Lesson 7 April 15 FOLLOW ME AND FEED MY SHEEP BIBLE BASIS: John 21:15-25 BIBLE TRUTH: Jesus' followers show their love for Him by caring for His sheep. MEMORY VERSE: "Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou my lambs" (from John 21:15, KJV). LESSON AIM: By the end of this lesson, we will: ANALYZE Jesus' questions and Peter's responses to "follow Me"; AFFIRM the restoration of Peter after his threefold denial of Jesus; and OBEY Jesus' commands to "feed My lambs," "tend My sheep," and "feed My sheep." BACKGROUND SCRIPTURES: John 21:15-25 - Read and incorporate the insights that you gained from reading the Background Scriptures into your study of the lesson. LESSON SCRIPTURE JOHN 21:15-25, KJV 15 So 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 my lambs. 16 He 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. 17 He 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. 18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. 19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. 20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the dis-ciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? 21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? 22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. 23 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? 24 This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. 25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen. LIFE NEED FOR TODAY'S LESSON AIM: Students will agree people are some-times reluctant to show love and care for others.
INTRODUCTION Jesus' Expectations The conclusion of the Gospel of John contains two distinct sections. The first section deals with Peter's reinstatement, while the second section deals with confidence that John provides. Jesus has risen from the dead but not ascended to the Father. He appeared to His disciples several times (John 20:15, 26-29; 21:5-23), and now on this last occasion, Jesus places Peter in a shepherd role over His flock. After Jesus' resurrection, Peter and a few of his fishing partners were at the Sea of Tiberias. Three whirlwind years of Jesus' ministry had ended. He was crucified and risen, and no longer walked with them daily. Without a vision for his future, Peter decides to go back to the work he did before meeting Jesus he announces that he is going fishing, which seems like a good idea to everyone (John 21:3). But after fishing all night, they caught nothing. BIBLE LEARNING AIM: Jesus expected Peter to obey His command to take care of His people. I. COMMISSIONING (John 21:15-17) According to John, Jesus has now appeared to the disciples for the third time after His resurrection (21:14). He presided over the meal after the catch of fish. After dining, Jesus now turns His attention to Peter. Remember that at the time of the crucifixion, Peter had denied Christ publicly on three occasions. These verses tell of Peter's public restoration. 15 So 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 my lambs. 16 He 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. 17 He 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. Jesus asks Peter probing questions. His first question challenges Peter to the depth of his being: "Lovest thou me more than these?" (v. 15). An important question is what "these" refers to. First, Jesus could have been asking Peter whether he loved Christ over the other disciples. Second, Christ could have been asking whether Peter loved Him more than the other disciples did (cf. Mark 14:29; Luke 22:33; John 13:37). Third, Jesus could be inquiring whether Peter loved Him more than his boats and fish (his profession). Perhaps the question's ambiguity is not only intentional, but also suggests the need for full consecration. Jesus intended to make clear a general exclusion of everything that would interfere with Peter's love for Him. With the memory of his recent failure, Peter could not appeal to his record, instead appealing to the Lord's knowledge. What challenging questions or comments have religious leaders asked you or the congregation about your witness for Christ? But that is not the end of the matter. Three times Jesus asks the same question (John 21:15-17). It has been noted that Jesus used the Greek word agapao (ah-gah-pah-oh), while Peter responds with phileo (fee-leh-oh), two different words that translate "love." The former conveys a divine type of love, and the latter means "the feeling of natural love." Most modern commentators agree that John uses the two Greek verbs for love here synonymously, so nothing should be read into the words' different nuances. The rest of Jesus and Peter's conversation is also filled with synonyms. In v. 15, Jesus tells Peter, "Feed (Gk. bosko, BOSS-ko)
my lambs" (Gk. arnion, ar-nee-on). But His repeat of the question in v. 16 is, "Feed (Gk. poimaino, poy-my-no) my sheep" (Gk. probaton, PRO-ba-tone). Bosko is used more often with pigs, and poimaino more often with sheep, but both mean to feed or graze an animal. While arnion is usually translated as "lamb" (i.e., a young sheep), in the Greek translation of the Old Testament, the yearling lamb used as a Passover sacrifice is called probaton (Exodus 12:4-5). Jesus asks the third time with a slight modification, using the same word for love that Peter does. Again, Jesus instructs Peter, "Feed my sheep." Peter was grieved (v. 17), not necessarily because Jesus has changed verbs, but because this was the third time the same question had been asked. As Peter had disowned Jesus three times, so Christ requires this elementary yet profound confession three times. Peter's response has no trace of self-righteousness. He can only appeal to the fact that the Lord knows everything, and therefore knows his heart. And that is enough. To avert any doubt that Peter is fully restored to future service, Jesus again commands, "Feed my lambs." In this event Jesus makes clear that love is the only adequate basis for service. QUESTION 1 Jesus emphasizes love as the basis for service. This is carried through to His words to Peter: "Feed my sheep" (v. 17). What are the reasons that you decide to serve? QUESTION 2 Do you love Jesus enough to commit your life to serving Him wherever you go or do? Why or why not? II. CONSEQUENCES (vv. 18-22) Following Jesus is not easy. Immediately after commissioning Peter to take care of His flock, Jesus tells him the ultimate consequences that await him. Peter is informed that following Him will cost Peter his life (vv. 18-19). Church history tells us that Roman Emperor Nero crucified Peter, who felt unworthy to die like Jesus and requested that his cross be turned upside down. Peter's death is bittersweet bitter because he would be crucified, but sweet because his death would glorify God. 18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. 19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. Jesus continued His conversation with Peter after his rehabilitation and reinstatement. Before Jesus' crucifixion, Peter had stoutly maintained his willingness to die for his Lord. But Jesus had declared his inability to follow and instead predicted his denial (John 13:3638). Now the Lord predicts Peter's future. Jesus informs Peter that he must suffer martyrdom as an aspect of his discipleship. Although the word "follow" should be understood literally, the phrase "stretch forth thy hands" is generally agreed to be a reference to crucifixion. That meant that Peter was obliged to "follow" Jesus, even to the point of crucifixion. In this way he would also glorify God, not in the theological impact and significance of Jesus' death, but as a faithful disciple willing to fol-low his Master to death (cf. 1 Peter 4:16). After Jesus reinstates Peter, He tells him to take care of His church. Why is it so hard for Christians to forgive and reinstate fellow believers and church leaders? Or, should everyone forgiven be reinstated to the same position or status? 20 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? 21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? 22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. Turning around and seeing John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, Peter asked a troubling question: "What shall this man do?" It's a very human and natural question to ask "What about someone else?" We tend to focus on comparisons and see how we compare to others, to try to understand our position. This is not the way it works with God, who is concerned about us personally. Of course, He is concerned about our community, our brothers and sisters, our friends, the world. But these can stand in the way of our confronting our own individual responsibilities before God. Our concern for others can actually sidetrack us from facing His personal demands on us. Peter faced this problem in this verse, and Jesus was prepared to focus him on his personal calling. QUESTION 3 Do you think reconciliation is possible between those who have betrayed one another? Why? Why not? QUESTION 4 How would you categorize Peter's relation-ship with Jesus prior to His post-resurrection appearances? III. CLARITY AND CONFIDENCE (vv. 23-25) 23 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? This conversation between Jesus and Peter resulted in a rumor among early brethren in the Christian faith: that Jesus said John would not die until His return. The fact that John was the last surviving disciple gave strength to this false notion. The evangelist is anxious to make perfectly clear that Jesus had not spoken as a matter of fact, but rather in hyperbole, that is, exaggerated language, to make a point to Peter. 24 This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. 25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen. In concluding his writing, John explains that he was the unnamed disciple referred to in several previous passages. John gave solemn testimony to the truth of what he wrote. His testimony is true. He adds that it was impossible for him or anyone else to write the whole truth about Jesus. Christ did many other things, and it would be impossible to write them all. John ends the book by letting us know that there is much more about Jesus than we know. QUESTION 5 Rumors can create chaos and hurt feelings. John addressed the rumor that he would not die (v. 23). Evaluate how this rumor could have caused problems among the disciples and in sharing the Gospel. QUESTION 6 What is the most important message John wants us to consider and believe about Jesus? BIBLE APPLICATION AIM: Students will value Christians encouraging one another to show compassion toward others.
After fishing during the night, the next morning, the disciples heard someone calling to them from the shore asking if they caught any fish. Peter answers no, and the stranger suggests throwing the net on the other side of the boat. Since a person standing on the shore could often see the schools of fish, Peter obliged. The catch was enormous-153 in fact (probably counted by Peter himself)! John exclaims, "It's the Lord!" and Peter jumps into the water and swims ashore (21:7). The disciples enjoy fish and bread prepared by Jesus Himself. Jesus "feeds His sheep," the disciples. Meditate on the Memory Verse and answer the question, "What will it mean for me to feed Jesus' lambs?" STUDENTS' RESPONSES AIM: Students will affirm that discipleship requires commitment. Restoration returns people back to their original purpose or position. The African American church has a longstanding record in the ministry of restoration. Whether restoring America's values of justice and equality or even restoring civil rights to people of color, the church has always been on the front lines of this battle. Dear Perfect Provider, You have given us so much and yet we do not always give You more of ourselves. You gave us Jesus, who provides for our needs. We worship and bless You for giving us a way to connect with You, even when we have disconnected from You, our Perfect Provider. In the Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen. DIG A LITTLE DEEPER This section provides an additional research article or other information to further your study of the lesson. Peter is known for his quick actions, being a leader and a very close friend of Jesus, and for denying Jesus. He was a fisherman by trade and was married. Yet, Peter's impudence and bravery, which enabled him to walk on water or cut off a Roman soldier's ear, quickly dissipated. Although we do not know all of Peter's feelings about his denial of Jesus, the burden had to be heavy. Evaluate and explore more about Peter and his restored relationship with Christ. We, too, need reenergized relationships with Christ. Whenever discrimination exists, there also is a need for restoration. Discrimination makes things unfair and unequal, whereas restoration forces things to be fair and equal. Where there is personal sin, restoration begins with repentance and forgiveness. While the ministry of restoration is challenging, it is also necessary because of our faith in Jesus. We must always remember that Jesus had to restore us, and as His people, our mission should be rooted in restoring others. Who in your life is in need of the ministry of restoration? PRAYER