Follow Me Again

Scripture References: John 21:1-19; John 13:36-38; Luke 5:1-11; 1 Chronicles 16:9; 1 Peter 5:8-11

Intro: Welcome. Today explores an invitation from God: to move beyond serving Him merely out of duty and into serving Him from a place of deep love and devotion. We often find ourselves, like the disciples in John 21, discouraged when life doesn't meet our expectations. In those moments of confusion or disappointment, how does Jesus meet us?

Key Points:

1. The Discouraged Disciples (Context): After Jesus' crucifixion, the disciples' hopes seemed crushed. Their expectations of a conquering Messiah were unmet. Confused and likely afraid (John 20), Peter declared, "I'm going out to fish," retreating to the familiar, the safe, the 'before.' Seven others joined him. We often do the same when disappointed – isolate, lock down our hearts, return to old comforts.
2. Fruitless Efforts & Jesus' Arrival (vv. 3-6): They fished all night and caught nothing, symbolizing the emptiness of operating in their own strength or going back to old ways. Then, Jesus appeared on the shore (He meets us in our discouragement). He called out, highlighting their lack ("Friends, haven't you any fish?"). He then directed them, "Throw your net on the right side."
3. Miraculous Catch & Recognition (vv. 6-8): Obedience resulted in an overwhelming catch (153 large fish, net intact) – echoing their initial call (Luke 5). John recognized Him first: "It is the Lord!" Peter, realizing it too, abandoned the catch (his livelihood, security) and impulsively swam to Jesus, prioritizing relationship over results. Jesus was angling for Peter's heart.
4. Restoration Begins: Breakfast (vv. 9-14): Jesus already had a fire going with fish and bread. He met their physical need before addressing Peter's failure. He invited them, "Come and have breakfast." No shame, no lecture, just care and provision.
5. The Crucial Conversation: "Do You Love Me?" (vv. 15-17):
   • After eating, Jesus asked Peter three times, "Do you love me?" – directly mirroring Peter's three denials. Jesus gently brings failure into the light for healing.
   • Peter, likely humbled and broken, couldn't claim the highest form of sacrificial love initially, responding with brotherly affection ("You know I love you [like a friend]"). Jesus met him there.
   • The core issue isn't ability or past performance, but love and devotion. Willpower and giftedness eventually fall short.
6. Recommissioning: "Feed My Sheep" (vv. 15-19):
   • With each affirmation of love, Jesus gave Peter his mission back: "Feed my lambs," "Take care of my sheep," "Feed my sheep." Failure does not cancel God's call.
   • Jesus reaffirmed Peter's purpose, inviting him back into service fueled by love, not bravado. He then called him again: "Follow me," clarifying that following includes cost (predicting Peter's martyrdom).

Conclusion: Jesus cares more about us (our hearts, our love) than what we do for Him. Service flowing from duty eventually exhausts us, but service flowing from devotion, from a rekindled love for Him, is life-giving and sustainable. Like Peter, we may fail, we may retreat, but Jesus meets us, restores us, and invites us to follow Him again out of love. He seeks hearts completely devoted to Him (1 Chron 16:9).

Call to Action:

1. Examine Your Heart: Are you serving Jesus out of duty or devotion? Where have disappointment or unmet expectations led you to "go fishing" or lock down your heart?
2. Receive His Presence: Recognize that Jesus meets you in your discouragement, just like He met the di