“Fellowship with the Risen Christ” (John 21:1–14)

“Fellowship with the Risen Christ” (John 21:1–14)
Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist/Sunday AM/April 12, 2015

John 21:1–14 (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.” (John 21:1–14, NIV)

 
1.    The Risen Christ is pleased to use ordinary people engaged in ordinary occupations with all their faults and insecurities to accomplish his mission in this world.

2.    The Risen Christ shows compassion for his disciples by providing physically and financially for them while also preparing them for their mission.

3.    The Risen Christ demonstrates his divine knowledge and power.

4.    The Risen Christ performs miracles like those during his previous ministry, showing him to be the same Jesus, now risen from the dead.

5.    The Risen Christ eats and fellowships with his disciples, serving them and providing for their needs.

6.    The Risen Christ shows concern for the confident faith of his disciples.

Main Idea: Jesus verifies the reality of his bodily resurrection and confirms the faith of his disciples as he prepares them for their future gospel mission.