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So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He said unto him, Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. Luke 21.15 Thank you, Jesus, that you use broken people to do mighty things. As I look at the life of Thomas, he represents the areas in my life where I have doubt and fear.
He represents the areas in my life where I begin to question whether or not the promises will come to pass in my life. However, through Thomas, I also see the goodness of the Lord and that you are not taken back or angered by my moments of doubt, but instead you feel compassion and provide ways for me to lay hold of and to put my hands on the truth of your word.
Through Peter, I see that you give me many chances to regain my position and my honor within your kingdom. And like Peter, I will not miss my opportunity to proclaim your goodness and your love to the entire world. With each opportunity of open doors that you bring me, I realize it is you asking if I love you enough to walk through them and give you glory in all that I do. And to that, I say yes.
I say that I am ready to represent you, Jesus, with all of my heart. I realize that my time has come. I realize that the days of being afraid are gone. And I realize, and I realize, I am ready for what's next. In Jesus' name, amen. Stay tuned to immerse yourself in the greatest stories ever told from Pray.com's podcast, Heroes in the Bible.
Hi, I'm Dr. Tony Evans, your host for Heroes in the Bible, Jesus. If you've been enjoying this series, please write a review and let me know how this podcast has impacted your life. Welcome to the greatest story ever told. It is a story of a shepherd's heart for his sheep, a father's love for his children, and a hero's triumph over death and darkness. This is a story that continues to shape and mold the world around us, bringing the divine heart of God right into the hearts of you and me.
This episode is Jesus' final act of healing on earth. He spent a great deal of time during his ministry healing the sick, lame, and blind. He cleansed lepers and closed up a woman's bleeding. He even brought people back from the dead. But this healing is special, unlike any other we have seen before. Beside a fire on the sandy coast of the sea, Jesus is going to restore a broken heart.
This episode will take us back to the beginning where the seeds of Galilee gently bob Peter's boat up and down. Simular sights, sounds, and smells will enter the story to remind us of a more innocent time. Peter is about to be taken on a journey back to the past so he can move on to the future. Our prelude today once again brings us back to King David. Only this story takes place before he ruled over anything but a sheep pasture.
Before David slew giants and defeated armies, he was a lowly shepherd. Beside the tall swaying grass and underneath the shade of a cypress tree, David strummed a sweet melody for the Lord. His words soothed billions of hearts like Peter's, lost and alone, needing to be brought back to the heart of their good shepherd. I pray this episode restores your heart as well. Here is episode 22, Do You Love Me?
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Hey, who doesn't love bacon? And did you know Oscar Mayer smokes their delicious bacon for 12 hours over real hardwood?
That's a really long time to perfect a smoky flavor and even longer than it takes to go on a long road trip from Chicago to Pittsburgh, stop for food along the way, and still get there while the bacon is smoking. The point is, Oscar Mayer takes the best cuts and smokes them over real hardwood chips. There's no wrong way to enjoy it. So buy some Oscar Mayer thick cut bacon now. Prelude to Chapter 22. David sat in the tall grass.
Looking down at the sheep grazing below the hill, he sat with his back against a cypress tree, strumming his harp. The melody was soft and filled with emotion. The sweet melody seemed to make the grass dance. Slowly, as the sun set behind them, the sheep began to fall asleep. As night came, David sang to the sheep below. The Lord is my shepherd. I shall want for nothing else.
David's strumming was methodical. Its sound was like sweet incense rising up to the Lord. David continued to sing into the night. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, there is no evil I will fear, for you are with me. Your rod and shepherd's staff comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anointed me with oil, and my cup overflows with your blessing.
All the sheep had fallen asleep, and David played with unwavering faith to the God of his heart. He looked to the stars and breathed in deeply. With a final note, David raised his voice to the heavens and sang, Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
David knew that the heart of God was like a shepherd for his sheep. In the quiet and stillness of night, David connected to his Lord. Yet, David did not know that his song to the Lord was prophetic. In his song, David sang of a greater shepherd that would rise and lead his sheep to still waters. He would restore their weary souls and lead them in paths of righteousness.
This shepherd would lay his life down for his sheep and through him they would dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Chapter 22: Do You Love Me? Regret This was the sickness that consumed Peter day and night. It was like a knot in his stomach that could not be untied. The memories of denying Jesus flashed in his mind like a nightmare. Although Jesus was alive,
He did not have the courage to speak to him when he first appeared. "How could I possibly face Jesus after what I did?" Peter thought to himself. A gentle wind came in from the Sea of Tiberias. Peter sat on a ledge overlooking the waters. The sun was setting, creating a burnt hue over the glassy horizon. It was perfect sailing weather. And evening was the perfect time to fish. Peter breathed in deeply.
He had conceded to the reality he would never be anything more than a fisherman. His dreams of proclaiming the kingdom of God had shattered the night he sat by the fire and denied Jesus to a little girl. "Even if Jesus is alive, he doesn't want to use me," Peter thought. A few yards away sat Nathaniel, Thomas, James, and John. Peter stood to his feet and began walking towards the shore. "Where are you going?" John shouted.
Peter didn't look back. He waved his hand and yelled, "Fishing!" and continued down the rocks towards his boat. The four others joined him. As the sun set over the gleaming sea, the disciples set sail. The four other men laughed into the night, sharing stories of Jesus' ministry and dreaming about the future. Peter remained silent, staring at the stars above. He threw his nets over the side of the boat and waited.
For a few weeks now, Peter had barely caught anything. I can't even fish, Peter whispered. What's the point? He rested his head against the mast. The four others were casting nets on their sides of the boat as well. Together, they casted, tugged, and recasted. However, none of them were able to catch anything.
"What do you think Jesus will do now that he has returned?" James asked the others. "Maybe he will show himself at the temple. Could you imagine the look on Caiaphas' face?" John chuckled. The rest of them laughed. They speculated throughout the night, wondering when Jesus would show himself again. It all still seemed like a dream. "All I know is that I will follow him to the end," Thomas said. "I'm done doubting. He has proven to be faithful.
So I will be faithful in return. Thomas' words felt like a knife in Peter's side. It was too dark for the others to see tears streaming down his face. The boat rocked up and down, and the disciples continued their vain attempts at catching fish. Peter remembered the first time he witnessed the graciousness of Jesus. He had fished all night and caught nothing. Yet Jesus wanted to go out for a catch anyways.
Peter obeyed, and that day they caught more fish than the boat could handle. Peter remembered the feeling of shame he felt in Jesus' presence. He was a lowly fisherman. What right did he have to stand before the Son of God? Yet even so, Jesus accepted him and gave him purpose. Peter closed his eyes and allowed the boat to gently rock him to sleep.
The sound of creaking wood and splashing water was a familiar lullaby. That night, Peter dreamt of Jesus. He remembered the smile on his face when he hurled in the last catch. He remembered the flashes of Jesus' glory on the mountain of Transfiguration. In Peter's heart of hearts, he longed to be restored to Jesus' side once again. But there was still far too much shame holding him captive.
Dawn was breaking and Peter awoke to the gulls flying overhead. The morning light was ascending over the east side of the sea, breaking up the morning fog. Peter rose to his feet and checked the nets. Still no fish. He ran his fingers through his hair, tying it back into a knot. Peter rolled up his sleeves and brought the nets back into the boat. The other disciples woke up shortly after and began to row back to shore.
Just a hundred yards away from the beach, Thomas could see a figure waving at them. The sun was behind him, making it impossible to see his face. My children! The voice shouted. Did you catch any fish? No, sir. We toiled into the night and caught nothing. The tides must not have been on our side. James shouted back.
"Try again!" the stranger replied. "Cast your nets on the right side of the boat. I think you may find some." James rolled his eyes. They were tired and discouraged from a night of no fish. However, perhaps the tide had shifted in their favor. So the disciples took their nets and cast it on the right side of the boat. The water was flat, and still the disciples waited in silence for something to happen.
A few moments passed, and Peter was growing frustrated. Just as he was about to grab the nets to pull them back in, he could hear the sound of tugging rope. The men stood back, and the nets stiffened and pulled against the side of the boat. The vessel began to lean towards the right, and the men leapt for the nets, trying to tug them back in. Fish filled the nets to the brim. There were so many that the disciples could not even pull them in.
James and Nathaniel were laughing. Thomas stood over them with his hands on his head in disbelief. However, John was peering at the shore. As the sun rose slightly higher, he could see the figure standing in the distance. John's jaw fell to the ground. He stood to his feet and smiled ear to ear. He pointed to the horizon and shouted, It's him! It's the Lord! Peter released his grip on the net and looked out.
Standing near the water was Jesus. He wore his familiar grin and waved towards the boat. Peter's heart stopped. He remembered the time Jesus stood on the waters and called out to Peter. He remembered how his gaze left Jesus and he sank to the bottom of the ocean. That is what he did beside the fire. The night Jesus was taken, he took his eyes off Jesus. That is why he denied him three times. Peter understood now.
It wasn't perseverance or skill that would save him. It was fixing his gaze solely on Jesus. Without another second of thinking, Peter dove headfirst into the water. Peter remained underneath for a moment with his eyes closed, having flashbacks of drowning before Jesus rescued him. He opened his eyes and saw the sun peeking through the top of the water. Peter's heart beat swiftly, and he swam to shore.
His large arms chopped through the water and his legs kicked with vigor. He couldn't wait for the boat to be docked. He had to see Jesus. Peter finally made his way to the beach. His clothes were soaked and it turned out the boat had beat him to the shore. Peter scanned the beach for Jesus. He was sitting by a charcoal fire, waiting for the disciples to bring in the fish.
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panting with water dripping from his clothes. Peter ran to where Jesus was sitting. He dropped the fish beside him and paused. Peter looked at that fire. He had seen that dark charcoal before. It had a special scent that brought back many memories. The charcoal Jesus used to start the fire was unique. It was the same charcoal used for the fires beside the temple where Peter denied Jesus. Peter stood over the fire for a moment.
His clothes were sopping wet and dripped onto the sand below. Will you sit with me and enjoy some breakfast, Peter? Jesus asked. Peter looked Jesus in the eye and nodded. All the disciples sat down and ate. However, Peter just stared at Jesus, looking for the right words to say. They finished eating silently by the fire. The sun was now high in the sky, yet Peter was still shivering from the damp clothes draped on his back.
He was lost in thought, staring blankly at the fire. Jesus looked up from across the coals and said, Simon, son of John. Peter looked up. It had been a long time since Jesus called him Simon. Jesus looked deeply into the fisherman's eyes and asked, Do you love me? Peter met Christ's gaze. The flickering flames reflected in his eyes. Yes, Lord, you know that I love you. Peter answered,
Jesus nodded and poked the charcoal with a stick. "Then feed my lambs," he replied. The black smoke rose high into the air. Peter hated the smell of it. It reminded him of his sins. He could still hear the echoes of the rooster's call in his mind. "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Jesus asked again. This time Peter paused before answering. He considered the question: did he truly love Jesus?
If so, then why did he fall asleep when Jesus wanted him to pray? If he loved him, then why did he deny him three times? Peter sighed and thought deeply. He raised his head and looked at Jesus. Although his actions did not fully express it, Peter knew the answer. Yes, Lord, you know that I love you. Jesus' gaze did not leave Peter's. If you love me, tend to my sheep, he answered.
The tension was thick enough to run a blade through. The other disciples merely watched and listened silently as Jesus asked Peter a third time. This time, Jesus' tone was serious and filled with intensity. Simon, son of John, do you love me? Peter fell to his knees. Jesus had now asked three times the same amount of times he denied him. He placed his hands in his face and wept.
The rest of the disciples listened to the sound of his sobs and the crackling of the fire. Peter looked up to see Jesus' compassionate smile. Peter wiped his tears and nodded his head. Lord, you know all things. You know my heart and you know my mind. You have searched me and known me. You know that I love you. Jesus nodded and stood to his feet. He knelt down to Peter and placed his hand on his shoulder.
Jesus held it firmly and said, "Then, my sheep." In that moment, Peter felt the full weight of grace fall upon him like a tidal wave. He breathed in deep and felt the burden of shame melt away. He embraced Jesus and wept on his shoulder. Jesus had restored Peter. Although he denied him, there would be no condemnation for those who loved him.
Peter's heart was filled with the Spirit of God. He had finally realized why Jesus died on that cross. His sins were heavy, like an anchor on his soul. Yet Jesus was able to take it upon himself, so Peter would not have to. Peter was now empowered to run without the burden of shame. Jesus held Peter to his feet and took him alone to the water. Together they walked and spoke as friends.
The two of them stopped and looked out on the water. They watched as the gulls dove headfirst into the water to snatch up fish. Still looking out, Jesus spoke to Peter, saying, When you were young, you were used to doing as you pleased. You dressed yourself and walked wherever you wanted. You followed your own desires, Peter. Yet now, you no longer have that freedom. You are called by me. That means you will be taken where you do not wish to go. You will be carried out as I was. Will you still follow me?
Peter turned to look at Jesus. He would no longer deny him. He nodded, ready to receive whatever death awaited him because of Jesus. Peter turned back to the fire. John and the other disciples were still eating and talking amongst themselves. "What about John?" Peter asked. "What is his faith?" Jesus looked back at John. His young smile was infectious. Jesus grinned and patted Peter on the back. "My plans for John are none of your concern.
He may remain until I return once again. Yet that is not for you to know. You follow me and the gifts and callings I have given you, Peter. Peter nodded. John and Peter would both suffer for the sake of Christ. Peter would march up a hill with his own cross and hang upside down. John would be exiled to rot away on an island. Yet before these things would happen, they would see the world forever changed by the power of God's Spirit.
They would be called as shepherds to tend Jesus' sheep. Together, they would witness and usher in the beginning of Christ's church. These lowly fishermen from the back country of Galilee would be used to usher in the glory of God himself. Yet it all began with following the good shepherd, Jesus.
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Are you ready to have your bacon loving mind blown?
Well, here it is. Oscar Mayer takes 12 hours to smoke some delicious thick-cut bacon. Most other bacon out there is smoked for four to six hours, but Oscar Mayer doubles that time. Let's put that into perspective. You could drive from Detroit to Omaha, and Oscar Mayer thick-cut bacon wouldn't be finished smoking. You could spend the morning and all afternoon watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy in full. You could even go to bed, get a full night's sleep, wake up, shower,
shower, have breakfast, including some delicious Oscar Mayer bacon, and then drive to work and to think that the bacon would still be smoking. The point is, all of these take at least half a day to complete, and Oscar Mayer takes the best cuts and smokes them over real hardwood chips for a really long time until it tastes really good. So buy some Oscar Mayer thick cut bacon now and enjoy. We were taken back to where it all began for Peter.
Before his name was Peter, before he even knew Jesus, just rocking on a boat with his head against the mast, frustrated after a night of no fish, Peter was attempting to return to his old life. The shame he experienced caused him to return to what was comfortable and familiar.
When you and I experience pain and shame and we have no one to blame but ourselves, we tend to shrink back and retreat to old habits. We find comfort in our old lifestyles, relationships, and sins that gave us security, even though we hated who we were during that time of our lives. It's a human universal to slip back into old habits when things get tough.
Something about us wants to barrel back into sin when we sense danger or discomfort. For Peter, it was shame that led him back to the fishing boat. While the other men dreamed about their futures with Jesus, Peter was still reeling from the past. Shame is paralyzing. When we define ourselves based on our past mistakes, we keep ourselves from stepping forward. We chain ourselves to our sins as self-punishment. We put ourselves in a prison of our own insecurity because we think we deserve it.
That is what Peter was doing this whole time. He thought his sins disqualified him from the love and favor of God. Have you done this to yourself? Are you unable to forgive yourself and move on from what you've done? Peter was in the same boat, no pun intended. He gave up on his dreams and put himself on time out. But Jesus was on the shore ready to bring him back in. Jesus first got Peter's attention through fishing. Do you remember episode 6 when Jesus caused his boat to overflow with fish?
We shouldn't leave, Simon Peter said. It's hopeless. He stood up to begin unwrapping the sails. Then, as Simon stood up, he heard a slight tightening of the rope behind him. Simon froze. His eyes widened as he looked back slowly. The nets were tightening at a fast pace, so fast that if Simon did not act quickly, they would break. He dove for the nets as they were being dragged off the side of the boat.
Andrew and Jesus leaped forward to help him. Together they dragged the net out of the water. As they pulled, Simon could see thousands of fish being drawn into the boat. The three of them laughed as they continued to bring in fish. Peter yelled for James and John to come close to them so they could draw more in. The men were screaming with delight.
Both the boats were filled with fish. It was the most joy Simon had felt in years, yet his smile quickly faded. As the other men cheered, Simon looked at Jesus. His eyes began to water. He fell to his knees. Depart from me, Lord, Simon said. He felt so much shame for the life he had been living. He had so much bitterness and anger within him. He felt unworthy to be in the presence of Jesus. I am a sinful man, O Lord. I am not worthy.
Sometimes, in order to realize our future, we have to face our past. We have to revisit parts of our lives we would rather forget. There are wounds that have not healed, sins you have not repented of, and mistakes you haven't learned from. Peter's past flashed before his eyes. The first time Jesus captured his heart, the moment he walked on water and sank, and the transfiguration raced in his mind. All those moments came back to Peter like a whirlwind. He needed to deal with them or else he would drown.
Jesus took Peter on a journey. In order to restore Peter and empower him for the future, he made him face his past. Jesus invited Peter to sit down with him by the fire. This was the second time scripture mentioned a charcoal fire. It was the same type of coals that warmed Peter when he denied Jesus. The smell of the fire brought back old memories, emotions, and images from that dreadful night.
Jesus was lovingly making Peter face his shame. With the memories of his betrayal fresh in his mind, Peter was asked a simple question. Simon, son of John, do you love me? Peter answered as honestly as he could. Yes, Lord, you know I love you. Jesus then gave Peter a charge. If you love me, then tend to my sheep. Jesus asked the same question three times, and each time Peter answered, Jesus commissioned him with something.
Tend to my sheep. Feed my lambs. Feed my sheep. Jesus allowed Peter the chance to declare his love for him. Then he commissioned Peter with a beautiful calling to tend to the flock of God. There is no restoration without dealing with the past, but there is also no restoration without a dream for the future.
Jesus led Peter through a process of healing by forgiving him of his past and commissioning him for his future. Jesus had the heart of a shepherd. Before calling Peter to be a shepherd, he tended to him with gentleness and love. In our next episode, Jesus will commission the rest of his disciples. His time on earth is coming to an end, as is our series on the life of Jesus. Join us next time for our 23rd and final episode, Go Therefore.
Thanks again for listening. For more inspiring stories, daily prayers, and wisdom to last a lifetime, go to Pray.com. And to expand your Heroes in the Bible journey, download the Heroes of the Faith devotional at TonyEvans.org forward slash heroes. Please write a review and let me know how Jesus and this podcast have impacted your life. God bless.
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