 686 00:33:51,900 –> 00:33:54,900 And cast all your anxieties on him 687 00:33:54,900 –> 00:33:57,900 Because he cares for you 688 00:33:57,900 –> 00:33:59,900 And then Peter goes on to say 689 00:33:59,900 –> 00:34:03,900 And be sober-minded and watchful 690 00:34:03,900 –> 00:34:04,900 Your adversary, the devil 691 00:34:04,900 –> 00:34:06,900 Prowls around like a roaring lion 692 00:34:06,900 –> 00:34:07,900 Seeking someone to devour 693 00:34:07,900 –> 00:34:08,899 Resist him 694 00:34:08,899 –> 00:34:11,899 Firm in your faith 695 00:34:11,899 –> 00:34:15,899 Here’s Peter strengthening his brothers 696 00:34:15,899 –> 00:34:17,899 And you see it comes right out of his own experience 697 00:34:19,899 –> 00:34:22,899 These early believers knew, of course 698 00:34:22,899 –> 00:34:24,899 That Peter had fallen asleep in the Garden 699 00:34:24,899 –> 00:34:26,899 He had not watched 700 00:34:26,899 –> 00:34:28,899 He had not prayed 701 00:34:28,899 –> 00:34:30,899 And he did fall into temptation 702 00:34:31,899 –> 00:34:33,899 But Jesus said, now when you have turned again 703 00:34:33,899 –> 00:34:35,899 You strengthen your brothers 704 00:34:35,899 –> 00:34:37,899 Feed my lambs 705 00:34:37,899 –> 00:34:39,899 That’s what Peter was doing 706 00:34:41,899 –> 00:34:44,899 Do you see this wonderful principle 707 00:34:44,899 –> 00:34:46,899 That is so full of hope 708 00:34:46,899 –> 00:34:48,899 For everyone of us today 709 00:34:48,899 –> 00:34:51,899 That Jesus took the hardest thing 710 00:34:51,899 –> 00:34:52,899 In Peter’s life 711 00:34:52,899 –> 00:34:54,899 And used it to shape him 712 00:34:54,899 –> 00:34:56,899 And prepare him for future ministry 713 00:34:56,899 –> 00:35:03,899 And then as we read 714 00:35:03,899 –> 00:35:07,899 The story in John 21 continues 715 00:35:07,899 –> 00:35:12,899 Jesus said to Peter a second time 716 00:35:12,899 –> 00:35:15,899 Simon son of John, do you love me? 717 00:35:15,899 –> 00:35:18,899 Peter said to him, yes Lord, you know that I love you 718 00:35:18,899 –> 00:35:20,899 And Jesus said, tend my sheep 719 00:35:20,899 –> 00:35:24,899 And then Jesus said to him a third time 720 00:35:24,899 –> 00:35:26,899 Simon son of John, do you love me? 721 00:35:26,899 –> 00:35:31,899 And Peter was grieved, because Jesus said to him the third time, do you love me? 722 00:35:31,899 –> 00:35:33,899 And Peter said to him Lord you know everything 723 00:35:33,899 –> 00:35:35,899 You know that I love you 724 00:35:35,899 –> 00:35:39,899 And Jesus said to him, feed my sheep 725 00:35:41,899 –> 00:35:45,899 Now why did Jesus ask Peter 726 00:35:45,899 –> 00:35:49,899 Do you love me three times 727 00:35:49,899 –> 00:35:58,899 Well, surely it is because Peter had denied Jesus three times 728 00:35:58,899 –> 00:36:04,899 Three times he had denied that he ever knew Jesus 729 00:36:04,899 –> 00:36:13,899 And now three times he has the opportunity to confess his love for Christ 730 00:36:13,899 –> 00:36:19,899 I wonder if you’ve noticed that everything in this story seems to happen three times 731 00:36:19,899 –> 00:36:24,899 Three times Peter denied Jesus 732 00:36:24,899 –> 00:36:31,899 Three times John records Jesus said, peace be with you 733 00:36:31,899 –> 00:36:36,899 Three times Peter confesses his love for Jesus 734 00:36:36,899 –> 00:36:40,899 And three times Jesus commissions his restored disciple 735 00:36:41,899 –> 00:36:49,899 Feed my lambs, tend my sheep, watch my sheep 736 00:36:49,899 –> 00:36:51,899 Feed my sheep 737 00:36:51,899 –> 00:36:57,899 When you feel overwhelmed by your own sin 738 00:36:57,899 –> 00:37:02,899 Remember that there is a promise to trust 739 00:37:02,899 –> 00:37:05,899 God knows when you are sorry 740 00:37:05,899 –> 00:37:11,899 And a broken and contrite heart he will never despise 741 00:37:11,899 –> 00:37:16,899 God will never turn away from a broken and a contrite heart 742 00:37:16,899 –> 00:37:19,899 So, trust the promise 743 00:37:19,899 –> 00:37:21,899 And seek the Saviour 744 00:37:21,899 –> 00:37:24,899 The Lord, Jesus Christ, died on the cross 745 00:37:24,899 –> 00:37:28,899 so that your worst sin should not be the end for you 746 00:37:28,899 –> 00:37:32,899 He died so that your worst sin should not define you 747 00:37:32,899 –> 00:37:34,899 and so that it should not condemn you 748 00:37:34,899 –> 00:37:37,899 And he rose so that it should not lead to your ruin 749 00:37:37,899 –> 00:37:42,899 but rather to your restoration 750 00:37:42,899 –> 00:37:44,899 So, seek this Risen Saviour 751 00:37:44,899 –> 00:37:47,899 Draw near to him 752 00:37:47,899 –> 00:37:50,899 And he will draw near to you 753 00:37:50,899 –> 00:37:52,899 Walk with him 754 00:37:52,899 –> 00:37:59,899 And he will speak peace into your soul 755 00:37:59,899 –> 00:38:04,899 And then as you trust the promise 756 00:38:04,899 –> 00:38:06,899 and seek the Saviour 757 00:38:06,899 –> 00:38:08,899 Fulfill the mission 758 00:38:08,899 –> 00:38:14,899 Remember that God can use the hardest thing in your life 759 00:38:14,899 –> 00:38:16,899 to shape you and prepare you 760 00:38:16,899 –> 00:38:19,899 for future ministry 761 00:38:19,899 –> 00:38:22,899 Feed my lambs 762 00:38:22,899 –> 00:38:25,899 Tend my sheep 763 00:38:25,899 –> 00:38:28,899 Feeds my sheep 764 00:38:28,899 –> 00:38:30,899 When you have turned again 765 00:38:30,899 –> 00:38:34,899 strengthen your sisters 766 00:38:34,899 –> 00:38:36,899 and your brothers 767 00:38:36,899 –> 00:38:40,899 Jesus has work for you to do 768 00:38:40,899 –> 00:38:44,899 and when he restores you 769 00:38:44,899 –> 00:38:46,899 He will commission you 770 00:38:46,899 –> 00:38:48,899 to live and to serve 771 00:38:48,899 –> 00:38:50,899 for His glory 772 00:38:50,899 –> 00:38:54,899 Let’s pray together 773 00:38:59,899 –> 00:39:06,899 Our Father, we thank you that in Your immeasurable grace 774 00:39:06,899 –> 00:39:12,899 our worst sins need not lead 775 00:39:12,899 –> 00:39:17,899 to our ultimate condemnation 776 00:39:17,899 –> 00:39:21,899 but that in your great mercy 777 00:39:21,899 –> 00:39:25,899 you restore and commission 778 00:39:25,899 –> 00:39:27,899 your own people 779 00:39:27,899 –> 00:39:31,899 Help us, we pray, to trust in Your promise 780 00:39:31,899 –> 00:39:33,899 Thank you that You do not despise 781 00:39:33,899 –> 00:39:35,899 a contrite or a broken heart 782 00:39:35,899 –> 00:39:37,899 You never turn away 783 00:39:37,899 –> 00:39:39,899 from the repentant heart 784 00:39:39,899 –> 00:39:41,899 and You know when we are truly sorry 785 00:39:41,899 –> 00:39:43,899 for what we have done 786 00:39:46,899 –> 00:39:49,899 Thank you that the risen Lord Jesus Christ 787 00:39:49,899 –> 00:39:54,899 really is able to speak peace into our souls 788 00:39:55,899 –> 00:39:58,899 Lord, in your mercy, and in your grace 789 00:39:58,899 –> 00:40:00,899 grant us that gift even today 790 00:40:03,899 –> 00:40:06,899 And trusting in Your promise 791 00:40:06,899 –> 00:40:09,899 and seeking to walk with Your son 792 00:40:12,899 –> 00:40:14,899 We ask, Father, that in Your great mercy 793 00:40:14,899 –> 00:40:16,899 we may fulfil all the work 794 00:40:16,899 –> 00:40:18,899 that You have for us to do 795 00:40:18,899 –> 00:40:20,899 Thank you, Lord, that You can 796 00:40:20,899 –> 00:40:23,899 take the hardest and worst things 797 00:40:23,899 –> 00:40:24,899 in our lives 798 00:40:26,899 –> 00:40:28,899 and you can use even them 799 00:40:29,899 –> 00:40:33,899 to shape us and prepare us 800 00:40:33,899 –> 00:40:35,899 for future ministry 801 00:40:36,899 –> 00:40:37,899 For all this we give you our thanks and praise 802 00:40:38,899 –> 00:40:40,899 in the wonderful name of Jesus 803 00:40:40,899 –> 00:40:42,899 and everyone who agreed said together 804 00:40:42,899 –> 00:40:43,899 Amen 805 00:40:45,899 –> 00:40:46,899 You have been listening to a sermon 806 00:40:46,899 –> 00:40:48,899 with Pastor Colin Smith of Open the Bible 807 00:40:48,899 –> 00:40:50,899 To contact us, call us at 808 00:40:50,899 –> 00:40:53,899 1-877-OPEN-365 809 00:40:53,899 –> 00:40:55,899 or visit our website 810 00:40:55,899 –> 00:40:57,899 openthebible.org