Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for May 28, 2023

Operation Restoration

John 21:15-25

1. Background

• after Jesus appears to disciples and John’s statement of purpose (20:19-31)
• Peter goes fishing (21:3), Jesus appears at the Sea of Galilee and hosts a breakfast (21:4-14)

2. Jesus Interviews Peter 15-17

• from “Rocky” to “Shaky”
• structure: triple questioning, triple affirmation, triple commission (Matt. 26:33)
• appeal to the omniscience of Jesus
• obedience as the fruit of loving Jesus

3. A Future Prospect and Present Command for Peter 18-19

• uninhibited movement to inhibited movement: martyrdom/cross
• follow Me through service, suffering and death

4. Perspective Regarding the Role of John 20-23

• too much concern for God’s secret counsel and too little concern for conformity to His revealed will
• banishing a rumor and the significance of precision with words

5. A Fitting Conclusion 24-25

• stress on truth and selective history

6. So What?

• Because He is the God of all grace who knows your every weakness, you can be restored to fellowship with Him.
• Subordinate your curiosity about the future of others to an obedience to the command, “Follow Me!”
• “Could we with ink the ocean fill, and were the skies of parchment made…” (Lehman, “The Love of God”)
• “Thou hast promised to receive us, poor and sinful though we be…” (Thrupp, “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us”)