Living with Diversity

This is the manuscript of the sermon delivered at Christ Church on April 25 2021.

This was the first joint service of Christ Church and Iglesia Evangelica Dios de Justicia in both English and Spanish. We know that the body of Christ is made up of all people, white, black, red, yellow, and brown.

Whether or not we are big fans of diversity, the fact is we are experiencing more and more of it. Some people are enthusiastic about this increase in diversity. They see the richness of the difference as something that benefits us all. But not everyone is that enthusiastic. Instead of finding reason for joy, some find reason for fear and insecurity and even hostility. Diversity has led to political, racial, gender, cultural and economic division. There has always been some of this, but now it seems to be more prevalent.

But God has something to say about all of this. The Church is called to be a Christ-centered community of diversity. It's very existence  proclaims the power of God to overcome the divisions that set people against each other. 

To hear an audio recording of the sermon click the YouTube image at the end of the manuscript

Scripture

Romans 14:1‭-‬9 NIV Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.  One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.

Text 

Romans 14:4 NIV Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.

Whether or not we are big fans of diversity, the fact is we are experiencing more and more of it. And it comes in all forms: a greater range of entertainment options, a wider selection of foods at the supermarket, more car companies and models than ever before, more ethnic restaurants and the list goes on. During a routine trip to the mall, when we can go again, it’s not that unusual to overhear two or three foreign languages. If you go to the hospital some of the doctors treating you are likely to be from India,China, Egypt, South Africa or any number of other places.

Some people are enthusiastic about this increase in diversity. They see the richness of the difference as something that benefits us all. The mix of cultures and races and opinions provide opportunities to learn from others and grow in understanding. 

But not everyone is that enthusiastic.  Instead of finding reason for joy, some find reason for fear and insecurity and even hostility. The old rules we used to take for granted have been shaken. Cherished convictions are challenged. 

Diversity has led to political, racial, gender, cultural and economic division. There has always been some of this, but now it seems to be more prevalent.

But God has something to say about all of this. The Church is called to be a Christ-centered community of diversity. It's very existence  proclaims the power of God to overcome the divisions that set people against each other. 

In his letter to the Galatians, the apostle Paul announced, 

Galatians 3:26‭-‬29 NIV So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

The church is to live as a people touched by God's grace and no longer defined by the divisions that plague the world.

However too often the divisions of the world are brought right into the church. Instead of reflecting the light of Christ, we mirror the broken world. 

No matter how much we claim that we value diversity, living with it is tough work but it’s always been that way, all the way back to the first century. Differences between church members have strained the fabric of fellowship. In the scripture passage we read earlier,  Romans 14:1‭-‬9 we find an ancient church that is not dealing with its diversity very well.

In the Roman church, the threat of division was over whether or not it was more spiritual to be vegetarian. You had the salad group and the steak group. And some argued over whether or not to celebrate special holy days. They took these issues very seriously. 

At work, in society, in church, why does diversity so often bring hurtful divisions?

First of all, we tend to be wary of those who are different from us. When people look, or act, or even think unlike the way we do, we’re not sure what to expect of them. They make us uncomfortable, even fearful. And in our fear we may even be tempted to strike out.

There is a second closely related reason why differences can bring division. We attribute bad motives to the actions of others. If our viewpoint or values are challenged by someone, it may hurt our feelings. We may get angry. If someone hurts or angers us, most of us have a hard time believing that that other person’s heart is pure. The religious leaders in Jesus’ time certainly weren’t happy that He challenged them. They questioned His motives. They even claimed that the healings He performed were done by demonic power. 

Luke 11:14‭-‬15 NIV Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. When the demon left, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowd was amazed. But some of them said, “By Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he is driving out demons.”

Of course it was His accusers who had the real problem.

Luke 11:19‭-‬20 NIV Now if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your followers drive them out? So then, they will be your judges.  But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

It can be that way in the church, too. People can become so intent on defending their turf or promoting the interests of the few that they forget the mission of all. Jesus prayed;

John 17:20‭-‬21 NIV “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,  that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

We can all contribute to the mission of the church. 

Well, differences are not going to just fade away in society or in church. So what can we do? What can we do to live with our differences in a way that honors Christ and is good for the church?

First, open your own life to change. In 1 Corinthians 13 the scripture tells us, “Love does not demand its own way.”

Second, recognize that you don’t have the right to judge the motives of others. As the apostle Paul wrote to the Romans, “Who are you to pass judgment on the servants of another? It is before their own Lord that they stand or fall” (Romans 14:4).

Third, we need to recognize that there is sometimes more than one right way to think and to behave. Many decisions are based on taste, preference or tradition. God is equally honored by vegetarians as by those who eat meat. God can equally be honored by an organ, a piano, a guitar, a drum or even a kazoo. Decisions in these matters are not about right and wrong. So the apostle Paul writes in our Scripture text, 

Romans 14:1 NIV Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.

In other words, don’t make a big deal over differences. Don’t allow controversy over opinions to be the center of your conversation. Welcome one another.

Fourth, we need to recognize that no one of us, and no single group of people like us, can stand alone. We need each other to do what God calls us to do in the world. Only as we live with each other, differences and all, are we whole, healthy and prepared to serve God. All of us are flawed. All of us need to be forgiven; so, too, we need to forgive. When we come together with our brokenness, together we can serve God. 

As Paul wrote,

Romans 14:7 NIV For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone.

Some years ago in the Durham, North Carolina Morning Herald there was a story about two female musicians who performed together. One was black and the other, white. They called their duo Ebony and Ivory. Both of the women were handicapped. One had lost her left hand in an accident. The other had lost her right hand. Neither knew of the other, but both were brokenhearted after the tragedy they had individually faced. Each of them believed she would never again experience the joy of her life, the joy of creating the sound of music.

But a third woman heard of the plight of the injured musicians and put them in contact with each other. When the two one-handed pianists came together, they found that each could supplement the loss of the other. Together they could again play their beloved piano. When the black hand and the white hand were skillfully coordinated with each other, the maimed musicians could coax beautiful sounds from the instrument.

God calls us together in our brokenness and with our differences. God has given us to each other. Each supplements what is missing in the other. Together and only together with our differences are we whole and ready to serve. So in the words of scripture,

Romans 15:7 NIV Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

Let's pray;

Almighty God, through your Holy Spirit you created unity in the midst of diversity;

We acknowledge that human diversity is an expression of your manifold love for your creation;

We confess that in our brokenness as human beings we turn diversity into a source of alienation, injustice, oppression, and wounding. Empower us to recognize and celebrate differences as your great gift to the human family. Enable us to be the architects of understanding, of respect and love; Through the Lord Jesus who unifies, we pray. Amen

Sermon Audio

Until Jesus Comes, Be Witnesses

This is the manuscript of the sermon delivered at Christ Church on April 18, 2021.

Acts 1:8 NIV But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

In the days of Jesus, and those that followed soon after, to be a Christian witness could mean death. In certain parts of the world, it is still dangerous to proclaim the message of Christ. In fact, to be a genuine witness is not easy anywhere.   

There are certain requirements are necessary in order for a person to be an effective witness for Jesus. Let’s talk about three of those requirements today.

1. An effective witness must know something

2. An effective witness must say something

3. An effective witness must be something

Click this LINK for the YouTube video of today's service is at the end of this manuscript https://youtu.be/kpwysMBkG5g

Introduction

Matthew 16:26 NIV (says) What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

Last week we read in 

1 Corinthians 15:19 NIV If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

Why did Paul say this? For one thing, it isn’t easy to live for Christ in a world that doesn’t like Christ. 

So here’s one of the most important questions you can ever answer: Is Christianity worth it? 

Everything in life has a price tag. Anytime you say yes to something, you’re saying no to something else. Is the prize worth the price of following Christ?

Some people trade their souls for worldly things—like money, fame, and materialism. Your soul is worth so much more. 

Here’s something else that Paul said;

Philippians 3:7‭-‬8 NIV But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ

Paul realized that nothing—no status, no amount of money, no pleasure—is worth more than Jesus. 

Now let’s consider our text for today which comes from the scripture that Jean read earlier.

Text: 

Acts 1:8 NIV But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Jesus’ earthly ministry was now complete! He was born of a virgin, lived a blameless life, died a vicarious death, and arose from the grave with a glorified body. He had been on earth for forty days since his resurrection, and as it said in 

Acts 1:3 NIVAfter his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.

He was now ready to return to heaven. The Mount of Olives, just outside the eastern wall of Jerusalem, served as an ideal location from which to view the city. Jesus chose it as the place from which to give his final promise to come again and for his ascension into heaven.

Understandably, the disciples were curious about the future. 

Acts 1:6 NIV Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

Jesus didn’t give a direct answer to the question instead He told them as he tells us today to go out and witness to the world.

Acts 1:7‭-‬8 NIV He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

The Greek word used here that is translated witness comes from another noun that means martyr.  

In the days of Jesus, and those that followed soon after, to be a Christian witness could mean death. In certain parts of the world, it is still dangerous to proclaim the message of Christ. In fact, to be a genuine witness is not easy anywhere.   

Now certain requirements are necessary in order for a person to be an effective witness. Let’s talk about three of those requirements today.  

1. An effective witness must know something

2. An effective witness must say something

3. An effective witness must be something 

 

I. An effective witness must know something.

Go to a courtroom and look at a witness on the stand. What is the first requirement? A witness must be certain of the facts, or there is no need for him or her to appear in court. If the witness says, when asked a question, “I think—” the opposing attorney will immediately say, “I object, Your Honor! We are not interested in what this witness thinks. We’re only interested in what he or she knows.” The judge will then sustain the objection, because the witness must give facts,

So, what is the first qualification for an effective witness of Jesus Christ? He or she must know something! To qualify as an effective witness for Christ we must know who we believe in, 

Paul said;

2 Timothy 1:12 NIV That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.

As we get older we know more and more people who have died.  Some have gone to be with the Lord others have not.  as we grow older, the details of heaven—that is, what type of place it will be—are not nearly as important as the certainty we have that it does exist and that a place has been prepared for us there. 

John 14:2‭-‬3 NIV My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

We can have a steadfast hope, which is an eager expectation, and we have extreme confidence in a home in heaven because we know Jesus Christ as our personal Savior.

A good witness must know something, and we do.  We know in whom we have believed and we know that we have a place with our Savior for eternity.

  

Image credit:  Christ's Commission Fellowship

II. Then a witness must say something.

Every once in a while we read of a witness coming along years after a crime who has a testimony that frees a prisoner from jail. If this person had come forth and been a witness at the trial, the prisoner may never have been convicted. This person knew facts but didn’t tell them! As a result, the prisoner was convicted unjustly.

To know about Jesus and fail to tell others is criminal! What if somebody knew the cure for cancer and kept quiet?  The simple testimony that Jesus is Savior and Lord can do something that no logical argument or eloquent persuasive speech can do and that is to turn the world upside down.  Our testimony as a witness to what Jesus has done in our lives can do just that. 

We’ve all heard stories of tragedy in someone’s life because a message was delayed or not delivered at all.  However the greatest tragedy, of all, is that many people have never been saved simply because a Christian failed to speak.  

Our failure to speak up may be the only reason that person does not become saved.  I wouldn’t want that on my conscience.  

There’s a story about John D. Rockefeller Sr. who played golf with a close friend of his who was in the insurance business. One day the friend heard that Rockefeller had taken out a life insurance policy for one million dollars. When he saw his friend, he asked, “Why didn’t you let me write the insurance policy for you?” Rockefeller answered, “Why didn’t you ask me to let you write the policy?” I believe that a lot of people never become Christians simply because good people who know Jesus as Savior and could testify concerning him simply fail to tell a lost friend about Jesus.

 Let's look at

Psalms 39:2‭-‬4 NIV So I remained utterly silent, not even saying anything good. But my anguish increased;  my heart grew hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:  “Show me, Lord , my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.

David was silent when he should have spoken. It is uncertain exactly what, when, and to whom he should have spoken, but he clearly missed an opportunity to speak God’s truth.

Like David, we should realize that opportunities to speak truth are precious. 

 

III. An effective witness must know something, an effective witness must say something and an effective  witness must be something.

A famous skeptic was considering Christianity at one time and in order to help make his decision he decided to live around and interact with Christian people to see what Christians were like. He is reported to have said, “These Christians will have to look a lot more redeemed before I believe in it.” 

Then there is a story of Mahatma Gandhi who actually attended a Christian school and was disillusioned. He is believed to have said, “I would have been a Christian if it had not been for Christians.” 

Of course we cannot always accept these kinds of comments for rejecting Christ from non-Christians as the true reason for their failure to receive Christ. But there is enough truth in those statements for us to examine ourselves and our way of life.

In the courtroom a witness may know something and say something, but if the opposing attorney has evidence that the witness is not a person of integrity, the attorney can present the facts to the court and make a plea to throw out the testimony. Likewise, all of our scripture quoting,shouting, speaking in tongues, singing and dancing will be like “sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal” unless our lives are consistent with our testimony.

1 Corinthians 13:1‭-‬3 NIV If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Summary: 

When we were born again we automatically became witnesses for Christ.  One of the first signs that we have become a "Born Again Christian" will be the Holy Spirit in us prompting us to witness for him. We are witnesses by spiritual birth. Witnessing is who we are, more than what we do. We are not alone in witnessing for Christ.  We have the Holy Spirit.

John 15:26‭-‬27 NIV “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.  And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.

If people know you are a Christian, even if you don’t say anything, you are a witness whether you like it or not.

You may not think that you are a very good witness, but you are  one, because people are watching you. The moment they know you are Christian, they are reading the value of Christ in your life by your life.

Not only are you a witness you are an ambassador for the Kingdom of God.

2 Corinthians 5:16‭-‬20 NIV So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

An ambassador is one who is sent to represent one country or government to another. While in the other country, the ambassador presents and demonstrates all the best that his or her home country or government has to offer.

When you give your life to God, you become a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Philippians 3:20‭-‬21 NIV But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

The Bible says that we are at that moment, the moment we are saved we are “translated into the Kingdom of God’s dear Son.”

Colossians 1:13‭-‬14 NIV For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

So, the rest of your time here on earth, you’re not just here for your own plans or interests, but you’re representing Heaven to those around you. Matter of fact, you’re the only real sample of Heaven most people will ever see. What they’ll know about God’s working in peoples’ lives, they’ll get from watching YOUR life.

This means you’re not limited to YOURown resources, because you’re not out there representing yourself. Since you’re representing God’s government, and HIS abilities, you have access to all the best that He has to offer. Remember, your whole mission as a witness and ambassador is to give people a sample of what it is to have God at work in a person’s life.

Silence can be a virtue. But sometimes, God gives us opportunities to speak truth, and we must be careful not to neglect the opening to make a meaningful difference. 

An effective witness and ambassador is anyone who cooperates with the Holy Spirit in telling others about Jesus. All God needs is a little cooperation from his people. When he gets it, we can change the world. God invites us to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in telling others about Jesus. This is God’s job description for every Christian. If we will do our part, we can be sure that the Holy Spirit will do His.

Acts 1:8 NIV But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Don't miss your opportunity. 

John 9:4 NLT We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work.

  

Let's pray 

Lord, give us discernment and humility to determine when we should speak as your witness. Give us wisdom to know what to say, and courage to say it with grace and truth.

In  Jesus name

 Amen

How Much Do You Love Jesus?

Peter, Do you really love Me? 

                            

This is the manuscript of the sermon delivered at Christ Church on April 11, 2021.

John 21:15 NIV When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

Exactly what did Jesus mean by the question, “Do you love me more than these?” Three suggestions have been made as to what He meant;

1. Do you love me more than your fellow disciples do?

2. Do you love me more than you love other people?

3. Do you love me more than these 'things' that are near you?

I look at each of these in this sermon.

To hear an audio recording of the sermon click the YouTube link at the end of the manuscript.

To see a video of the entire service click this link https://youtu.be/vBwyvsIji7Q

Scripture:

John 21:1‭-‬17 NIV Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus ), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.  Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.  He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered.  He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.  Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.  When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.  Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.”  So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.  When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”  Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”  The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

Text:

John 21:15 NIV When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

Introduction

The Sea of Galilee is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Even today you can board a ship at Tiberias, take the short trip to Capernaum, and feel that you are living in biblical times. 

The angel had promised on the resurrection morning that Jesus would meet his disciples in Galilee. 

Matthew 28:5‭-‬10 NIV The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”  So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

Our scripture reading this morning is proof that promise had been fulfilled, at least for seven of the disciples, who had been fishing all night without success until Jesus came.

John 21:1‭-‬6 NIV Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus ), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.  Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.  He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered.  He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

As always, Jesus had provided everything needed. He had told his disciples where to cast their nets for fish, had prepared a fire of coals on which to cook the fish, and, from some source, and had some bread.

John 21:10‭-‬14 NIV Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.”  So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 

This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.

The first is recorded in 

John 20:19‭-‬20 NIV On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”  After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

John 20:26‭-‬27 NIV A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”  Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

Yes He appeared to the two on the road to Emasus but I’m talking about appearances to the main group of disciples including the apostles.

Anyway at this appearance, Jesus focused the “after breakfast” conversation on one thing. In one sense, he was speaking to all the group even though he directed his words to Simon Peter. Exactly what did Jesus mean by the question, “Do you love me more than these?” Three suggestions have been made as to what He meant;

1. Do you love me more than your fellow disciples do?

2. Do you love me more than you love other people?

3. Do you love me more than these ‘things’ that are near you?

 Let’s look at each one of these.

I. “Do you love me more than your fellow disciples do?”

A short time before Jesus was arrested in the garden of Gethsemane, Simon Peter had boasted that his loyalty was greater than that of his peers. As they went out to the Mount of Olives after that last supper in the upper room,  Jesus said to the group,

Matthew 26:31 NIV …. “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:  “ ‘I will strike the shepherd,  and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’

As usual Peter was the first to respond 

Matthew 26:33 NIV Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”

Perhaps Peter did not mean to boast but was wanting to assure the Savior of his loyalty. But that’s not the way it came across! Without realizing what he was saying, Peter was letting the others know that even though their faith may be weak, he would never fail to trust his Master completely and serve him without compromise or disloyalty.

Well we know today what happened and Jesus knew then.

Matthew 26:34 NIV “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”

We all know how as recorded in Matthew 26:69‭-‬75 NIV Peter did in fact deny Jesus 3 times before the rooster crowed 

The for us today is, How strong is your love when compared to or contrasted with the love of other Christians? 

Let me start by saying that we are not in competition with our fellow Christians as to who is the best servant of Jesus. Such an attitude is entirely unchristian if it causes us to develop a critical spirit toward others and a comparison of faults and virtues. This can make us almost like the Pharisees. 

Luke 18:9‭-‬14 NIV  To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.  The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.  I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’   “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’   “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

However,  the question is worth asking! Are you only a nominal Christian, a Christian in name only? Or are you known among your friends as one whose loyalty to Jesus is far above the minimal standard?

Almost every church has at least two groups of people. First, there are those who merely belong. Perhaps they are saved, but they are not showing by their fruit any evidence of a deep love for Jesus. They more or less hang on for the ride but cannot be depended on to witness or serve in any effective way. On the other hand, there is the nucleus that bears the load. Ask yourself which group are you in?

 II. The second suggestion as to what Jesus meant is “Do you love me more than you love other people?”

There were six others with Jesus and Peter. What about Peter's love for Jesus as compared with his love for his fellow friends, his fellow disciples?

Peter was pretty obviously a man of influence, because he was the one Jesus chose to be the leader of the Twelve. That influence was also demonstratedthe day he told his friends he was going fishing and they went with him.

John 21:1‭-‬3 NIV Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus ), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

Peter probably enjoyed his leadership of the group. This was after Jesus' crucifixion and they may have become disillusioned. They probably had not seen Jesus since his second appearance when he had revealed himself to Thomas in such an expressive way. 

They may not have seen Jesus since then and were wondering “what now?”

Peter’s decision to go fishing may have been more than getting away for a few hours; he may have been ready to return to his old occupation as a fisherman. Now Jesus came and showed Peter once again his divinity and his desire for Peter to be a part of his redemptive plan. But first Jesus needed to be sure that Peter loved him more than he loved his friends, to the point that even if his friends deserted him, he would still  be determined to follow Jesus.

This raises some questions for us too.

• What do you love the most? The applause of the crowd or the approval of the Savior? 

• Will peer pressure cause you to compromise your faith? 

• Is there a price tag on your dedication? 

Here's an example. Suppose you are out and struggling whether or not to laugh at a joke making fun of someone.   You watch others that you thought to be strong Christians laughing.  You realize that you have to make a decision about joining the crowd.  Then you pick a person that you respect and decide to do what that person does.  That person doesn't laugh so you don't.   But suppose the person does laugh would this be an excuse for you?

We must love Jesus more than we love anyone else. And we must never allow another person come between us and our Savior.

III. Here’s the third suggestion as to the meaning of Jesus' question to Peter; “Do you love me more than these ‘things’ that are near you?”

The most likely interpretation of our text is that Jesus pointed to the fishing nets and other equipment laying around as he asked Peter, “Do you love me more than these?” 

The real test of a Christian is when he or she is confronted with the matter of personal priorities. The problem of “things” and making a living is always with us!

Let me emphasize that nowhere does the Bible condemn anyone for striving to earn a living to provide the necessities of life for themselves and their family. It's only when this gets out of hand and becomes top priority does it become wrong. Paul said

1 Timothy 5:8 NIV Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

The Bible warns us, however, about majoring on the material things of life.

Matthew 6:19‭-‬21 NIV “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

One of our greatest spiritual needs today is, in the words of a modern writer, “to defy the tyranny of the tangible.”  In other words  we must resist being controlled by material things or the desire for them.

What are the “real things” in life? Are they those things  that can be seen and handled? 

No! These things can fade away in a moment. But you cannot tear away the spiritual truths or concepts behind them. You can burn a book, but you can’t burn an idea. You can destroy a bridge, but you can’t destroy the concept of a bridge. We need to be liberated from the enslaving power of things!

What do you love the most? Things or spiritual principles? Answer that question realistically and you will get an honest evaluation of yourself as a Christian. 

For example here's the contrast between Abraham and Lot.  

Genesis 13:5‭-‬13 NIV Now Lot, who was moving about with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents. But the land could not support them while they stayed together, for their possessions were so great that they were not able to stay together. And quarreling arose between Abram’s herders and Lot’s. The Canaanites and Perizzites were also living in the land at that time.  So Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herders and mine, for we are close relatives. Is not the whole land before you? Let’s part company. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left.”  Lot looked around and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan toward Zoar was well watered, like the garden of the Lord , like the land of Egypt. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. The two men parted company: Abram lived in the land of Canaan, while Lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom. Now the people of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord .

Abraham was the kind of man who, if his business interfered with his religion, gave up his business, 

Genesis 13:8‭-‬9 NIV So Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herders and mine, for we are close relatives. Is not the whole land before you? Let’s part company. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left.”

On the other hand Lot was the kind of man who, if his religion interfered with his business, gave up his religion. 

Genesis 13:10‭-‬13 NIV Lot looked around and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan toward Zoar was well watered, like the garden of the Lord , like the land of Egypt. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. The two men parted company: Abram lived in the land of Canaan, while Lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom. Now the people of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord .

Do you love Jesus more than the “things” that are constantly around you in daily living,  all your stuff.

 Conclusion

We need to look at ourselves realistically and face honestly the question of our love for Jesus. After all has been said and done, the true motivation for service to Jesus is love. If we love, we serve. If we do not love, we do not serve. If we are not serving, it is because we do not love Jesus enough. 

Matthew 20:20‭-‬28 NIV Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.   “What is it you want?” he asked. She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”   “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” they answered.  Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”  When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles Lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.  Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,  and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—  just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

The answer for more dedication on the part of Christians is for each of us to have a greater devotion to the living Savior and love more.

John 21:15‭-‬17 NIV When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”  Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”  The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for letting us work with you to share your joy with the world. Help us not take for granted the gift it is to share you gospel to the nations, and to our neighbors. Help us have eyes to see the needs around us and to respond to those needs in joy and hope. Thank you so much Lord for your love and care over us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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