Living in Light of Christ's Resurrection

Living in Light of Christ's Resurrection (Jn 21)
Intro: Why this "epilogue?"
The book isn't over 'til we've learned how to live life in His name

Exposition

1. Restoration-Jesus forgives his servant (v1-15)
   How could Peter live in light of his failure? Peter's 3 denials counted now by 3 declarations of love; 3 recommissionings. Cf Jn 18:18, Mk 14:29, Mt 10:32-33

Aside: No real difference between agapao & phileo; trust your Bibles

Application: Also story of our failure, shame & restoration
Story of all our disgrace, shame, & miserable failure to live worthy of grace & love we've received; story of every Christian's life, not just Peter's.

2. Consecration: Jesus calls him to live like "a dead man on furlough" (v16-23)
   Peter was to devote himself w/o fear, reserve, or ceasing to life & ministry Jesus has given & re-given him. Time was short; work was great. Not a time for fear, but for utter consecration & forgetfulness of self & pleasure; i.e. a dead man on furlough.

Application: Ex. of Peter speaks to us: his weakness & love
William Temple. "The example of Paul is of little use to me; I am not a hero. The example of John is of but little more use; my love is so feeble. But Peter is a source of constant encouragement, for his weakness is so manifest, yet because he was truly the friend of his Lord he became the Prince of the Apostles and glorified God by his death."

Conclusion: Focus not on ourselves but on Jesus Christ (v24-25)
There's infinitely more about Jesus Christ than he could possibly tell about the one who was God & became Man. God the Son became a man so that we men could become the sons of God. There's an ocean left unsaid.