_After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias_ THE SEA OF TIBERIAS twelve full miles in length by nearly seven in breadth, formed by the widening of the river, and lying almost seven hundred feet below the level of the Mediterranean; is a beautiful expanse... [ Continue Reading ]
_Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing_ I GO A FISHING 1. A sudden inspiration. 2. A prompt resolution. 3. A hopeful expedition. 4. A laborious occupation. 5. A fruitless speculation. 6. A happy termination. (_T. Whitelaw, D. D_.) LEADERS AND FOLLOWERS I. LEADERS. In Church and State... [ Continue Reading ]
_But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore_ THE RISEN SAVIOUR ON THE SHORE Note I. THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE RISEN SAVIOUR TO HIS PEOPLE. And we see at once that 1. That is the same as before. Jesus miraculously supplying their food, calling them to eat with Him--that is what He... [ Continue Reading ]
_Jesus said unto them, Have ye any meat?_ THE TENDER LOVE OF THE RISEN CHRIST The question pertained to the wants of the body. Christ’s resurrection body was still in sympathy with theirs. The higher He rose the deeper and more perfect were His sympathies. He could hunger no more, be weary no more... [ Continue Reading ]
_Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find_ OLD INSTRUMENTALITIES, BUT NEW METHOD, AN EMBLEM OF CHRIST’S REDEMPTIVE METHOD Christ commanded the disciples to cast the old net in a new way. Thus He ever does in redeeming souls. I. HE EMPLOYS OLD INSTRUMENTALITIES. There are man... [ Continue Reading ]
_Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said unto Peter, It is the Lord_ VARIETY IN UNITY I. LOVE RECOGNIZING JESUS. John was distinguished for his clear and far-reaching vision. Peter was the embodiment of zeal, John of love. 1. Love can recognize where mere earnestness fails. You did not hear... [ Continue Reading ]
_As soon as they were come to land they saw a fire of coals there._ THE TWO FIRES--A CONTRAST (Text, and John 18:18) I. THE FIRE IN THE PALACE COURT. 1. A scene of sorrow--the Saviour’s trial. 2. A place of temptation--in the company of Christ’s enemies. 3. A witness of sin--the denials of Pet... [ Continue Reading ]
_Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine_ LOVING INVITATION (cf. John 1:39):--Here is I. NEARNESS familiar and domestic. While we are sinners faith brings us into a justified state by simply looking to Christ; but after believing faith then assists us to enjoy Christ. Some expect to enjoy Christ fi... [ Continue Reading ]
_So when they had dined, Jesus saith … Simon son of Judas, lovest thou Me more than these?_ PETER’S RESTORATION I. THE LORD’S QUESTION. 1. The question itself. (1) The feeling inquired about. Other feelings there are which often move the soul; but love surpasses them all. Every one knows what is... [ Continue Reading ]
_When thou wast young thou girdest thyself_ LIGHT ON PETER’S WAY I. PETER’S FUTURE DESTINY DISCLOSED (John 21:18). 1. The manner of the disclosure. (1) Solemnly--“Verily, verily.” (2) Authoritatively. “I,” who know all things, “say unto you.” (3) Feelingly. There can be small question but that... [ Continue Reading ]
_The disciple whom Jesus loved_ THE BELOVED DISCIPLE Our Lord loved all His disciples: “I have called you friends. ” And yet within that circle of love there was an innermost place in which the beloved John was favoured to dwell. Those who display an extraordinary love to one are all the more cap... [ Continue Reading ]
_Peter seeing John saith to Jesus, Lord, what shall this man do?_ THE INDIVIDUALITY OF CHRISTIAN LIFE Christ had just foretold to Peter that he should in his old age die a martyr, and with that before him, the apostle left the thought of his own suffering and inquired respecting the destiny of Joh... [ Continue Reading ]
_This is the disciple which testifieth of these things_ THE GOSPEL OF ST. John I. ITS TRANSCENDENT THEME. “The things which Jesus did.” 1. Their number--“many.” 2. Their variety--“other.” 3. Their importance. So deep had been the impression made by them that they were even then remembered and... [ Continue Reading ]