1 00:00:00,441 --> 00:00:05,491 John 21. 2 00:00:05,491 --> 00:00:07,111 I want to speak this morning, 3 00:00:07,111 --> 00:00:08,152 the Lord helping me, 4 00:00:08,152 --> 00:00:12,973 on Jesus restores Peter. 5 00:00:12,973 --> 00:00:16,272 Jesus restores Peter. 6 00:00:16,272 --> 00:00:21,000 John 21:15-23. 7 00:00:21,000 --> 00:00:24,282 Lord, help us now. 8 00:00:24,282 --> 00:00:31,654 John 21:15-23. 9 00:00:31,654 --> 00:00:33,551 "And when they had finished breakfast, 10 00:00:33,551 --> 00:00:36,612 Jesus said to Simon Peter, 11 00:00:36,612 --> 00:00:40,431 'Simon, son of John, 12 00:00:40,431 --> 00:00:44,102 do you love Me more than these?' 13 00:00:44,102 --> 00:00:45,701 He said to Him, 14 00:00:45,701 --> 00:00:50,053 'Yes Lord, You know that I love You.' 15 00:00:50,053 --> 00:00:53,192 He said to him, 'Feed My lambs.' 16 00:00:53,192 --> 00:00:54,781 He said to him a second time, 17 00:00:54,781 --> 00:00:59,550 'Simon, son of John, do you love Me?' 18 00:00:59,550 --> 00:01:00,762 He said to Him, 19 00:01:00,762 --> 00:01:04,125 'Yes Lord, You know that I love You.' 20 00:01:04,125 --> 00:01:06,491 He said to him, 21 00:01:06,491 --> 00:01:09,061 'Tend My sheep.' 22 00:01:09,061 --> 00:01:11,532 He said to him a third time, 23 00:01:11,532 --> 00:01:15,537 'Simon, son of John, do you love Me?' 24 00:01:15,537 --> 00:01:17,514 Peter was grieved 25 00:01:17,514 --> 00:01:20,192 because He said to him the third time, 26 00:01:20,192 --> 00:01:22,612 'Do you love Me?' 27 00:01:22,612 --> 00:01:23,872 And he said to Him, 28 00:01:23,872 --> 00:01:29,063 'Lord, You know everything. 29 00:01:29,063 --> 00:01:31,720 You know that I love You.' 30 00:01:31,720 --> 00:01:33,501 Jesus said to him, 31 00:01:33,501 --> 00:01:36,072 'Feed My sheep. 32 00:01:36,072 --> 00:01:37,392 Truly, I say to you, 33 00:01:37,392 --> 00:01:39,025 when you were young, 34 00:01:39,025 --> 00:01:41,764 you used to dress yourself 35 00:01:41,764 --> 00:01:45,757 and walk wherever you wanted, 36 00:01:45,757 --> 00:01:47,123 but when you are old, 37 00:01:47,123 --> 00:01:48,642 you will stretch out your hands 38 00:01:48,642 --> 00:01:49,913 and another will dress you 39 00:01:49,913 --> 00:01:53,672 and carry you where you do not want to go.' 40 00:01:53,672 --> 00:01:57,472 This He said to show by what kind of death 41 00:01:57,472 --> 00:02:01,651 he (that is Peter) was to glorify God. 42 00:02:01,651 --> 00:02:06,573 And after saying this, He said to him, 43 00:02:06,573 --> 00:02:09,262 'Follow Me.' 44 00:02:09,262 --> 00:02:12,232 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved 45 00:02:12,232 --> 00:02:13,622 following them, 46 00:02:13,622 --> 00:02:16,573 the one who had been reclining at table close to Him, 47 00:02:16,573 --> 00:02:22,603 who had said, 'Lord, who is it that will betray you?' 48 00:02:22,603 --> 00:02:25,101 when Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, 49 00:02:25,101 --> 00:02:28,645 'Lord, what about this man?' 50 00:02:28,645 --> 00:02:29,891 Jesus said to him, 51 00:02:29,891 --> 00:02:32,964 'If it is My will that he remain until I come, 52 00:02:32,964 --> 00:02:34,511 what is that to you? 53 00:02:34,511 --> 00:02:38,001 You follow Me.' 54 00:02:38,001 --> 00:02:40,701 So the saying spread abroad among the brothers 55 00:02:40,701 --> 00:02:44,099 that this disciple was not to die. 56 00:02:44,099 --> 00:02:45,931 Yet, Jesus did not say to him 57 00:02:45,931 --> 00:02:47,943 that he was not to die, 58 00:02:47,943 --> 00:02:52,151 but if it is My will that he remains until I come, 59 00:02:52,151 --> 00:02:57,892 what is that to you?" 60 00:02:57,892 --> 00:03:03,092 During the 40 days 61 00:03:03,092 --> 00:03:06,283 between the resurrection and the ascension of Christ, 62 00:03:06,283 --> 00:03:10,774 where was Jesus? 63 00:03:10,774 --> 00:03:13,014 Well, He was not as commonly thought 64 00:03:13,014 --> 00:03:18,515 on earth continually for 40 days in Jerusalem. 65 00:03:18,515 --> 00:03:22,413 He's now after the resurrection what has been called 66 00:03:22,413 --> 00:03:27,528 the Heavenly Man in Paradise. 67 00:03:27,528 --> 00:03:29,224 And He will now over 40 days 68 00:03:29,224 --> 00:03:32,712 make appearances in and around Jerusalem. 69 00:03:32,712 --> 00:03:35,025 He appears to many. 70 00:03:35,025 --> 00:03:39,593 That is, He surprised unannounced appearances. 71 00:03:39,593 --> 00:03:42,603 He just pops into locked rooms. 72 00:03:42,603 --> 00:03:45,043 He just suddenly appears here and there. 73 00:03:45,043 --> 00:03:47,524 Two guys walking on the Emmaus road, 74 00:03:47,524 --> 00:03:48,933 grieving, sharing, 75 00:03:48,933 --> 00:03:50,533 suddenly this Stranger appears, 76 00:03:50,533 --> 00:03:51,913 starts walking with them - 77 00:03:51,913 --> 00:03:56,012 He's making appearances. 78 00:03:56,012 --> 00:03:58,324 Resurrection appearances. 79 00:03:58,324 --> 00:04:00,015 The Gospels say that when they 80 00:04:00,015 --> 00:04:01,833 were in the upper room at one point, 81 00:04:01,833 --> 00:04:05,733 He came and stood among them. 82 00:04:05,733 --> 00:04:08,403 How many appearances were there? 83 00:04:08,403 --> 00:04:11,102 After the resurrection, before the ascension? 84 00:04:11,102 --> 00:04:15,153 Well, 14 are mentioned in the Gospels, 85 00:04:15,153 --> 00:04:16,693 in the book of Acts, Galatians, 86 00:04:16,693 --> 00:04:18,562 and 1 Corinthians 15. 87 00:04:18,562 --> 00:04:20,744 Different days and different times 88 00:04:20,744 --> 00:04:22,483 the Lord appeared. 89 00:04:22,483 --> 00:04:24,991 First to Mary Magdalene, 90 00:04:24,991 --> 00:04:28,916 second to some women returning from the tomb, 91 00:04:28,916 --> 00:04:31,324 third to Peter, fourth appearance 92 00:04:31,324 --> 00:04:33,802 was to the two on the Emmaus road, 93 00:04:33,802 --> 00:04:37,055 fifth appearance was to 10 of the disciples 94 00:04:37,055 --> 00:04:38,922 in the upper room, 95 00:04:38,922 --> 00:04:41,453 the sixth appearance was 11 of them - 96 00:04:41,453 --> 00:04:43,732 remember Thomas wasn't there the first time - 97 00:04:43,732 --> 00:04:46,243 11 disciples in the upper room, 98 00:04:46,243 --> 00:04:50,243 the seventh appearance is this one - John 21. 99 00:04:50,243 --> 00:04:54,807 The disciples fishing on the Sea of Tiberius. 100 00:04:54,807 --> 00:04:57,043 This is here in John 21. 101 00:04:57,043 --> 00:04:58,243 And there are six more, 102 00:04:58,243 --> 00:05:00,885 including appearances to James, 103 00:05:00,885 --> 00:05:03,455 Stephen, Saul of Tarsus, 104 00:05:03,455 --> 00:05:06,924 and John on the isle of Patmos. 105 00:05:06,924 --> 00:05:08,312 And then the biggest group 106 00:05:08,312 --> 00:05:11,408 Paul interestingly mentions in 1 Corinthians 15, 107 00:05:11,408 --> 00:05:13,934 how the Lord appeared to over 500 108 00:05:13,934 --> 00:05:17,055 at one time. 109 00:05:17,055 --> 00:05:20,774 So here in John 21 is His 7th appearance 110 00:05:20,774 --> 00:05:23,013 where the disciples are fishing, 111 00:05:23,013 --> 00:05:24,565 they've gone fishing. 112 00:05:24,565 --> 00:05:29,775 And virtually all of this chapter of John 21 113 00:05:29,775 --> 00:05:32,382 records this appearance, 114 00:05:32,382 --> 00:05:34,184 this event, this experience 115 00:05:34,184 --> 00:05:36,904 of the Lord with the disciples 116 00:05:36,904 --> 00:05:41,083 and particularly with Peter. 117 00:05:41,083 --> 00:05:44,794 The entire scene - He comes to all of them 118 00:05:44,794 --> 00:05:46,853 and He's on the shore, they're fishing, 119 00:05:46,853 --> 00:05:52,403 He says come, let's have breakfast together. 120 00:05:52,403 --> 00:05:54,535 And they recognize that it's the Lord. 121 00:05:54,535 --> 00:05:57,823 So this account is about Him 122 00:05:57,823 --> 00:05:59,754 appearing to all of them, 123 00:05:59,754 --> 00:06:01,633 but then He's got His eye 124 00:06:01,633 --> 00:06:04,953 particularly on one of them. 125 00:06:04,953 --> 00:06:08,173 And the entire scene is especially meant 126 00:06:08,173 --> 00:06:13,024 to restore Peter fully, 127 00:06:13,024 --> 00:06:15,155 where Peter knows it - 128 00:06:15,155 --> 00:06:16,864 and not only where he knows it, 129 00:06:16,864 --> 00:06:18,807 where he feels it 130 00:06:18,807 --> 00:06:23,284 and he experiences full restoration. 131 00:06:23,284 --> 00:06:25,448 You know, I'm a baseball fan. 132 00:06:25,448 --> 00:06:27,474 My son was a good baseball player, 133 00:06:27,474 --> 00:06:29,001 and Philip Neeley and I, 134 00:06:29,001 --> 00:06:30,872 we have an annual trip 135 00:06:30,872 --> 00:06:32,847 to watch one pro baseball game. 136 00:06:32,847 --> 00:06:34,114 I enjoy baseball. 137 00:06:34,114 --> 00:06:36,033 We usually talk more about the Gospel 138 00:06:36,033 --> 00:06:37,120 and the kingdom 139 00:06:37,120 --> 00:06:39,231 than we do watch baseball, 140 00:06:39,231 --> 00:06:41,934 but I like baseball. 141 00:06:41,934 --> 00:06:44,475 A triple in baseball is more rare 142 00:06:44,475 --> 00:06:47,312 even than a home run. 143 00:06:47,312 --> 00:06:53,254 Well, Peter had a triple denial of Jesus. 144 00:06:53,254 --> 00:06:55,345 And remember he went out and did what? 145 00:06:55,345 --> 00:06:58,505 He wept bitterly. 146 00:06:58,505 --> 00:07:02,015 If you documented all of Peter's 147 00:07:02,015 --> 00:07:06,532 major responses to the Lord Jesus in 3 years, 148 00:07:06,532 --> 00:07:08,275 where he was right or he was wrong, 149 00:07:08,275 --> 00:07:12,683 where he was victorious or he was a failure, 150 00:07:12,683 --> 00:07:15,923 at the calming of the sea in the boat, 151 00:07:15,923 --> 00:07:17,559 his response was: 152 00:07:17,559 --> 00:07:19,423 "Depart from me, Lord, 153 00:07:19,423 --> 00:07:21,252 for I am a sinful man." 154 00:07:21,252 --> 00:07:22,234 That's a victory. 155 00:07:22,234 --> 00:07:24,734 That's a right response. 156 00:07:24,734 --> 00:07:25,995 And then he says later 157 00:07:25,995 --> 00:07:27,536 when the Lord asked him: 158 00:07:27,536 --> 00:07:29,191 "Who do men say that I am?" 159 00:07:29,191 --> 00:07:30,513 "Peter, what about you?" 160 00:07:30,513 --> 00:07:33,755 "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 161 00:07:33,755 --> 00:07:35,014 Victory. 162 00:07:35,014 --> 00:07:36,133 Right. 163 00:07:36,133 --> 00:07:38,435 "Flesh and blood have not revealed this to you. 164 00:07:38,435 --> 00:07:41,315 My Father in heaven revealed this to you." 165 00:07:41,315 --> 00:07:43,904 And then, Peter turns around 166 00:07:43,904 --> 00:07:47,851 this same hour when the Lord has told them plainly 167 00:07:47,851 --> 00:07:49,754 He's going to be rejected, 168 00:07:49,754 --> 00:07:53,355 He's going to suffer and die. 169 00:07:53,355 --> 00:07:56,473 Peter takes Him aside, and Mark says 170 00:07:56,473 --> 00:07:59,703 that Peter began to rebuke Him. 171 00:07:59,703 --> 00:08:02,583 And the Lord interrupts him and rebukes him 172 00:08:02,583 --> 00:08:05,263 and says, "Get behind Me, Satan!" 173 00:08:05,263 --> 00:08:08,294 Failure. 174 00:08:08,294 --> 00:08:09,462 Peter's failure. 175 00:08:09,462 --> 00:08:10,763 Walking on the water, 176 00:08:10,763 --> 00:08:13,183 sinking in unbelief. 177 00:08:13,183 --> 00:08:15,134 Failure. 178 00:08:15,134 --> 00:08:17,474 Discussing who's going to be the greatest. 179 00:08:17,474 --> 00:08:18,944 Failure. 180 00:08:18,944 --> 00:08:21,124 Self-confidently affirming: 181 00:08:21,124 --> 00:08:23,414 "I will never fail. I will never deny You. 182 00:08:23,414 --> 00:08:25,986 Even if everyone else does, I will not." 183 00:08:25,986 --> 00:08:28,303 Failure. 184 00:08:28,303 --> 00:08:30,792 He denies the Lord three times with an oath, 185 00:08:30,792 --> 00:08:33,383 failure, failure, failure. 186 00:08:33,383 --> 00:08:38,133 Seven of these nine times were failures, 187 00:08:38,133 --> 00:08:40,994 like a necklace that you might have stringed together - 188 00:08:40,994 --> 00:08:46,303 two nice pearls with seven ugly thorns on the necklace. 189 00:08:46,303 --> 00:08:48,853 Well, the pearls are nice and they're wonderful, 190 00:08:48,853 --> 00:08:54,504 but it would be better if there weren't the ugly thorns, right? 191 00:08:54,504 --> 00:08:57,313 What would that final massive failure 192 00:08:57,313 --> 00:09:01,246 of denials do to Peter's heart? 193 00:09:01,246 --> 00:09:03,607 And where did it leave him spiritually? 194 00:09:03,607 --> 00:09:04,584 We don't know. 195 00:09:04,584 --> 00:09:06,715 The Gospel writers don't give us an insight. 196 00:09:06,715 --> 00:09:08,184 They don't give us details. 197 00:09:08,184 --> 00:09:11,572 They don't give us Peter's testimony about it. 198 00:09:11,572 --> 00:09:13,822 But what happens in the heart and mind 199 00:09:13,822 --> 00:09:16,304 and emotions and in the soul 200 00:09:16,304 --> 00:09:19,992 of a believer who stumbles so much? 201 00:09:19,992 --> 00:09:21,872 Who fails? 202 00:09:21,872 --> 00:09:23,503 Who in weak moments 203 00:09:23,503 --> 00:09:25,625 makes wrong choices? 204 00:09:25,625 --> 00:09:29,533 And is not even themselves? 205 00:09:29,533 --> 00:09:31,953 And they sin so miserably? 206 00:09:31,953 --> 00:09:34,213 You know, if the other disciples 207 00:09:34,213 --> 00:09:36,993 had been around the fire that night 208 00:09:36,993 --> 00:09:39,440 with Peter warming himself 209 00:09:39,440 --> 00:09:41,573 and had heard Peter, 210 00:09:41,573 --> 00:09:43,792 they would have all been shocked. 211 00:09:43,792 --> 00:09:46,212 Perhaps if they had been there 212 00:09:46,212 --> 00:09:48,013 he would have been strengthened 213 00:09:48,013 --> 00:09:51,121 to not deny the Lord, but he does. 214 00:09:51,121 --> 00:09:52,914 What does a Christian experience 215 00:09:52,914 --> 00:09:55,573 within the walls of his own heart 216 00:09:55,573 --> 00:09:58,403 and his own thoughts? 217 00:09:58,403 --> 00:10:02,153 All Christian experience - good or bad - 218 00:10:02,153 --> 00:10:05,522 involves and never lacks 219 00:10:05,522 --> 00:10:08,573 true human emotion, feelings. 220 00:10:08,573 --> 00:10:13,362 The human drama of experiential realities 221 00:10:13,362 --> 00:10:16,471 that go on that God sees, 222 00:10:16,471 --> 00:10:17,933 that you experience, 223 00:10:17,933 --> 00:10:21,051 and nobody knows it's going on 224 00:10:21,051 --> 00:10:22,403 when it's happening. 225 00:10:22,403 --> 00:10:26,353 Wounded, hurting, reeling, doubting. 226 00:10:26,353 --> 00:10:29,843 What all was Peter experiencing? We don't know. 227 00:10:29,843 --> 00:10:32,163 What is certain is this: 228 00:10:32,163 --> 00:10:34,343 All Christian experience - 229 00:10:34,343 --> 00:10:36,682 both victories in obedience 230 00:10:36,682 --> 00:10:38,300 and failures in sin - 231 00:10:38,300 --> 00:10:41,524 all Christian experience has woven into it 232 00:10:41,524 --> 00:10:46,163 the human fabric of every real 233 00:10:46,163 --> 00:10:50,281 human emotion, struggle, and battle. 234 00:10:50,281 --> 00:10:51,593 Anger. 235 00:10:51,593 --> 00:10:52,771 Fear. 236 00:10:52,771 --> 00:10:54,633 Frustration. 237 00:10:54,633 --> 00:10:56,265 Weak moments of compromise. 238 00:10:56,265 --> 00:10:57,774 An unrenewed mind 239 00:10:57,774 --> 00:11:00,362 that in moments doesn't view things right 240 00:11:00,362 --> 00:11:01,852 and you believe a lie. 241 00:11:01,852 --> 00:11:03,063 Deep feelings. 242 00:11:03,063 --> 00:11:05,884 The pull of wrong desires. 243 00:11:05,884 --> 00:11:07,194 When you know it's wrong 244 00:11:07,194 --> 00:11:09,142 and you're pulled more toward it 245 00:11:09,142 --> 00:11:10,781 than away from it. 246 00:11:10,781 --> 00:11:14,464 Defeat in your heart by wrong choices. 247 00:11:14,464 --> 00:11:15,636 Hope and sadness, 248 00:11:15,636 --> 00:11:17,783 small and big consequences. 249 00:11:17,783 --> 00:11:20,745 Small and big compromises. 250 00:11:20,745 --> 00:11:23,245 And the sadness with feelings 251 00:11:23,245 --> 00:11:28,294 of defeat and failure. 252 00:11:28,294 --> 00:11:33,384 A believer can be left in such a condition. 253 00:11:33,384 --> 00:11:39,044 It's like getting the breath knocked out of you severely. 254 00:11:39,044 --> 00:11:40,214 You can't function. 255 00:11:40,214 --> 00:11:42,285 You can't even think clearly for awhile. 256 00:11:42,285 --> 00:11:45,046 You can't respond, you can't talk about it. 257 00:11:45,046 --> 00:11:48,246 The heavens are brass. 258 00:11:48,246 --> 00:11:50,996 Your mind is clouded 259 00:11:50,996 --> 00:11:53,971 with feelings and thoughts and struggles. 260 00:11:53,971 --> 00:11:55,894 You don't even know how to see reality. 261 00:11:55,894 --> 00:12:02,073 You're left stunned and passive 262 00:12:02,073 --> 00:12:05,354 and unable to do anything except feel pain. 263 00:12:05,354 --> 00:12:09,424 So Peter's condition - probably some of this 264 00:12:09,424 --> 00:12:11,824 and much of this in there 265 00:12:11,824 --> 00:12:14,194 after the resurrection. 266 00:12:14,194 --> 00:12:17,954 When he realizes the Lord is raised, 267 00:12:17,954 --> 00:12:20,254 he's astounded, he's amazed. 268 00:12:20,254 --> 00:12:22,794 You know he had joy. 269 00:12:22,794 --> 00:12:26,902 But he had to still have baggage. 270 00:12:26,902 --> 00:12:31,133 And isn't that the process of sanctification 271 00:12:31,133 --> 00:12:32,533 when the Lord saves us? 272 00:12:32,533 --> 00:12:34,694 Sanctification is the Holy Spirit 273 00:12:34,694 --> 00:12:37,503 dealing with all our baggage. 274 00:12:37,503 --> 00:12:40,774 A lot of baggage. 275 00:12:40,774 --> 00:12:44,803 Still regrets that will hinder Peter's future 276 00:12:44,803 --> 00:12:47,483 had to have been there. 277 00:12:47,483 --> 00:12:51,763 If not, why would Jesus pull him aside here 278 00:12:51,763 --> 00:12:54,261 not to remind him of his past, 279 00:12:54,261 --> 00:12:56,824 not to say, hey Peter, remember the fire? 280 00:12:56,824 --> 00:12:58,005 Remember what you did? 281 00:12:58,005 --> 00:13:00,622 Remember when our eyes met? 282 00:13:00,622 --> 00:13:01,914 Remember, Peter? 283 00:13:01,914 --> 00:13:04,135 The Lord didn't do that. 284 00:13:04,135 --> 00:13:05,664 Not to remind him of his past, 285 00:13:05,664 --> 00:13:08,452 but to call him to the future 286 00:13:08,452 --> 00:13:10,852 and heal him with His love. 287 00:13:10,852 --> 00:13:13,353 That's what's involved here. That's what's going on. 288 00:13:13,353 --> 00:13:16,511 How does the Lord do this? 289 00:13:16,511 --> 00:13:19,456 There is nothing more beautiful and wise; 290 00:13:19,456 --> 00:13:21,492 there is no more beautiful and wise 291 00:13:21,492 --> 00:13:23,133 approach in the Bible 292 00:13:23,133 --> 00:13:26,233 of personal restoration and revival 293 00:13:26,233 --> 00:13:30,094 than the Lord's dealings with Peter here. 294 00:13:30,094 --> 00:13:33,062 What is the Lord's approach and process? 295 00:13:33,062 --> 00:13:42,222 Well, it's wonderful. Look at v. 12. 296 00:13:42,222 --> 00:13:46,863 Let's go to IHOP (breakfast restaurant). 297 00:13:46,863 --> 00:13:50,612 Let's have breakfast, guys. 298 00:13:50,612 --> 00:13:53,026 What was Peter thinking? 299 00:13:53,026 --> 00:13:55,800 Apparently, he and the Lord had not had a sit down yet. 300 00:13:55,800 --> 00:13:58,930 They had not been able to discuss things. 301 00:13:58,930 --> 00:14:01,392 And Peter it seemed - 302 00:14:01,392 --> 00:14:02,822 we don't know what was said - 303 00:14:02,822 --> 00:14:05,501 but here's a post-resurrection 304 00:14:05,501 --> 00:14:09,511 restoration breakfast party. 305 00:14:09,511 --> 00:14:11,740 And they're just going to eat together first. 306 00:14:11,740 --> 00:14:16,139 What an approach! It breaks the ice. 307 00:14:16,139 --> 00:14:19,471 Let's have breakfast. 308 00:14:19,471 --> 00:14:22,020 This is relational. This is time together. 309 00:14:22,020 --> 00:14:25,920 And after a fellowship meal with all of them, 310 00:14:25,920 --> 00:14:28,512 and an atmosphere of welcome 311 00:14:28,512 --> 00:14:30,809 and acceptance and peace, 312 00:14:30,809 --> 00:14:34,301 Jesus then turns His attention one-on-one, 313 00:14:34,301 --> 00:14:36,261 He turns His heart and His attention 314 00:14:36,261 --> 00:14:39,780 to Peter for one-on-one ministry. 315 00:14:39,780 --> 00:14:41,841 And we're going to see beginning in v. 15 316 00:14:41,841 --> 00:14:45,300 the Lord's call of Peter not to look back, 317 00:14:45,300 --> 00:14:48,041 but His call of Peter to go forward. 318 00:14:48,041 --> 00:14:51,071 Onward, upward, out of the lowlands 319 00:14:51,071 --> 00:14:53,822 of a blistering defeat. 320 00:14:53,822 --> 00:14:56,739 The higher ground of love and grace. 321 00:14:56,739 --> 00:14:59,960 What does the Lord say to Peter to restore him? 322 00:14:59,960 --> 00:15:03,752 First of all: Love Me. 323 00:15:03,752 --> 00:15:06,040 Verses 15-17, 324 00:15:06,040 --> 00:15:07,671 "When they had finished breakfast, 325 00:15:07,671 --> 00:15:10,170 Jesus said to Simon Peter, 326 00:15:10,170 --> 00:15:15,761 'Simon, do you love Me more than these?' 327 00:15:15,761 --> 00:15:18,829 'Yes Lord, You know I love You.'" 328 00:15:18,829 --> 00:15:22,931 Verse 16, 329 00:15:22,931 --> 00:15:24,270 "Simon, do you love Me?" 330 00:15:24,270 --> 00:15:26,011 "Yes Lord, You know I love You." 331 00:15:26,011 --> 00:15:27,070 Verse 17, 332 00:15:27,070 --> 00:15:29,882 "Simon, do you love Me?" 333 00:15:29,882 --> 00:15:32,560 Peter was grieved, but he said, 334 00:15:32,560 --> 00:15:34,238 "Yes Lord, You know everything. 335 00:15:34,238 --> 00:15:36,580 You know that I love You." 336 00:15:36,580 --> 00:15:39,889 Why this broken record of love? 337 00:15:39,889 --> 00:15:42,800 Peter had a triple denial, 338 00:15:42,800 --> 00:15:46,272 and here the Lord hits a triple too. 339 00:15:46,272 --> 00:15:49,373 Do you love Me? 340 00:15:49,373 --> 00:15:52,440 Whatever failure you've had - 341 00:15:52,440 --> 00:15:54,950 distance or last week - 342 00:15:54,950 --> 00:15:57,546 the Lord's word to you right now is: 343 00:15:57,546 --> 00:15:59,771 Do you love Me? 344 00:15:59,771 --> 00:16:00,810 Do you love Me? 345 00:16:00,810 --> 00:16:02,510 Isn't it obvious that Jesus is 346 00:16:02,510 --> 00:16:05,523 gently blowing on the embers 347 00:16:05,523 --> 00:16:08,581 of Peter's wounded heart 348 00:16:08,581 --> 00:16:13,400 to rekindle a mutual love relationship? 349 00:16:13,400 --> 00:16:16,219 Breakfast is finished with all of them. 350 00:16:16,219 --> 00:16:18,129 And He sits down with Peter: 351 00:16:18,129 --> 00:16:21,201 Peter, do you love Me? 352 00:16:21,201 --> 00:16:23,453 Do you love Me more than these? 353 00:16:23,453 --> 00:16:25,467 Now what did He mean by that? 354 00:16:25,467 --> 00:16:26,741 More than these things? 355 00:16:26,741 --> 00:16:30,032 No, obviously, that's not what He's saying. 356 00:16:30,032 --> 00:16:31,470 Do you love Me more 357 00:16:31,470 --> 00:16:33,883 than you love these other disciples? 358 00:16:33,883 --> 00:16:36,180 That's not it either. 359 00:16:36,180 --> 00:16:39,959 It's this: Do you love Me 360 00:16:39,959 --> 00:16:44,919 more than these other disciples love Me? 361 00:16:44,919 --> 00:16:47,130 Why would the Lord do that? 362 00:16:47,130 --> 00:16:48,501 Because Peter, remember, 363 00:16:48,501 --> 00:16:53,270 had confidently boasted days before: 364 00:16:53,270 --> 00:16:58,532 If they all forsake You, I won't. 365 00:16:58,532 --> 00:17:04,311 I'm further along in my sanctification than these guys are. 366 00:17:04,311 --> 00:17:05,941 I'll never do it. 367 00:17:05,941 --> 00:17:08,699 I'll die with You before I deny You. 368 00:17:08,699 --> 00:17:10,723 Peter confidently stated he would have 369 00:17:10,723 --> 00:17:14,809 devotion that exceeds theirs. 370 00:17:14,809 --> 00:17:18,070 Well, you know, it didn't take death to deny Jesus. 371 00:17:18,070 --> 00:17:22,792 It only took a servant girl by the fire 372 00:17:22,792 --> 00:17:25,050 glancing at him and then taking a second look 373 00:17:25,050 --> 00:17:29,290 and realizing: Hey, you were with Him! 374 00:17:29,290 --> 00:17:31,761 You're one of them! 375 00:17:31,761 --> 00:17:35,021 It only took that for Peter suddenly 376 00:17:35,021 --> 00:17:36,879 to deny the Lord three times 377 00:17:36,879 --> 00:17:38,270 even with an oath. 378 00:17:38,270 --> 00:17:39,362 That's all it took. 379 00:17:39,362 --> 00:17:43,792 Peter didn't have the devoted love he thought he had. 380 00:17:43,792 --> 00:17:45,669 He wasn't as far along as he thought. 381 00:17:45,669 --> 00:17:48,810 He didn't see that he was yet capable of this. 382 00:17:48,810 --> 00:17:51,190 He thought more highly of himself than he should. 383 00:17:51,190 --> 00:17:52,661 He boasted of greater love, 384 00:17:52,661 --> 00:17:54,640 but he failed the first test. 385 00:17:54,640 --> 00:17:57,630 And even did what others did not do. 386 00:17:57,630 --> 00:18:00,252 He denied the Lord three times. 387 00:18:00,252 --> 00:18:04,321 So certainly, the Lord is saying to Peter and to us: 388 00:18:04,321 --> 00:18:10,251 Peter, what about your love for Me now? 389 00:18:10,251 --> 00:18:12,350 Do you still believe you love Me more 390 00:18:12,350 --> 00:18:15,091 than the others love Me? 391 00:18:15,091 --> 00:18:16,400 What's the Lord doing here? 392 00:18:16,400 --> 00:18:19,280 He's doing heart surgery on Peter here 393 00:18:19,280 --> 00:18:22,062 to begin the healing balm 394 00:18:22,062 --> 00:18:23,851 of restored love. 395 00:18:23,851 --> 00:18:26,341 It would be hard and humiliating 396 00:18:26,341 --> 00:18:28,181 to be in Peter's place 397 00:18:28,181 --> 00:18:30,650 because those feelings 398 00:18:30,650 --> 00:18:32,900 and human thoughts and emotions 399 00:18:32,900 --> 00:18:37,939 of how does the Lord really view me now? 400 00:18:37,939 --> 00:18:43,849 We've not really yet talked about this. 401 00:18:43,849 --> 00:18:46,491 It's hard to look Him in the eye. 402 00:18:46,491 --> 00:18:48,871 Because He looked at me after I denied Him 403 00:18:48,871 --> 00:18:51,451 and that look has haunted me ever since. 404 00:18:51,451 --> 00:18:53,399 How could I have done it? 405 00:18:53,399 --> 00:18:54,687 What a fool I was! 406 00:18:54,687 --> 00:18:56,391 What a failure I've been! 407 00:18:56,391 --> 00:18:59,289 Where do I stand now? 408 00:18:59,289 --> 00:19:02,131 Do the other disciples even want me around? 409 00:19:02,131 --> 00:19:03,608 Do they trust me? 410 00:19:03,608 --> 00:19:05,700 Things can't ever be the same. 411 00:19:05,700 --> 00:19:06,830 As the song says, 412 00:19:06,830 --> 00:19:11,971 that was then, but this is now. 413 00:19:11,971 --> 00:19:13,460 What all did Peter feel? 414 00:19:13,460 --> 00:19:15,821 Well, we're not clear, but what is clear 415 00:19:15,821 --> 00:19:18,184 is wounded Peter wasn't healed yet 416 00:19:18,184 --> 00:19:20,850 and Jesus is healing him here. 417 00:19:20,850 --> 00:19:23,612 In light of his denials, his humiliation, 418 00:19:23,612 --> 00:19:24,991 his seeing his own heart, 419 00:19:24,991 --> 00:19:26,770 his tears of repentance, 420 00:19:26,770 --> 00:19:31,940 where does his love for the Savior stand now? 421 00:19:31,940 --> 00:19:34,880 Now, how is loving the Savior 422 00:19:34,880 --> 00:19:37,131 when you've sinned against Him 423 00:19:37,131 --> 00:19:40,151 and you've failed Him so much? 424 00:19:40,151 --> 00:19:42,711 Restored love is the need. 425 00:19:42,711 --> 00:19:45,330 And isn't that the need for all of us? 426 00:19:45,330 --> 00:19:46,260 Always. 427 00:19:46,260 --> 00:19:49,262 And it's always the remedy 428 00:19:49,262 --> 00:19:53,720 for restoration and for being turned again. 429 00:19:53,720 --> 00:19:55,549 The Lord Jesus Christ here 430 00:19:55,549 --> 00:20:00,578 loves Peter tenderly, patiently, and perfectly, 431 00:20:00,578 --> 00:20:02,860 and not only wants Peter to know it, 432 00:20:02,860 --> 00:20:05,298 He wants Peter to love Him right then. 433 00:20:05,298 --> 00:20:07,501 That's why He's saying: Do you love Me, Peter? 434 00:20:07,501 --> 00:20:10,350 Come on, give Me your love. 435 00:20:10,350 --> 00:20:12,171 Give Me your heart afresh. 436 00:20:12,171 --> 00:20:15,294 He wants Peter's love restored so Peter will be healed. 437 00:20:15,294 --> 00:20:18,642 Now after the third question (Peter, do you love Me?), 438 00:20:18,642 --> 00:20:20,961 Peter is grieved. 439 00:20:20,961 --> 00:20:22,874 What kind of grief was this? 440 00:20:22,874 --> 00:20:26,310 It was not the grief of embarrassment or hurt feelings. 441 00:20:26,310 --> 00:20:30,869 It was the grief of a sad, tender heart 442 00:20:30,869 --> 00:20:33,502 who had failed his Lord. 443 00:20:33,502 --> 00:20:36,694 Feelings of loving sorrow 444 00:20:36,694 --> 00:20:39,230 mixed with longing for the Lord. 445 00:20:39,230 --> 00:20:42,700 Christ is drawing Peter with cords of love here. 446 00:20:42,701 --> 00:20:46,960 A threefold cord of a question of love. 447 00:20:46,960 --> 00:20:50,399 Christ - the goodness of God 448 00:20:50,399 --> 00:20:52,341 is bringing Peter fully back 449 00:20:52,341 --> 00:20:56,308 and it's painful. It's painful. 450 00:20:56,308 --> 00:20:59,150 This is Gospel surgery at its best. 451 00:20:59,150 --> 00:21:02,009 Someone said, "Gospel surgery's always free, 452 00:21:02,009 --> 00:21:05,420 but it's not always easy." 453 00:21:05,420 --> 00:21:07,490 Lee Dodd in our church weeks ago 454 00:21:07,490 --> 00:21:09,590 one Sunday morning speaking about Peter, 455 00:21:09,590 --> 00:21:12,470 he said, "It's as if Jesus is applying 456 00:21:12,470 --> 00:21:14,486 the healing ointment of His love, 457 00:21:14,486 --> 00:21:16,101 but it's going to sting a bit." 458 00:21:16,101 --> 00:21:18,621 Have you ever had a nurse or a doctor tell you that? 459 00:21:18,621 --> 00:21:21,669 Now this is going to hurt a little. 460 00:21:21,669 --> 00:21:27,970 The Lord Jesus' questions were stinging a bit. 461 00:21:27,970 --> 00:21:30,249 So Jesus is going for Peter's heart, 462 00:21:30,249 --> 00:21:32,202 and guess what, He's going to get it. 463 00:21:32,202 --> 00:21:34,440 He's going to get it fully back. 464 00:21:34,440 --> 00:21:36,778 Peter, where does your love 465 00:21:36,778 --> 00:21:40,149 stand with Me now? 466 00:21:40,149 --> 00:21:42,080 Because love is stronger than death. 467 00:21:42,080 --> 00:21:43,589 Love is stronger than a denial. 468 00:21:43,589 --> 00:21:46,041 Love is stronger than a failure. 469 00:21:46,041 --> 00:21:49,740 Love's stronger than you blowing it 470 00:21:49,740 --> 00:21:52,421 and not knowing if you can recover. 471 00:21:52,421 --> 00:21:54,600 Could Peter now truly say or not: 472 00:21:54,600 --> 00:21:59,759 If ever I love Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now. 473 00:21:59,759 --> 00:22:01,839 Peter must face it and answer it. 474 00:22:01,839 --> 00:22:04,451 Do you really love Me, Peter? 475 00:22:04,451 --> 00:22:06,129 Not just with human sentiment 476 00:22:06,129 --> 00:22:08,539 and human love, but with divine love. 477 00:22:08,539 --> 00:22:13,611 The call to love Him. 478 00:22:13,611 --> 00:22:17,241 Secondly, verses 15-17. 479 00:22:17,241 --> 00:22:18,761 The Lord says to Peter, 480 00:22:18,761 --> 00:22:21,248 "Shepherd My sheep." 481 00:22:21,248 --> 00:22:22,551 "Shepherd My sheep." 482 00:22:22,551 --> 00:22:25,620 The Lord is not only restoring Peter's love for Him, 483 00:22:25,620 --> 00:22:28,453 He's restoring Peter's call to future ministry. 484 00:22:28,453 --> 00:22:32,042 But don't you think Peter felt inside: 485 00:22:32,042 --> 00:22:33,801 I'm done. 486 00:22:33,801 --> 00:22:36,480 I'm disqualified. 487 00:22:36,480 --> 00:22:37,589 How could I? 488 00:22:37,589 --> 00:22:39,259 Who could ever listen to me again? 489 00:22:39,259 --> 00:22:42,289 Who could ever trust me again? 490 00:22:42,289 --> 00:22:43,741 Isn't it profound in a way 491 00:22:43,741 --> 00:22:45,373 that the triple denier of Jesus 492 00:22:45,373 --> 00:22:49,391 becomes the Apostle to the Jews? 493 00:22:49,391 --> 00:22:52,602 I think that's pretty amazing. 494 00:22:52,602 --> 00:22:55,919 The Lord links the threefold call to love Him 495 00:22:55,919 --> 00:22:59,040 with a threefold call to now shepherd His sheep. 496 00:22:59,040 --> 00:23:02,911 If you love Me, feed My lambs. 497 00:23:02,911 --> 00:23:05,852 If you love Me, tend My sheep. 498 00:23:05,852 --> 00:23:09,680 If you love Me, feed My sheep. 499 00:23:09,680 --> 00:23:12,490 Now the word "tend" there 500 00:23:12,490 --> 00:23:15,209 means to act as a shepherd toward them 501 00:23:15,209 --> 00:23:16,911 in all that it means. 502 00:23:16,911 --> 00:23:19,082 In every way it means to shepherd 503 00:23:19,082 --> 00:23:21,692 and care for them, you do that. 504 00:23:21,692 --> 00:23:25,370 If you love Me, this is My love expressed through you. 505 00:23:25,370 --> 00:23:27,521 Tend the sheep. 506 00:23:27,521 --> 00:23:30,761 To feed means just that. 507 00:23:30,761 --> 00:23:32,551 Give them the rightful nourishment 508 00:23:32,551 --> 00:23:36,591 for spiritual health and growth. 509 00:23:36,591 --> 00:23:40,052 So, Peter's sermon at Pentecost 510 00:23:40,052 --> 00:23:43,132 is the fruit of this exhortation. 511 00:23:43,132 --> 00:23:46,592 1 and 2 Peter is the fruit 512 00:23:46,592 --> 00:23:48,750 of this exhortation: 513 00:23:48,750 --> 00:23:52,050 Peter, feed My sheep. Care for My lambs. 514 00:23:52,050 --> 00:23:54,292 Two words used about the sheep here: 515 00:23:54,292 --> 00:23:55,953 The first one (sheep) 516 00:23:55,953 --> 00:23:59,022 is not the older, more mature sheep. 517 00:23:59,022 --> 00:24:01,921 It's the younger smaller sheep. 518 00:24:01,921 --> 00:24:05,612 They're not lambs, but they're younger, 519 00:24:05,612 --> 00:24:07,381 smaller sheep. 520 00:24:07,381 --> 00:24:09,331 Distinct from the older, bigger ones. 521 00:24:09,331 --> 00:24:12,940 Peter, you are to give special care 522 00:24:12,940 --> 00:24:14,462 to the smaller sheep 523 00:24:14,462 --> 00:24:16,521 who have growing needs. 524 00:24:16,521 --> 00:24:19,881 You love Me? You care for these smaller sheep. 525 00:24:19,881 --> 00:24:21,874 This is the word "lambs." 526 00:24:21,874 --> 00:24:25,290 My lambs - young, new converts. 527 00:24:25,290 --> 00:24:27,731 The word is only used in the plural form 528 00:24:27,731 --> 00:24:28,893 in the New Testament. 529 00:24:28,893 --> 00:24:31,130 These smaller sheep 530 00:24:31,130 --> 00:24:33,611 and even the little lambs - 531 00:24:33,611 --> 00:24:38,271 your love for Me involves your heart 532 00:24:38,271 --> 00:24:41,083 having endearment to them, 533 00:24:41,083 --> 00:24:43,573 tenderness toward them, 534 00:24:43,573 --> 00:24:45,819 care for them - loving, tender care 535 00:24:45,819 --> 00:24:48,310 of My sheep and My lambs. 536 00:24:48,310 --> 00:24:53,647 My young ones are of a special concern to My heart, Peter. 537 00:24:53,647 --> 00:24:55,972 And if you love Me, 538 00:24:55,972 --> 00:24:59,221 you take care of My sheep. 539 00:24:59,221 --> 00:25:01,590 I want them on your heart. 540 00:25:01,590 --> 00:25:04,361 Your love for Me is real and applied 541 00:25:04,361 --> 00:25:07,178 especially toward the care of My sheep. 542 00:25:07,178 --> 00:25:08,962 This says something that's major: 543 00:25:08,962 --> 00:25:10,501 Love for the Savior 544 00:25:10,501 --> 00:25:13,271 that translates into real love for His sheep 545 00:25:13,271 --> 00:25:16,861 is the first requirement of a pastor. 546 00:25:16,861 --> 00:25:19,052 Love for the Savior 547 00:25:19,052 --> 00:25:22,601 that translates into real love for His sheep 548 00:25:22,601 --> 00:25:25,892 is the first requirement of a pastor. 549 00:25:25,892 --> 00:25:28,071 For every Christian also 550 00:25:28,071 --> 00:25:29,801 toward their brethren, 551 00:25:29,801 --> 00:25:31,621 because we cannot love God 552 00:25:31,621 --> 00:25:33,170 whom we haven't seen, 553 00:25:33,170 --> 00:25:39,480 if we don't love the brothers and sisters we do see. 554 00:25:39,480 --> 00:25:41,651 Love Me, Peter! 555 00:25:41,651 --> 00:25:43,893 Shepherd My sheep. 556 00:25:43,893 --> 00:25:47,867 Third, v. 18-19. 557 00:25:47,867 --> 00:25:49,923 Die for Me. 558 00:25:49,923 --> 00:25:52,746 You're going to die for Me. 559 00:25:52,746 --> 00:25:56,605 When you were young, 560 00:25:56,605 --> 00:26:00,144 you went about wherever you wanted - 561 00:26:00,144 --> 00:26:02,164 you could go fish, you could come in, 562 00:26:02,164 --> 00:26:04,294 you could go wherever you want to, 563 00:26:04,294 --> 00:26:06,105 you were independent, you were free. 564 00:26:06,105 --> 00:26:09,484 When you're old, it's going to be a different story. 565 00:26:09,484 --> 00:26:11,244 Others are going to gird you 566 00:26:11,244 --> 00:26:12,732 and they're going to take you 567 00:26:12,732 --> 00:26:14,495 where you in the natural realm 568 00:26:14,495 --> 00:26:16,254 would not want to have to go. 569 00:26:16,254 --> 00:26:18,856 They're going to take you where you don't want to go. 570 00:26:18,856 --> 00:26:21,303 And John's commentary: This He said 571 00:26:21,303 --> 00:26:22,705 signifying to Peter 572 00:26:22,705 --> 00:26:27,266 what kind of death he was going to die. 573 00:26:27,266 --> 00:26:31,674 Peter's here called to be a martyr. 574 00:26:31,674 --> 00:26:33,664 Peter's crucifixion is affirmed 575 00:26:33,664 --> 00:26:35,014 in the early centuries 576 00:26:35,014 --> 00:26:38,343 by Eusebius, Tertullian, and others. 577 00:26:38,343 --> 00:26:40,775 And it's prophesied by Jesus here 578 00:26:40,775 --> 00:26:42,942 and it's commented on later by Peter 579 00:26:42,942 --> 00:26:44,653 in 2 Peter 1:14. 580 00:26:44,653 --> 00:26:48,153 "Since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon 581 00:26:48,153 --> 00:26:52,506 as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me." 582 00:26:52,506 --> 00:26:56,356 In two epistles, Peter is shepherding, 583 00:26:56,356 --> 00:26:58,132 feeding, tending to the sheep 584 00:26:58,132 --> 00:27:01,265 and the lambs in love as his last ministry 585 00:27:01,265 --> 00:27:03,763 before he knows where he's going. 586 00:27:03,763 --> 00:27:08,156 Called to die as the Lord died. 587 00:27:08,156 --> 00:27:12,823 Now we're all called to live unto the Lord 588 00:27:12,823 --> 00:27:18,426 and we're all called to be willing to die, 589 00:27:18,426 --> 00:27:21,314 and some will be called to die. 590 00:27:21,314 --> 00:27:26,535 But whether we live or whether we die, we're the Lord's. 591 00:27:26,535 --> 00:27:30,433 But Peter, this is in your future. 592 00:27:30,433 --> 00:27:35,094 So love Me, feed My sheep, care for them, 593 00:27:35,094 --> 00:27:39,635 and then, you're going to die like I died. 594 00:27:39,635 --> 00:27:43,474 God is glorified in the death of martyrs. 595 00:27:43,474 --> 00:27:46,715 If you've never read "Fair Sunshine," 596 00:27:46,715 --> 00:27:48,526 get it and read it. 597 00:27:48,526 --> 00:27:50,495 Two ladies in that book - 598 00:27:50,495 --> 00:27:52,744 maybe they were both Margaret's - 599 00:27:52,744 --> 00:27:54,023 do you remember? 600 00:27:54,023 --> 00:27:56,954 One was about 60, one was a teenager or 20's - 601 00:27:56,954 --> 00:27:59,392 two Margaret's. 602 00:27:59,392 --> 00:28:02,124 They were caught 603 00:28:02,124 --> 00:28:06,264 by the persecuting authorities in Scotland 604 00:28:06,264 --> 00:28:12,722 for attending a church meeting or for owning a Bible. 605 00:28:12,722 --> 00:28:17,893 They took them out in the sea 606 00:28:17,893 --> 00:28:20,114 and the chained the older one 607 00:28:20,114 --> 00:28:23,584 out in the water 608 00:28:23,584 --> 00:28:26,264 so she would be drowned first with the tide. 609 00:28:26,264 --> 00:28:30,604 They chained the younger one 610 00:28:30,604 --> 00:28:32,096 in a little more shallow water, 611 00:28:32,096 --> 00:28:33,565 but it was strategic - 612 00:28:33,565 --> 00:28:36,075 so she would have to face 613 00:28:36,075 --> 00:28:41,996 and see her sister in the faith die first. 614 00:28:41,996 --> 00:28:45,175 And they died victoriously. 615 00:28:45,175 --> 00:28:46,714 Some are called to die. 616 00:28:46,714 --> 00:28:49,375 Peter's called to die here. 617 00:28:49,375 --> 00:28:51,224 Love Me. 618 00:28:51,224 --> 00:28:52,968 Feed My sheep. 619 00:28:52,968 --> 00:28:54,395 Die for Me. 620 00:28:54,395 --> 00:28:59,913 Fourthly, verse 22. 621 00:28:59,913 --> 00:29:02,145 Really, 21, "When Peter saw him 622 00:29:02,145 --> 00:29:03,895 (that is John) he said to Jesus, 623 00:29:03,895 --> 00:29:05,450 'Lord, what about this man?' 624 00:29:05,450 --> 00:29:06,344 Jesus said to him, 625 00:29:06,344 --> 00:29:08,569 'If it's My will that he remains until I come, 626 00:29:08,569 --> 00:29:10,753 what's that to you? Follow Me.'" 627 00:29:10,753 --> 00:29:12,708 Verse 23, "So the saying spread abroad 628 00:29:12,708 --> 00:29:14,154 among the brethren..." 629 00:29:14,154 --> 00:29:17,035 Here's bad hermeneutics; 630 00:29:17,035 --> 00:29:20,963 here's bad Bible interpretation. 631 00:29:20,963 --> 00:29:22,934 The saying spread among the brothers 632 00:29:22,934 --> 00:29:26,014 that this disciple was not going to die. 633 00:29:26,014 --> 00:29:27,272 So it went viral. 634 00:29:27,272 --> 00:29:29,613 Things could go viral in that day too. 635 00:29:29,613 --> 00:29:32,606 The saying spread abroad among the brethren 636 00:29:32,606 --> 00:29:34,075 that John wasn't going to die. 637 00:29:34,075 --> 00:29:37,154 He was going to live till the Lord comes back. 638 00:29:37,154 --> 00:29:38,935 "Yet Jesus did not say to him 639 00:29:38,935 --> 00:29:40,406 that he was not going to die, 640 00:29:40,406 --> 00:29:44,025 but He said 'if it's My will 641 00:29:44,025 --> 00:29:47,063 that he remains until I come, 642 00:29:47,063 --> 00:29:51,167 what is that to you?'" 643 00:29:51,167 --> 00:29:55,743 The fourth truth in being a disciple: 644 00:29:55,743 --> 00:29:58,764 Don't misunderstand the Lord's teaching. 645 00:29:58,764 --> 00:30:01,823 Don't misunderstand the Bible. 646 00:30:01,823 --> 00:30:04,784 They were guilty of bad hermeneutics here, 647 00:30:04,784 --> 00:30:09,774 wrong interpretation of one statement. 648 00:30:09,774 --> 00:30:14,665 And it's amazing that even though John clarified this, 649 00:30:14,665 --> 00:30:18,773 Augustine even into the 4th and 5th centuries, 650 00:30:18,773 --> 00:30:21,745 Augustine said there were those 651 00:30:21,745 --> 00:30:24,414 in the Christian world that still believed 652 00:30:24,414 --> 00:30:28,774 John was somewhere in hiding alive 653 00:30:28,774 --> 00:30:30,753 and wasn't dead yet. 654 00:30:30,753 --> 00:30:34,225 Heresy is hard to kill. 655 00:30:34,225 --> 00:30:38,323 Heresy often begins right from Scripture. 656 00:30:38,323 --> 00:30:40,415 Deceiving spirits, misinterpretation, 657 00:30:40,415 --> 00:30:42,613 misunderstanding of Bible verses, 658 00:30:42,613 --> 00:30:44,994 listening out of carnal curiosity 659 00:30:44,994 --> 00:30:47,304 to bad teachers. 660 00:30:47,304 --> 00:30:49,458 I spoke to a Jehovah's Witness recently, 661 00:30:49,458 --> 00:30:50,973 in recent weeks, 662 00:30:50,973 --> 00:30:53,513 and I said I've got a question for you. 663 00:30:53,513 --> 00:30:55,144 Why is it that you don't believe 664 00:30:55,144 --> 00:30:57,244 Jesus was bodily raised from the dead 665 00:30:57,244 --> 00:31:00,264 even though the Bible clearly shows that He was? 666 00:31:00,264 --> 00:31:02,844 He was physical. They touched Him. 667 00:31:02,844 --> 00:31:04,553 And his answer was this: 668 00:31:04,553 --> 00:31:07,607 Well, He couldn't have been that way when He went to heaven. 669 00:31:07,607 --> 00:31:09,943 It had to be spiritual because the Bible says 670 00:31:09,943 --> 00:31:14,674 flesh and blood shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 671 00:31:14,674 --> 00:31:19,424 What a proof text of heresy! 672 00:31:19,424 --> 00:31:25,624 So we must take heed how we hear. 673 00:31:25,624 --> 00:31:27,444 We must take heed what we hear. 674 00:31:27,444 --> 00:31:30,216 We must understand and understand 675 00:31:30,216 --> 00:31:33,145 and be clear so as not to be misled 676 00:31:33,145 --> 00:31:34,974 or mislead. 677 00:31:34,974 --> 00:31:36,893 That's why John puts his commentary here 678 00:31:36,893 --> 00:31:41,435 so we won't misunderstand the Lord's teaching. 679 00:31:41,435 --> 00:31:47,445 Fifthly, v. 20-22. 680 00:31:47,445 --> 00:31:48,767 The Lord tells Peter: 681 00:31:48,767 --> 00:31:53,144 Keep your eyes only on Me. 682 00:31:53,144 --> 00:31:55,255 Now where do you find that? 683 00:31:55,255 --> 00:31:58,893 Well, notice what the Lord had said to Peter 684 00:31:58,893 --> 00:32:02,106 at the end of verse 19. 685 00:32:02,106 --> 00:32:03,914 "Follow Me." 686 00:32:03,914 --> 00:32:06,387 Follow Me - but what did Peter do? 687 00:32:06,387 --> 00:32:08,375 The next sentence says 688 00:32:08,375 --> 00:32:11,545 he turned and saw John. 689 00:32:11,545 --> 00:32:13,133 The Lord has said, "Follow Me." 690 00:32:13,133 --> 00:32:21,176 Peter turns and sees John. 691 00:32:21,176 --> 00:32:25,681 Peter is distracted about God's will for John. 692 00:32:25,681 --> 00:32:28,275 Think about it, here's this big context 693 00:32:28,275 --> 00:32:30,246 of the Lord restoring Peter in love, 694 00:32:30,246 --> 00:32:32,665 calls him again to shepherd the sheep, 695 00:32:32,665 --> 00:32:36,905 tells him how he's going to die, 696 00:32:36,905 --> 00:32:40,558 and then the Lord says, "Follow Me." 697 00:32:40,558 --> 00:32:44,388 Wouldn't that be enough for now? 698 00:32:44,388 --> 00:32:45,959 Well, apparently not, 699 00:32:45,959 --> 00:32:48,498 because Peter turns and looks at John 700 00:32:48,498 --> 00:32:50,145 and says what about him? 701 00:32:50,145 --> 00:32:51,417 What about him? 702 00:32:51,417 --> 00:32:53,206 Why did Peter do that? 703 00:32:53,206 --> 00:32:55,085 It may have been if he realizes 704 00:32:55,085 --> 00:32:57,615 he's going to die, he was close to John, 705 00:32:57,615 --> 00:33:00,504 he wonders is this his fate too. 706 00:33:00,504 --> 00:33:02,447 What are You going to do with John? 707 00:33:02,447 --> 00:33:07,065 What about John's future? 708 00:33:07,065 --> 00:33:09,376 And Jesus in essence said: 709 00:33:09,376 --> 00:33:12,134 What about John? 710 00:33:12,134 --> 00:33:15,837 Was I talking about John? 711 00:33:15,837 --> 00:33:20,402 Is My business about John's future your business? 712 00:33:20,402 --> 00:33:21,555 Or as we would say: 713 00:33:21,555 --> 00:33:27,725 This is on a need-to-know basis and guess what? 714 00:33:27,725 --> 00:33:30,715 What is that to you? 715 00:33:30,715 --> 00:33:33,115 Follow Me. 716 00:33:33,115 --> 00:33:37,524 See, we're called not to be distracted by others, 717 00:33:37,524 --> 00:33:39,424 and Christ called us - 718 00:33:39,424 --> 00:33:41,785 especially by those we love 719 00:33:41,785 --> 00:33:43,456 and are closest to. 720 00:33:43,456 --> 00:33:45,495 We're not to be distracted by others 721 00:33:45,495 --> 00:33:48,274 and their calling, God's will for them, 722 00:33:48,274 --> 00:33:50,005 their situations. 723 00:33:50,005 --> 00:33:52,864 And Peter was distracted 724 00:33:52,864 --> 00:33:55,087 with a viewpoint, an attitude, 725 00:33:55,087 --> 00:33:57,384 nosiness, meddling, wondering 726 00:33:57,384 --> 00:34:00,255 about what was not his business. 727 00:34:00,255 --> 00:34:06,134 How easy is it for people to become 728 00:34:06,134 --> 00:34:12,036 a distracting hindrance to our single-eyed devotion. 729 00:34:12,036 --> 00:34:15,026 Our minds can so easily be 730 00:34:15,026 --> 00:34:21,816 on other's path more than our own path. 731 00:34:21,816 --> 00:34:26,045 If John's future was Peter's responsibility, 732 00:34:26,045 --> 00:34:28,736 Jesus would have mentioned it to Peter. 733 00:34:28,736 --> 00:34:29,795 He did not say: 734 00:34:29,795 --> 00:34:31,467 Peter, here's your new commission. 735 00:34:31,467 --> 00:34:33,687 Love Me, feed My sheep, die for Me, 736 00:34:33,687 --> 00:34:36,164 and oh, here's information about John 737 00:34:36,164 --> 00:34:38,127 because you're responsible for him also. 738 00:34:38,127 --> 00:34:40,256 He didn't say that. 739 00:34:40,256 --> 00:34:43,396 Jesus restores the fallen Peter, 740 00:34:43,396 --> 00:34:45,369 reaffirms his calling, 741 00:34:45,369 --> 00:34:52,237 and has to rebuke the nosy Peter. 742 00:34:52,237 --> 00:34:54,946 Peter should leave all distractions alone 743 00:34:54,946 --> 00:34:56,438 because they weren't his. 744 00:34:56,438 --> 00:34:57,716 What is that to you? 745 00:34:57,716 --> 00:34:59,496 What business is that of yours? 746 00:34:59,496 --> 00:35:02,827 And how often do we need to hear this? 747 00:35:02,827 --> 00:35:04,836 Well, I don't think that church over there 748 00:35:04,836 --> 00:35:06,847 is quite doing right. 749 00:35:06,847 --> 00:35:09,306 What's that to you? 750 00:35:09,306 --> 00:35:10,426 You follow Christ. 751 00:35:10,426 --> 00:35:12,568 Well, I don't think they have the right view 752 00:35:12,568 --> 00:35:14,716 of which translation of the Bible to use. 753 00:35:14,716 --> 00:35:17,436 What's that? That's none of your business. 754 00:35:17,436 --> 00:35:18,884 You follow Christ. 755 00:35:18,884 --> 00:35:20,865 Well, I think they're too young 756 00:35:20,865 --> 00:35:25,414 to be going to the mission field. 757 00:35:25,414 --> 00:35:29,685 How much are we carnally curious 758 00:35:29,685 --> 00:35:33,035 about other people's issues 759 00:35:33,035 --> 00:35:36,345 when we haven't even fully dealt with our own 760 00:35:36,345 --> 00:35:39,367 and we aren't fully obeying Christ 761 00:35:39,367 --> 00:35:45,947 as to what He's shown us to do? 762 00:35:45,947 --> 00:35:50,118 Jesus declines to satisfy Peter's curiosity. 763 00:35:50,118 --> 00:35:52,366 It is no business of Peter's 764 00:35:52,366 --> 00:35:54,875 what's going to happen to John. 765 00:35:54,875 --> 00:35:57,176 Even if the Lord wills for John to stay alive 766 00:35:57,176 --> 00:35:58,314 even to His return, 767 00:35:58,314 --> 00:36:01,686 why would Peter even need to know that? 768 00:36:01,686 --> 00:36:02,845 He doesn't need to know. 769 00:36:02,845 --> 00:36:04,986 He doesn't need to know anything about John. 770 00:36:04,986 --> 00:36:06,473 How much do we need to know 771 00:36:06,473 --> 00:36:08,385 about God's purpose and will for others? 772 00:36:08,385 --> 00:36:11,458 Even those we're closest to? 773 00:36:11,458 --> 00:36:13,296 How much do we really need to know? 774 00:36:13,296 --> 00:36:16,155 Elders and pastors need to know. 775 00:36:16,155 --> 00:36:18,934 Church leaders need to know more, 776 00:36:18,934 --> 00:36:21,228 oftentimes for the protection. 777 00:36:21,228 --> 00:36:23,406 But generally speaking, 778 00:36:23,406 --> 00:36:25,094 how much do we need to know 779 00:36:25,094 --> 00:36:28,676 about God's business in other people's lives? 780 00:36:28,676 --> 00:36:33,872 What is that to you, O thou nosy Christian? 781 00:36:33,872 --> 00:36:35,994 Mind your own business. 782 00:36:35,994 --> 00:36:39,636 Keep to your own stuff. 783 00:36:39,636 --> 00:36:41,965 You know, one of the greatest examples 784 00:36:41,965 --> 00:36:45,165 of this mistake is Josiah. 785 00:36:45,165 --> 00:36:47,546 He reigned 31 years in Jerusalem. 786 00:36:47,546 --> 00:36:49,433 He became king when he was 8 years old. 787 00:36:49,433 --> 00:36:51,000 At 16 years old, the Bible says 788 00:36:51,000 --> 00:36:53,285 he began to seek the Lord seriously. 789 00:36:53,285 --> 00:36:54,926 He began to seek the God of David. 790 00:36:54,926 --> 00:36:57,315 And he began purging Jerusalem 791 00:36:57,315 --> 00:36:59,646 of idols and carved images. 792 00:36:59,646 --> 00:37:02,586 One of the best kings in Israel's history. 793 00:37:02,586 --> 00:37:06,667 And 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles gives his record. 794 00:37:06,667 --> 00:37:08,416 He kept the Passover in Jerusalem. 795 00:37:08,416 --> 00:37:11,075 He appointed priests to their offices 796 00:37:11,075 --> 00:37:14,145 and encouraged them in the service of the house of God. 797 00:37:14,145 --> 00:37:15,906 He put the ark in the temple 798 00:37:15,906 --> 00:37:17,114 that Solomon built. 799 00:37:17,114 --> 00:37:18,986 He cut down the altars of Baal. 800 00:37:18,986 --> 00:37:21,194 And he was present himself 801 00:37:21,194 --> 00:37:25,253 when his men cut those altars to Baal down 802 00:37:25,253 --> 00:37:26,506 the Bible says. 803 00:37:26,506 --> 00:37:28,867 He told the priests: Consecrate yourselves 804 00:37:28,867 --> 00:37:31,037 and prepare for your brothers to do 805 00:37:31,037 --> 00:37:33,305 according to the Word of the Lord by Moses. 806 00:37:33,305 --> 00:37:35,386 The singers, the sons of Asaph, 807 00:37:35,386 --> 00:37:38,536 were under Josiah's leadership in Israel. 808 00:37:38,536 --> 00:37:40,515 And the Bible says, 809 00:37:40,515 --> 00:37:43,188 "...No Passover like it had been kept in Israel 810 00:37:43,188 --> 00:37:45,535 since the days of Samuel the prophet." 811 00:37:45,535 --> 00:37:50,105 2 Chronicles 35 summarizes Josiah's life. 812 00:37:50,105 --> 00:37:51,907 The rest of the acts of Josiah 813 00:37:51,907 --> 00:37:53,714 and his good deeds 814 00:37:53,714 --> 00:37:56,177 are written in the book of the kings. 815 00:37:56,177 --> 00:37:57,860 But you know what? 816 00:37:57,860 --> 00:37:59,911 You remember his major misstep. 817 00:37:59,911 --> 00:38:03,371 One big misstep cost him his life. 818 00:38:03,371 --> 00:38:05,811 He didn't apostatize and worship the Baals. 819 00:38:05,811 --> 00:38:07,391 He didn't love like Solomon 820 00:38:07,391 --> 00:38:09,264 loved a bunch of strange women 821 00:38:09,264 --> 00:38:12,422 and let them pull his heart away 822 00:38:12,422 --> 00:38:15,109 to false gods like Solomon did. 823 00:38:15,109 --> 00:38:17,563 What did Josiah do? 824 00:38:17,563 --> 00:38:20,720 He didn't mind his own business. 825 00:38:20,720 --> 00:38:24,771 He began meddling in affairs that weren't his. 826 00:38:24,771 --> 00:38:26,801 He began to pick a fight with a dog, 827 00:38:26,801 --> 00:38:29,900 but the dog didn't want to fight him. 828 00:38:29,900 --> 00:38:31,281 But he picked the fight 829 00:38:31,281 --> 00:38:33,691 and the dog had to fight him. 830 00:38:33,691 --> 00:38:36,400 2 Chronicles says after Josiah prepared the temple, 831 00:38:36,400 --> 00:38:38,640 he heard about Neco, the king of Egypt, 832 00:38:38,640 --> 00:38:40,412 who was going to war with someone 833 00:38:40,412 --> 00:38:44,420 over near the Euphrates River. 834 00:38:44,420 --> 00:38:48,859 And it's not Josiah's business; it's not his battle. 835 00:38:48,859 --> 00:38:50,979 He doesn't have a bone to pick. 836 00:38:50,979 --> 00:38:53,911 Israel's welfare is not at stake. 837 00:38:53,911 --> 00:38:58,432 But he couldn't leave it alone. 838 00:38:58,432 --> 00:39:00,989 Josiah goes out to meet Neco 839 00:39:00,989 --> 00:39:03,730 basically to pick a fight 840 00:39:03,730 --> 00:39:06,322 when Neco wasn't coming to Israel. 841 00:39:06,322 --> 00:39:09,631 And the Bible says, "Neco sent messengers to Josiah," 842 00:39:09,631 --> 00:39:13,380 and said this: What do we have to do with you, O king? 843 00:39:13,380 --> 00:39:15,342 What do we have to do with each other? 844 00:39:15,342 --> 00:39:17,040 I'm not coming against you this day 845 00:39:17,040 --> 00:39:18,100 but someone else. 846 00:39:18,100 --> 00:39:20,533 Listen, I'm in a hurry. Stop! 847 00:39:20,533 --> 00:39:22,631 Because God is with me, 848 00:39:22,631 --> 00:39:27,580 lest He destroy you. 849 00:39:27,580 --> 00:39:29,540 And here was Josiah's mistake: 850 00:39:29,540 --> 00:39:31,220 The Bible says, "Nevertheless, 851 00:39:31,220 --> 00:39:33,782 Josiah did not turn away from him." 852 00:39:33,782 --> 00:39:36,721 He did not listen to the words of Neco 853 00:39:36,721 --> 00:39:40,490 from the mouth of God, 854 00:39:40,490 --> 00:39:42,031 but instead he came to fight, 855 00:39:42,031 --> 00:39:43,910 and the archer shot Josiah 856 00:39:43,910 --> 00:39:45,520 and he died and was buried. 857 00:39:45,520 --> 00:39:47,211 And the Bible says all Jerusalem 858 00:39:47,211 --> 00:39:50,039 and all Judah mourned for Josiah 859 00:39:50,039 --> 00:39:51,901 and Jeremiah the prophet 860 00:39:51,901 --> 00:39:55,710 lamented his death. 861 00:39:55,710 --> 00:39:57,632 Neco was saying: 862 00:39:57,632 --> 00:40:00,579 What is that to you? 863 00:40:00,579 --> 00:40:02,380 You worship Jehovah. 864 00:40:02,380 --> 00:40:05,100 What is that to you? This isn't your fight. 865 00:40:05,100 --> 00:40:06,951 You're not called to meddle here. 866 00:40:06,951 --> 00:40:10,250 Watch meddling. 867 00:40:10,250 --> 00:40:12,801 A dear favorite preacher of mine said one time: 868 00:40:12,801 --> 00:40:14,130 Watch out for meddling. 869 00:40:14,130 --> 00:40:16,171 Don't meddle in what's not your business. 870 00:40:16,171 --> 00:40:18,161 Don't be concerned about stuff 871 00:40:18,161 --> 00:40:20,480 that's not for you to fix. 872 00:40:20,480 --> 00:40:21,959 You follow Christ. 873 00:40:21,959 --> 00:40:23,900 You stay focused on Him 874 00:40:23,900 --> 00:40:25,400 and don't let people - 875 00:40:25,400 --> 00:40:27,073 even those you love the most - 876 00:40:27,073 --> 00:40:29,711 distract you from steadfast, 877 00:40:29,711 --> 00:40:31,760 single-eyed obedience. 878 00:40:31,760 --> 00:40:34,561 What is that to you, Peter? 879 00:40:34,561 --> 00:40:37,451 You follow Me. 880 00:40:37,451 --> 00:40:40,546 And that's the final thing the Lord said to him. 881 00:40:40,546 --> 00:40:42,150 Not only: Love Me, 882 00:40:42,150 --> 00:40:43,422 feed My sheep, 883 00:40:43,422 --> 00:40:45,566 die for Me, 884 00:40:45,566 --> 00:40:47,420 mind your own business, 885 00:40:47,420 --> 00:40:49,270 but "Follow Me." 886 00:40:49,270 --> 00:40:51,179 And the Lord says it twice here: 887 00:40:51,179 --> 00:40:52,300 Follow Me. 888 00:40:52,300 --> 00:40:53,681 And then at the end He says, 889 00:40:53,681 --> 00:40:56,613 "You follow Me." 890 00:40:56,613 --> 00:40:59,033 Just follow Me. 891 00:40:59,033 --> 00:41:00,641 Love Me, 892 00:41:00,641 --> 00:41:02,132 care for My sheep, 893 00:41:02,132 --> 00:41:04,351 follow Me, feed them, love them, 894 00:41:04,351 --> 00:41:05,302 watch out for them, 895 00:41:05,302 --> 00:41:08,031 don't let anyone mess with My bride, 896 00:41:08,031 --> 00:41:12,231 shepherd My sheep. 897 00:41:12,231 --> 00:41:14,110 Follow Me. 898 00:41:14,110 --> 00:41:16,790 And in closing, let's just think about 899 00:41:16,790 --> 00:41:19,760 a couple of thoughts here. 900 00:41:19,760 --> 00:41:22,819 First lesson is this: 901 00:41:22,819 --> 00:41:26,741 Restoration for a backslider - 902 00:41:26,741 --> 00:41:30,442 restoration for a failed disciple. 903 00:41:30,442 --> 00:41:32,822 Restoration and not defeat 904 00:41:32,822 --> 00:41:36,072 is Christ's purpose for every one of us. 905 00:41:36,072 --> 00:41:38,093 You may have come here 906 00:41:38,093 --> 00:41:40,993 out of a recent fall, out of defeat. 907 00:41:40,993 --> 00:41:45,122 Maybe for months, you've been in bad state. 908 00:41:45,122 --> 00:41:47,311 Disappointments, failures, 909 00:41:47,311 --> 00:41:50,262 secret things. 910 00:41:50,262 --> 00:41:52,761 The Lord Jesus Christ says to you 911 00:41:52,761 --> 00:41:55,353 this morning in your condition: 912 00:41:55,353 --> 00:41:59,370 Love Me! 913 00:41:59,370 --> 00:42:01,522 I want your heart's love. 914 00:42:01,522 --> 00:42:02,831 Love Me. 915 00:42:02,831 --> 00:42:04,762 Forget the past. 916 00:42:04,762 --> 00:42:07,740 I'll clean you up. 917 00:42:07,740 --> 00:42:09,642 I'm going to have those shepherd you, 918 00:42:09,642 --> 00:42:10,843 care for you. 919 00:42:10,843 --> 00:42:12,410 You may be the weakest lamb. 920 00:42:12,410 --> 00:42:14,422 Just love Me. That's where you start. 921 00:42:14,422 --> 00:42:16,851 Just love Him. 922 00:42:16,851 --> 00:42:18,682 Just love Him. 923 00:42:18,682 --> 00:42:21,243 Restoration, and not defeat, 924 00:42:21,243 --> 00:42:24,951 is God's purpose for every child of God - 925 00:42:24,951 --> 00:42:26,271 the younger sheep 926 00:42:26,271 --> 00:42:28,930 down to the weakest lamb. 927 00:42:28,930 --> 00:42:32,442 Secondly, failures don't disqualify you 928 00:42:32,442 --> 00:42:36,351 necessarily from future growth 929 00:42:36,351 --> 00:42:37,623 and future ministry. 930 00:42:37,623 --> 00:42:41,011 Some failures will put people 931 00:42:41,011 --> 00:42:44,022 properly out of the ministry. 932 00:42:44,022 --> 00:42:48,192 But that's a small category, isn't it. 933 00:42:48,192 --> 00:42:50,659 But failures - the worst of them - 934 00:42:50,659 --> 00:42:52,701 don't disqualify you 935 00:42:52,701 --> 00:42:55,614 from being restored in the love of Christ, 936 00:42:55,614 --> 00:42:56,902 from following Him, 937 00:42:56,902 --> 00:42:59,722 and being a blessing to love others 938 00:42:59,722 --> 00:43:02,882 because you love Him. 939 00:43:02,882 --> 00:43:06,531 Thirdly, it's the Gospel alone, 940 00:43:06,531 --> 00:43:10,011 the love of Christ alone for His own 941 00:43:10,011 --> 00:43:13,872 that is the healing remedy for anyone 942 00:43:13,872 --> 00:43:16,961 who has fallen. 943 00:43:16,961 --> 00:43:20,302 Backslider, I'll say what Spurgeon said one time. 944 00:43:20,302 --> 00:43:22,402 He lifted up his voice and said 945 00:43:22,402 --> 00:43:24,133 there's a backslider here today. 946 00:43:24,133 --> 00:43:25,732 Come back home. 947 00:43:25,732 --> 00:43:27,252 And I say that to you today. 948 00:43:27,252 --> 00:43:33,251 Backslider, love Him. 949 00:43:33,251 --> 00:43:35,813 Follow Him. 950 00:43:35,813 --> 00:43:39,632 How deep the Father's love for us! 951 00:43:39,632 --> 00:43:48,182 Oh, the deep, deep love of Jesus. 952 00:43:48,182 --> 00:43:49,602 Let's sing that.