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overwhelmed him. He hurried out and wept bitterly (Matt. 26:75). IV. Peter Restored (John 21:15-17). Jesus had commanded His disciples to meet Him in Galilee. Seven o f them were t o g e t h e r—Peter, Thomas, Nathaniel, James, John, and two others. At Peter’s suggestion they went out fishing, but caught nothing. In the morning they be held Jesus on the shore. He told them to cast their net on the right side o f the boat. Obeying Him, they caught a net full o f fishes. Peter, recognizing his Lord, cast himself into the sea and swam to the land. It was after this incident that Peter was recommissioned as an apostle. V, 15. When they had broken their fast. Jesus had prepared a meal upon the beach to which He welcomed the weary fisher men. Jesus said to Simon Peter. It is in teresting that Simon denied his Lord at a fire in the courtyard o f the high priest. At a fire at the seaside he had opportunity to confess his love and faithfulness to Christ anew. Simon, son o f John. Jesus goes back to the old name as if to remind him of what he was by nature. Lovesi thou me more than these? This may mean, “Do you love me more than boats and nets, and the fisherman’s task?” More likely it looks back to Peter’s boastful statement that though all others should forsake the Lord, he would not (Matt. 26-33). Thou knowest that I love thee. Scholars love to point out that two words for “love” are used here. That which' Christ employs expresses the higher, u n -1 selfish love. Peter answers with a word that expresses rather a warm personal af fection, not necessarily unselfish. Feed my lambs. The fisherman becomes a shepherd. He had already been restored to fellow ship, on the morning of the resurrection when Jesus met him alone (cf. 1 Cor. 15:5). The restoration to service was an other matter. V. 16. Again a second time . . . lovest thou me? Jesus still used the higher word for “love.” Yea, Lord. Peter answered as before, using the more common word for love.” Tend my sheep. This was a pro motion. The lambs are to- be fed, The sheep need more than food ; they must be carefully guided and protected. V. 17. The third time . . . lovest thou me? In this final question Jesus dropped down ■ to Peter’s word for “love.” Peter was grieved. The threefold thrust had done its work. The disciple was humbled and hurt Thou knowest all things. Peter appealed to the fact that Christ was able to search the heart and therefore could know that he had no divided allegiance. Feed my sheep. The main purpose of a shepherd is to feed Christ’s sheep. * * * L esson Q uestions Mk. 8:27. To what country had Jesus gone? Why did He go there? What ques tion did He ask the disciples? Was it im portant? Are we asked the same question today? V. 28. What was the popular opinion concerning Christ? Did any believe that John the Baptist had been raised from the dead (Mk. 6:14)? Was there any Scrip tural foundation for the expectation that Elijah would appear again (cf. Mai. 4 :5) ? Was it enough to believe that Jesus was a prophet? V. 29. Why did Jesus demand an an swer to this question from the disciples?
BLACKBOARD LESSON
V. 16. What was the second question o f Jesus? Did it differ from the first? What new commission was given? V. 17. What was the third question? Did Jesus use a different word for “love” this time? Why? How did Peter feel? What did he answer? What was the final commission given him? * * * P ractical P oints . 1. The supreme question of life still is, “Who is Jesus Christ?” If to you He is only a good man, or a teacher, or a great miracle worker, you have not gone far enough. If he is not God He cannot be a Saviour. 2. Peter learned the weakness of hu man strength at its best. After his failure he learned the strength of weakness when supported by the strength o f Christ (cf. 2 Cor. 12:10). 3. If we would carefully ponder and remember the many warnings o f the Lord in His Word, we would not so often stumble. 4. Satan is ever vigilant. He loves to destroy Christian leaders (1 Pet. 5:8, 9). The preservation of Peter was a miracle of grace. Every Christian must recognize that he is often kept from disaster by the intercession of Jesus Christ (Heb. 7:25). After failure and restoration, do not for get to strengthen the brethren who are in danger. 5. The only safe attitude of a Christian in the presence o f enemies is whole-heart ed, frank confession of Christ. If you are not ready and willing to thus confess Him in the enemy’s territory, stay away from it 6. Do not attempt service or court suf fering for Christ beyond your faith (cf. John 13:36). 7. Jesus Christ demands the supreme place in the heart. Do you love Him more than possessions, or friends, or self? 8. Profession o f love for Christ must be backed by service for Christ. Prove that you love Him by shepherding His sheep. * * * G olden T ext I llustration A few years ago a large grain elevator, with a concrete floor twelve inches thick, was built in one of our western cities. For eighteen months one-half million bushels o f wheat were stored there. When the wheat was removed, the laborers saw that the floor in one place had risen a number of inches. They removed the concrete and found that a growing plant had lifted up that solid concrete floor and all the grain upon it! Whence came this powerful life of the plant? From the sun, which gives life to all vegetation. Thus may we, with out any special gift or accomplishment, draw enough life and power from the “ Sun o f righteousness” to lift His king dom higher, even when it seems impos sible. Faith lets Christ do for us and with us what we could never do alone.— Record o f Christian Work. * * * Simon Peter Mark 8:27-29; Luke 22:31-34; John 18: 25-27 ; 21:15-17. Memory Verse. —“ Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive” (Psa. 86:5). ^Approach. —“What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought, since Jesus
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Is it a question that every soul on earth must answer? Does our eternal salvation depend upon a proper answer to the ques tion? What did Peter answer? Lk. 22 :31. What does this verse teach about the personality of Satan? What does it teach about Satan’s persistence in attempting to destroy the children of God? Why does God allow His children to be “ sifted” ? V. 32. Why did not Peter’s faith fail utterly? How far did it “ fail” ? What was he told to do when he was “turned again” ? . V. 33. How did Peter boast? Did he really think he could keep his promise? Does his language show humility? Does it show love for Christ? V. 34. What warning was given Peter? Why did he not heed the warning? John 18:25. Where was Peter stand ing? What was he doing? Was he in a place o f temptation and danger? What question was asked him? How did he an swer? V. 26. Who asked Peter the final ques tion? Where had this man seen Peter? V. 27. How did Peter meet this charge? Did he make denial more vehemently than before (cf. Matt. 26:74)? How was he brought to conscious recognition o f his failure? What did he then do (cf. Matt. 26:75)? John 21:15. At what place did Jesus meet these discioles ? What question did He ask o f Peter? What is meant by the words “more than these” ? What answer did Peter make? What is the difference between the two words for “love” used by Jesus and Peter? What ministry was ap pointed Peter ? On Higher Ground What is this thy sad heart deemeth Almost more than it can bear? Come and see how small it seemeth In this cloudless upper air! See it as the angels see it, Who have looked upon their King; Lift thy heart to theirs and free it From all earthly fettering. Come up hither, hither, hither! Rise above thy little life! Dreams that vanish, hopes that wither, Thankless service, wearying strife; Praise and blame and tears and laughter — Soon ’Rvill all be naught to thee! I w ill show thee God’s hereafterl Come up hither; come and see. — Selected.
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