Put Down The Net

John 21:1–19 (ESV)

After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 

Peter’s Restoration Reminds Us:

  • My Failures don’t dictate the Final word
  • God doesn’t consult the past to create the future
  • The call of the disciple is a call live in a perpetual YES

3 PORTRAITS OF A DISCIPLE

#1 FIRST PICTURE: THE “FISHER” OF MEN 

3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 

This picture of Peter shows us…

a. The temptation to return to “old nets” is timeless

“I am going fishing.”

Two “old nets” … back to SIN or back to WHEN

b. Leaders are always leading

“We will go with you.” 

Where are you leading those around you?

c. Success requires being steadfast 

4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.”

6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish.

“Children” =  Immature. 

7 That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. 8 The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. 

Your failure is not the final word!

#2 SECOND PICTURE: THE SHEPHERD

15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.

This picture of Peter shows us…

a. Jesus’s commission is not complex—it’s called LOVE

b. Jesus didn’t consult your past when He created your call

People admire your strengths, but they connect with your weaknesses 

Romans 11:29 (ESV) For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

# 3 THIRD PICTURE:  THE DISCIPLE 

18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

This picture of Peter shows us… 

a. The easiest yes will always be the first 

b. The most difficult yes is always the next 

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