READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l John’s account shows how Jesus gently redeemed the Disciples’ failure. After the tragic events of Good Friday, the Disciples probably struggled with guilt. They had given up family, career, and home to follow Jesus and make disciples. But in Jerusalem, Jesus was executed. The group fell apart due to betrayal, desertion, and denial. In this account, only 7 of the original 12 disciples appear. They likely felt remorseful, weary, and dejected. At this moment, Jesus appeared to them and invited them to “Come and Dine” (v12).
1. Never Beyond Jesus’ Reach
The disciples had fled from Jerusalem and returned to Galilee. Perhaps they needed to physically distance themselves from the ordeal in Jerusalem, to be away from their fear and failure. Or perhaps they had withdrawn because they were not emotionally ready to face family and friends, and they could not forgive themselves. Yet they were not beyond Jesus’ reach. Jesus appeared and invited them to fellowship. We may not be able to forgive ourselves for our mistakes, and we may be rejected by others; but we are never beyond Jesus’ reach, and He will come to us.
2. Jesus Invites with Grace and Love
Jesus does not deal with us harshly according to our sins. The disciples deserve Jesus’ reprimand and condemnation because of how they had failed Jesus and each other. They probably felt unworthy and undeserving. But with a posture of humble repentance, we can better understand Jesus’ grace and unconditional love. At the cross, Jesus forgave us freely and unconditionally. Therefore, the Apostle Paul can say “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
Jesus pardons us and invites us because of His great generosity. He offered His own life freely for us so that we may live as His redeemed people. No one has ever deserved Jesus’ love. But because of His Grace and Love, we are sinners saved by grace.
3. Jesus Offers a Second Chance
This account would have been strangely familiar to Peter and John. It re-enacts their first encounter with Jesus, when Jesus asked them to leave their nets and boats to become fishers of men (Luke 5). Jesus’ miraculous provision of fish and His invitation seem like a second chance to the disciples to leave their careers to follow Him.
The charcoal fire also reminded Peter of his threefold denial of Jesus in the priest’s courtyard in Jerusalem. In a strangely similar setting, Jesus gives Peter the chance to reaffirm his love and loyalty to Jesus. And Jesus recommissions Peter three times to be His shepherd.
What would you do when Jesus gives you a second chance? At his first encounter with Jesus, Peter initially fell to his knees and refused, because he felt unworthy to receive Jesus’ calling (Luke 5:8). But in this account, Peter dived into the water without hesitation to run to Jesus. Similarly, we may still have our shame, mistakes, and imperfections. We may feel unclean, unfit, and unworthy. But because Jesus graciously gives us a second chance, we can receive Jesus’ invitation to the Lord’s Table: “Come and Dine”.
(Sermon notes by Bryan Tan)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Study Scripture: Read Jn.21:1-14
What did the passage tell you about Jesus’ nature? - Recall Sermon: What are the key take-aways for you about how the Good Shepherd rounds His sheep?
- Relate Personally: How did Jesus give you a second chance?
- What are you going to do about the invitation Jesus gives you today?
