Text: “Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine” (John 21:12)

Introduction: Have you ever failed the Lord? Peter did. Probably you have….honestly, I have. But Jesus cares about us so much that He does not give up on us. Hallelujah! His desire is to RESTORE us back into a good relationship of trust and obedience to His Word and His will. Do you know that Jesus invites us to come and fellowship with Him? Not only should we learn the secret of worship but also partnership. Even when we fail, Jesus reaches out to every believer. This can be seen after Peter’s shameful denial. Yet, Peter is restored back into fellowship with Jesus. And he becomes a powerful preacher and a flaming witness on the day of Pentecost. Check out the steps of his restoration.

1. Never Say Never! (Luke 22:31-34)

“31And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. 33And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. 34And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.”

Like Peter, in our mind we say what we will not do, but in our flesh, we fall prey to the enemy, the devil!

**The lesson: Never say Never!

2. Back to the Flesh! (John 21:1-3)

“1After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself. 2There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. 3Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.”

Often when we fail the Lord like in Peter’s case, we resort back to the things we are good at – the works of the flesh!

Keep in mind, Peter had not communicated with Jesus after his denial, but he went out and “wept bitterly.” (Luke 22:62)

3. Jesus calls out to us! (John 21:4-8)

“But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. 5Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. 6And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. 7Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. 8And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.”

Peter had been fishing all night long without a catch until Jesus told him how to catch a boat load of fish.

“And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. 3And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. 4Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.” (Luke 5:2-6)

The same thing happens here after Jesus had been resurrected; He calls to His disciples.

3. Jesus cares for us! (John 21:9-13)

“As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. 10Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. 11Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. 12Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. 13Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.”

The word “dine” is ἀριστάω, (ar-is-tah’-o), which means to breakfast, to take a meal, dine. Jesus invites us.

4. Jesus corrects us! (John 21:15-17)

“15So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.”

Peter’s test of faith turned into a testimony of faith. Check out what Peter writes.

“6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” (1Pet 5:6-9)

Peter learned from his mistakes. Are we?

Conclusion: 
Jesus calls us, cares for us, and corrects us, all because He loves us!
Peter was restored.
Peter was rebuked.
Peter was reconciled.
Peter was reminded.

Instead of worrying about John, Jesus tells Peter something worthwhile that we need to remember.

“Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? 21Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? 22Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.” (John 21:20-22)

Following Jesus and fulfilling His Will is life’s greatest goal!