Preaching
Preaching the Miracles
Cycle C
Discipline (v. 7) - Who is "the disciple whom Jesus loved?" In John's gospel, John never mentions his name, but describes himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved." It was not that John only was loved by Jesus, but apparently there was an exceptional closeness to their relationship, akin to David and Jonathon. In this instance, John was the only disciple who recognized that it was Jesus standing on the beach. Love has the power of vision and insight into the nature of people. Love lets you see who a person is.
Clothes (v. 7) - When we go for a swim, it is customary to take off our clothes. Even though we wear swim suits, we often wear the least possible without getting arrested. Bikinis are next to nothing. In the case of Peter, he did the opposite. To work he took off his clothes, but when John told him the man on the beach was Jesus, he put on his clothes and jumped into the water and swam ashore. He was so eager to see Jesus that he could not wait for the boat to come to shore. But why swim with clothes? If the person were a woman, we could understand that Peter did not want to be embarrassed. See the picture of Peter when he stood before Jesus. His wet clothes clung to his body, water was dripping off his hair and beard, he was shivering in the early morning cold - what a spectacle of a man before Jesus! But why did he put on his clothes? Probably out of respect for Jesus, he wanted to be properly dressed. Also, it may have been that he felt guilty for denying Jesus. His clothes, like Adam and Eve's, were a cover-up. Jim Bakker tried to cover up his sin with Jessica Hawn with greenbacks!
Fish and Bread (v. 9) - When the men came off the boat, they noticed that Jesus had a fire and was preparing a meal with fish and bread. Where did he get these supplies? We do not know. It indicates that he was able to feed them. They could not catch fish without him, but he could provide food without them. He is the bread of life available for all. Is it not strange, then, that Jesus asked them to bring some of the fish they just caught? Was it because he did not have enough fish for the seven? Or was he teaching a lesson that food is a cooperative venture? Humans have a part in feeding the hungry.
Application
Relevance of Revelation - 1. Today's miracle deals with a serious problem both in the world and in the church, the problem of drop-outs or quitters. The number of drop-outs is indicated in the above introduction. It is more difficult to re-activate inactive church members than to gain new ones. Today's church is hampered by 40 percent of inactive, disinterested members. The problem is exacerbated by the statement in Hebrews that it is impossible to regain lapsed Christians.
2. The miracle deals also with a question faced by many regarding the resurrection. Was the resurrection a matter of faith, or did it involve a real, physical body? The account shows that Jesus was physical enough to be seen, to be talked with, to perform a miracle and to prepare food. Though Jesus had a glorified body, it was a mysterious body that was both spiritual and physical.
3. On the occasion of this miracle, the disciples had a real experience with the risen Jesus, just as Paul had on the Damascus road. This makes the miracle relevant to us today. Is a similar experience with the risen Lord possible for us today? How can this happen? Until it does happen, we cannot be certain where we can say, "I know he lives. He lives within my heart."
Sermon Suggestions
1. Love knows. "The disciple whom Jesus loved (v. 7)" told Peter that the stranger on the beach was the Lord. John had a special love relationship with Jesus that enabled him to recognize Jesus. Love makes identity possible. Love sees things others cannot see. Love can see the worth, the hope, the promise in people. When a couple decides to marry, sometimes it is said, "I can't see what he sees in her." Love perceives, understands and appreciates the real person in the one loved.
2. Can't Wait to See You. When Peter learned that the man on shore was Jesus, his best friend, he could not wait to see and talk with him. His eagerness was expressed by jumping in the water and swimming to shore. He could not wait for the boat to come in. Though he failed Jesus by denying him, he still respected, admired and loved Jesus. Would that people today were that eager to come into Jesus' presence! The Psalmist had this longing to worship: "I was glad when they said to me, let us go into the house of the Lord." In spite of his sin, Peter longed to be with Jesus. Why? Because Jesus loves sinners who repent. Even those who do not repent!
3. Swim Clothes. We get undressed to swim, but Peter dressed to swim to Jesus. He was going to stand before Jesus and he wanted to be properly dressed. Clothes show our respect. A bride and groom usually dress in their finest for their wedding. A visitor to the White House dresses appropriately. When people go to worship, they want to be dressed in their best for their experience with God. But Peter may have had something else in mind. He was ashamed to face Jesus because of his triple denial. Instinctively we want to hide, to cover up. Adam and Eve covered up with fig leaves because they sinned. Peter probably did not want to appear naked or exposed. In a hymn we sing, "Naked, come to thee for dress." Christ covers our sins with the clothes of his righteousness.
4. Reality of the Resurrection. It may be that your congregation needs the assurance that the resurrection was real. Liberals take the position that there was no physical resurrection, only a faith that he rose, and that he lives only in the proclaimed word. Here is a real risen Jesus, regardless of the kind of body he had, physical or spiritual. What matters is that he conquered death and Satan by his rising again. In this 21st chapter of John we meet a real Jesus who walks, talks, performs a miracle and prepares and serves a meal. The sermon may deal with having a real Jesus in your life.
5. Jesus Comes to Us. We are constantly inviting people to come to Jesus. We may forget that Jesus comes to us. The seven disciples were on the lake fishing as a vocation. They were not seeking Jesus in order to be in his presence. They were going about their old business of making a living. But Jesus went to them. He went out of his way to come to the Galilean sea. He sought them out where they were. He did the same when he called Matthew; he went to the tax office where Matthew worked. The marvelous thing is that Jesus comes to where we are and when we are in need. We should be praying, "Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly."
6. The Futility of Life without Christ. "Guys, have you caught any fish?" asked Jesus. They answered negatively. All night fishing and not a fish to show for it! Then he came. They obeyed his directive to let the net down on the right side of the boat. And eureka! A net was filled to overflowing with fish! When the disciples were on their own, they accomplished nothing. When Jesus came into their situation, they got plenty. Life without Christ is an effort in futility. Life ends up as a fat zero! With Christ miracles can happen. Paul learned this: "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."
7. A Covered-dish Breakfast. At covered-dish church suppers each family brings a dish of food, and the result is more than enough for all. The breakfast following the resurrection was a "covered-dish" affair. Jesus had a fire going and with it were fish and bread. After the miraculous catch of fish, Jesus asked the men to bring some of the fish they caught. Surely Jesus could have fed seven men when at one time he fed 5,000. Apparently, he wanted them to have a part in the meal in order to make it a mutual affair. Christ does his part, and he expects us to do our part, to make a contribution, to cooperate with him. We are in this thing together!
8. The God of the Second Chance. The miracle of the large catch of fish teaches us that with God there is a second chance. The disciples failed; they ran off and left Jesus to face his trials, suffering and death alone. Peter flatly denied he ever knew Jesus. What now? Will Jesus have nothing more to do with them? Will he find replacements? The gospel lesson tells us Jesus is willing to take us back, forgive us and to recommission us in the work of building the kingdom. We all fail at one time or another. We become tired of God and his work. We become careless and inactive. But the wonderful Christ comes to us and gives us another chance to live and work for him. Now, isn't 'that good news?
Sermon Structures
1. A Cook-out for Drop-outs (21:1-14). On Easter the church is crowded. On this third Sunday of Easter, where is the crowd? Many are post-Easter drop-outs until Christmas. Others drop out of church for good. In the past 25 years millions have left the mainline churches. If not drop-outs, we all are potential drop-outs. This sermon serves to encourage faithfulness to Christ and his church.
A. The drop-outs - "I am going fishing" - v. 3
B. The drop-outs meet a stranger - "Jesus stood on the beach" - v. 4
C. The drop-outs have a cook-out - "Come and have breakfast" - v. 12
2. No Need to Ask (21:1-1 4). "Now none of the disciples dared ask him, 'Who are you?' " They knew it was the Lord (v. 12). There was no need to ask his name. In a resurrected body he may not have looked the same, but still the disciples knew who he was. Would we or do we recognize Jesus in our lives? We need not ask who he is because:
A. Only Jesus would come at this hour - "Just as day was breaking" - v. 4
B. Only Jesus would supply their need - "That night they caught nothing" - v. 3
C. Only Jesus would feed them - "Come and have breakfast" - v. 12.
3. You and the Stranger of Galilee (21:1-1 4). At first Jesus was a stranger on the beach seen by the disciples out in a boat fishing. The stranger comes to us and he is a stranger no longer. How and when does he come and reveal himself to us?
A. He comes in the nighttime of our lives - "That night they caught nothing" - v. 3
B. He comes when we are helpless and defeated - "Have you any fish?" - v. 5
C. He comes to have fellowship and to feed our souls -"Come and have breakfast" - v. 12
4. Back to Work (21:1-1 4). The task of building the kingdom, of making disciples of all nations, of turning the kingdoms of the world into the kingdom of God was not finished. Yet the disciples quit Jesus. They forsook him and fled. The leader said three times that he did not even know this Jesus who was arrested. How could the disciples get back with Jesus, to get their relationship restored? Jesus did it by his miracle of fish and serving them breakfast. Many church members likewise need to be re-won and returned to work for the kingdom.
A. We need to be re-hired as servants to do kingdom work.
B. We need to renew our estranged relationship with Christ.
C. We need to be recalled as apostles.
Invitation to Breakfast with Jesus (21:1-1 4). To have breakfast with Jesus is far better than to have breakfast at Tiffany's, or at the White House, or in the governor's mansion. How can this be arranged? You mean me to have this honor? It is Jesus who is is responsible for the glad occasion.
A. Invitation of Jesus - "Come" - v. 12. We are not forced to come. We can decline. He invites us to come for forgiveness and food for the soul.
B. Eat - "have breakfast" - v. 12. Again, this is voluntary. You are not force-fed. Open and receive the food. Digest the food so that it becomes a part of you resulting in spiritual health and strength.
6. The Way Back (21:5). "Children, do you have any fish?" At the time of Jesus' third resurrection appearance, the disciples were estranged and had gone back to fishing. When he confronted them on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he did not rebuke or scold them. He did not demand an explanation of their desertion. He asked them only one simple question, "Do you have any fish?" If and when we forsake Jesus, what question would Jesus ask us?
A. Have you any need? Caught nothing?
B. Have you faith in me?
C. Have any love for me?
7. Time to Return (21:1-1 4). Jesus came to the fishing men to get them to come back to him and resume their role as apostles. Things were not the same any more. They were after fish rather than "men." They were separated from him by their sin of faithlessness. It was time to return to Jesus. Things are not the same for us. So many changes have taken place. The one changeless thing is change. We need to get back to Christ, to religion, to traditions, to old-fashioned virtues.
A. Time to return to daily pray and read the Bible.
B. Time to re-introduce family devotions.
C. Time to observe Sunday for worship.
D. Time to practice old-fashioned virtues: Ten Commandments
Illustration
How Many Fish? The gospel account says the disciples caught 153 fish.
As a wife went through her mail, she asked her husband, "How many fish did you say you caught last Saturday?" He boasted, "I brought home six beauties. Why do you ask?" "Just as I thought," she replied, "The fish market made a mistake and is trying to bill us for eight."
Come and Have Breakfast. This was Jesus' invitation to the disciples. When is breakfast being served? Is there a limited time? Recently I was traveling on a highway and came to a restaurant with a sign out front saying "Breakfast Any Time." At any time of the day or night Jesus invites us to have a meal with him.
God Keeps Faith. Disciples may lose faith and flee from Jesus when the going gets tough, but God continues to believe in us. Years ago a great plague came across Europe and hit a small German village. Everyone except a young priest and an old doctor took sick. Both overworked taking care of the sick and dying. Finally the doctor caught it. When he was close to death, he said to the priest, "You know, I've tried as a Christian to serve the people. After all this pain and sickness I've seen, I'm not sure I believe in God anymore." The priest replied, "It doesn't make any difference whether you believe in God just now. What is important is that God believes in you."
A Second Chance. A young man, Rosewell McIntyre, was a soldier in the Civil War. Like other men, green as he could be, he became frightened in the midst of a battle and ran away. He was caught and the Army wanted to shoot him as a deserter. But his mother appealed to President Lincoln. He thought long and hard and then sent this message to the generals, "I understand your problem, but I've noticed it never did a hog much good to shoot him!" Then he wrote on a piece of paper, "This is to grant Rosewell McIntyre permission to re-enter the company of the New York cavalry and to serve as his pardon if he serves out the rest of his enlistment. Signed, Abraham Lincoln." The letter is on display in the Library of Congress. Beside it is a note saying, "This letter taken from the body of Rosewell McIntyre who died at the battle of Little Five Forks, Virginia, April 1, 1865."
Restoration through Forgiveness. When the late Dean Weigle of Yale went to college, his father promised to pay the costs of his education under one condition. He was not to join a fraternity. Yielding to temptation, young Luther went against his father's will, for he thought his father would never know about it. For years he lived that lie until one day he could not bear it any longer. With tears he wrote a long letter to his father asking for forgiveness and promising to pay back his college expenses. The very next day Luther received a telegram from his father saying, "I forgive you. I knew it the day you did it." He had received restoration and could now live with himself in peace.
Too Far Gone? One of my former students told of visiting a patient in an Atlanta hospital. He found the man reading a biography of Jesus. He asked the patient whether he was a Christian. The man hotly denied that he was but said he once was. Why was he not one now? He confessed he killed a man and hated another so much that he wanted to kill him too. Because of this, he felt that there was no way for him to be a Christian again. He had done something so terrible that God would not have him, so he believed. Probably Peter felt that way, too, after denying Jesus. Maybe other disciples felt the same for forsaking Jesus when he needed them most.
Drop-Outs. Beside the disciples, there have been famous drop-outs. Madilyn Murray O'Hare, the famous atheist, was reared a Presbyterian. Likewise Son Moon, founder of the Unification Church, was a Presbyterian. Lenin and Stalin as children went to Sunday school. Karl Marx was raised in a Lutheran home.
A father told his son the story of the lost sheep. He explained how the sheep found a hole in the fence and crawled through it. It was so glad to get away and the sheep wandered so far away it could not find its way back to the shepherd. Further, the father explained how a wolf chased the sheep and how finally the shepherd came and carried it home. The little boy was intensely interested. After thinking about it, he asked, "Did they fix the hole in the fence?"
Clothes (v. 7) - When we go for a swim, it is customary to take off our clothes. Even though we wear swim suits, we often wear the least possible without getting arrested. Bikinis are next to nothing. In the case of Peter, he did the opposite. To work he took off his clothes, but when John told him the man on the beach was Jesus, he put on his clothes and jumped into the water and swam ashore. He was so eager to see Jesus that he could not wait for the boat to come to shore. But why swim with clothes? If the person were a woman, we could understand that Peter did not want to be embarrassed. See the picture of Peter when he stood before Jesus. His wet clothes clung to his body, water was dripping off his hair and beard, he was shivering in the early morning cold - what a spectacle of a man before Jesus! But why did he put on his clothes? Probably out of respect for Jesus, he wanted to be properly dressed. Also, it may have been that he felt guilty for denying Jesus. His clothes, like Adam and Eve's, were a cover-up. Jim Bakker tried to cover up his sin with Jessica Hawn with greenbacks!
Fish and Bread (v. 9) - When the men came off the boat, they noticed that Jesus had a fire and was preparing a meal with fish and bread. Where did he get these supplies? We do not know. It indicates that he was able to feed them. They could not catch fish without him, but he could provide food without them. He is the bread of life available for all. Is it not strange, then, that Jesus asked them to bring some of the fish they just caught? Was it because he did not have enough fish for the seven? Or was he teaching a lesson that food is a cooperative venture? Humans have a part in feeding the hungry.
Application
Relevance of Revelation - 1. Today's miracle deals with a serious problem both in the world and in the church, the problem of drop-outs or quitters. The number of drop-outs is indicated in the above introduction. It is more difficult to re-activate inactive church members than to gain new ones. Today's church is hampered by 40 percent of inactive, disinterested members. The problem is exacerbated by the statement in Hebrews that it is impossible to regain lapsed Christians.
2. The miracle deals also with a question faced by many regarding the resurrection. Was the resurrection a matter of faith, or did it involve a real, physical body? The account shows that Jesus was physical enough to be seen, to be talked with, to perform a miracle and to prepare food. Though Jesus had a glorified body, it was a mysterious body that was both spiritual and physical.
3. On the occasion of this miracle, the disciples had a real experience with the risen Jesus, just as Paul had on the Damascus road. This makes the miracle relevant to us today. Is a similar experience with the risen Lord possible for us today? How can this happen? Until it does happen, we cannot be certain where we can say, "I know he lives. He lives within my heart."
Sermon Suggestions
1. Love knows. "The disciple whom Jesus loved (v. 7)" told Peter that the stranger on the beach was the Lord. John had a special love relationship with Jesus that enabled him to recognize Jesus. Love makes identity possible. Love sees things others cannot see. Love can see the worth, the hope, the promise in people. When a couple decides to marry, sometimes it is said, "I can't see what he sees in her." Love perceives, understands and appreciates the real person in the one loved.
2. Can't Wait to See You. When Peter learned that the man on shore was Jesus, his best friend, he could not wait to see and talk with him. His eagerness was expressed by jumping in the water and swimming to shore. He could not wait for the boat to come in. Though he failed Jesus by denying him, he still respected, admired and loved Jesus. Would that people today were that eager to come into Jesus' presence! The Psalmist had this longing to worship: "I was glad when they said to me, let us go into the house of the Lord." In spite of his sin, Peter longed to be with Jesus. Why? Because Jesus loves sinners who repent. Even those who do not repent!
3. Swim Clothes. We get undressed to swim, but Peter dressed to swim to Jesus. He was going to stand before Jesus and he wanted to be properly dressed. Clothes show our respect. A bride and groom usually dress in their finest for their wedding. A visitor to the White House dresses appropriately. When people go to worship, they want to be dressed in their best for their experience with God. But Peter may have had something else in mind. He was ashamed to face Jesus because of his triple denial. Instinctively we want to hide, to cover up. Adam and Eve covered up with fig leaves because they sinned. Peter probably did not want to appear naked or exposed. In a hymn we sing, "Naked, come to thee for dress." Christ covers our sins with the clothes of his righteousness.
4. Reality of the Resurrection. It may be that your congregation needs the assurance that the resurrection was real. Liberals take the position that there was no physical resurrection, only a faith that he rose, and that he lives only in the proclaimed word. Here is a real risen Jesus, regardless of the kind of body he had, physical or spiritual. What matters is that he conquered death and Satan by his rising again. In this 21st chapter of John we meet a real Jesus who walks, talks, performs a miracle and prepares and serves a meal. The sermon may deal with having a real Jesus in your life.
5. Jesus Comes to Us. We are constantly inviting people to come to Jesus. We may forget that Jesus comes to us. The seven disciples were on the lake fishing as a vocation. They were not seeking Jesus in order to be in his presence. They were going about their old business of making a living. But Jesus went to them. He went out of his way to come to the Galilean sea. He sought them out where they were. He did the same when he called Matthew; he went to the tax office where Matthew worked. The marvelous thing is that Jesus comes to where we are and when we are in need. We should be praying, "Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly."
6. The Futility of Life without Christ. "Guys, have you caught any fish?" asked Jesus. They answered negatively. All night fishing and not a fish to show for it! Then he came. They obeyed his directive to let the net down on the right side of the boat. And eureka! A net was filled to overflowing with fish! When the disciples were on their own, they accomplished nothing. When Jesus came into their situation, they got plenty. Life without Christ is an effort in futility. Life ends up as a fat zero! With Christ miracles can happen. Paul learned this: "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."
7. A Covered-dish Breakfast. At covered-dish church suppers each family brings a dish of food, and the result is more than enough for all. The breakfast following the resurrection was a "covered-dish" affair. Jesus had a fire going and with it were fish and bread. After the miraculous catch of fish, Jesus asked the men to bring some of the fish they caught. Surely Jesus could have fed seven men when at one time he fed 5,000. Apparently, he wanted them to have a part in the meal in order to make it a mutual affair. Christ does his part, and he expects us to do our part, to make a contribution, to cooperate with him. We are in this thing together!
8. The God of the Second Chance. The miracle of the large catch of fish teaches us that with God there is a second chance. The disciples failed; they ran off and left Jesus to face his trials, suffering and death alone. Peter flatly denied he ever knew Jesus. What now? Will Jesus have nothing more to do with them? Will he find replacements? The gospel lesson tells us Jesus is willing to take us back, forgive us and to recommission us in the work of building the kingdom. We all fail at one time or another. We become tired of God and his work. We become careless and inactive. But the wonderful Christ comes to us and gives us another chance to live and work for him. Now, isn't 'that good news?
Sermon Structures
1. A Cook-out for Drop-outs (21:1-14). On Easter the church is crowded. On this third Sunday of Easter, where is the crowd? Many are post-Easter drop-outs until Christmas. Others drop out of church for good. In the past 25 years millions have left the mainline churches. If not drop-outs, we all are potential drop-outs. This sermon serves to encourage faithfulness to Christ and his church.
A. The drop-outs - "I am going fishing" - v. 3
B. The drop-outs meet a stranger - "Jesus stood on the beach" - v. 4
C. The drop-outs have a cook-out - "Come and have breakfast" - v. 12
2. No Need to Ask (21:1-1 4). "Now none of the disciples dared ask him, 'Who are you?' " They knew it was the Lord (v. 12). There was no need to ask his name. In a resurrected body he may not have looked the same, but still the disciples knew who he was. Would we or do we recognize Jesus in our lives? We need not ask who he is because:
A. Only Jesus would come at this hour - "Just as day was breaking" - v. 4
B. Only Jesus would supply their need - "That night they caught nothing" - v. 3
C. Only Jesus would feed them - "Come and have breakfast" - v. 12.
3. You and the Stranger of Galilee (21:1-1 4). At first Jesus was a stranger on the beach seen by the disciples out in a boat fishing. The stranger comes to us and he is a stranger no longer. How and when does he come and reveal himself to us?
A. He comes in the nighttime of our lives - "That night they caught nothing" - v. 3
B. He comes when we are helpless and defeated - "Have you any fish?" - v. 5
C. He comes to have fellowship and to feed our souls -"Come and have breakfast" - v. 12
4. Back to Work (21:1-1 4). The task of building the kingdom, of making disciples of all nations, of turning the kingdoms of the world into the kingdom of God was not finished. Yet the disciples quit Jesus. They forsook him and fled. The leader said three times that he did not even know this Jesus who was arrested. How could the disciples get back with Jesus, to get their relationship restored? Jesus did it by his miracle of fish and serving them breakfast. Many church members likewise need to be re-won and returned to work for the kingdom.
A. We need to be re-hired as servants to do kingdom work.
B. We need to renew our estranged relationship with Christ.
C. We need to be recalled as apostles.
Invitation to Breakfast with Jesus (21:1-1 4). To have breakfast with Jesus is far better than to have breakfast at Tiffany's, or at the White House, or in the governor's mansion. How can this be arranged? You mean me to have this honor? It is Jesus who is is responsible for the glad occasion.
A. Invitation of Jesus - "Come" - v. 12. We are not forced to come. We can decline. He invites us to come for forgiveness and food for the soul.
B. Eat - "have breakfast" - v. 12. Again, this is voluntary. You are not force-fed. Open and receive the food. Digest the food so that it becomes a part of you resulting in spiritual health and strength.
6. The Way Back (21:5). "Children, do you have any fish?" At the time of Jesus' third resurrection appearance, the disciples were estranged and had gone back to fishing. When he confronted them on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he did not rebuke or scold them. He did not demand an explanation of their desertion. He asked them only one simple question, "Do you have any fish?" If and when we forsake Jesus, what question would Jesus ask us?
A. Have you any need? Caught nothing?
B. Have you faith in me?
C. Have any love for me?
7. Time to Return (21:1-1 4). Jesus came to the fishing men to get them to come back to him and resume their role as apostles. Things were not the same any more. They were after fish rather than "men." They were separated from him by their sin of faithlessness. It was time to return to Jesus. Things are not the same for us. So many changes have taken place. The one changeless thing is change. We need to get back to Christ, to religion, to traditions, to old-fashioned virtues.
A. Time to return to daily pray and read the Bible.
B. Time to re-introduce family devotions.
C. Time to observe Sunday for worship.
D. Time to practice old-fashioned virtues: Ten Commandments
Illustration
How Many Fish? The gospel account says the disciples caught 153 fish.
As a wife went through her mail, she asked her husband, "How many fish did you say you caught last Saturday?" He boasted, "I brought home six beauties. Why do you ask?" "Just as I thought," she replied, "The fish market made a mistake and is trying to bill us for eight."
Come and Have Breakfast. This was Jesus' invitation to the disciples. When is breakfast being served? Is there a limited time? Recently I was traveling on a highway and came to a restaurant with a sign out front saying "Breakfast Any Time." At any time of the day or night Jesus invites us to have a meal with him.
God Keeps Faith. Disciples may lose faith and flee from Jesus when the going gets tough, but God continues to believe in us. Years ago a great plague came across Europe and hit a small German village. Everyone except a young priest and an old doctor took sick. Both overworked taking care of the sick and dying. Finally the doctor caught it. When he was close to death, he said to the priest, "You know, I've tried as a Christian to serve the people. After all this pain and sickness I've seen, I'm not sure I believe in God anymore." The priest replied, "It doesn't make any difference whether you believe in God just now. What is important is that God believes in you."
A Second Chance. A young man, Rosewell McIntyre, was a soldier in the Civil War. Like other men, green as he could be, he became frightened in the midst of a battle and ran away. He was caught and the Army wanted to shoot him as a deserter. But his mother appealed to President Lincoln. He thought long and hard and then sent this message to the generals, "I understand your problem, but I've noticed it never did a hog much good to shoot him!" Then he wrote on a piece of paper, "This is to grant Rosewell McIntyre permission to re-enter the company of the New York cavalry and to serve as his pardon if he serves out the rest of his enlistment. Signed, Abraham Lincoln." The letter is on display in the Library of Congress. Beside it is a note saying, "This letter taken from the body of Rosewell McIntyre who died at the battle of Little Five Forks, Virginia, April 1, 1865."
Restoration through Forgiveness. When the late Dean Weigle of Yale went to college, his father promised to pay the costs of his education under one condition. He was not to join a fraternity. Yielding to temptation, young Luther went against his father's will, for he thought his father would never know about it. For years he lived that lie until one day he could not bear it any longer. With tears he wrote a long letter to his father asking for forgiveness and promising to pay back his college expenses. The very next day Luther received a telegram from his father saying, "I forgive you. I knew it the day you did it." He had received restoration and could now live with himself in peace.
Too Far Gone? One of my former students told of visiting a patient in an Atlanta hospital. He found the man reading a biography of Jesus. He asked the patient whether he was a Christian. The man hotly denied that he was but said he once was. Why was he not one now? He confessed he killed a man and hated another so much that he wanted to kill him too. Because of this, he felt that there was no way for him to be a Christian again. He had done something so terrible that God would not have him, so he believed. Probably Peter felt that way, too, after denying Jesus. Maybe other disciples felt the same for forsaking Jesus when he needed them most.
Drop-Outs. Beside the disciples, there have been famous drop-outs. Madilyn Murray O'Hare, the famous atheist, was reared a Presbyterian. Likewise Son Moon, founder of the Unification Church, was a Presbyterian. Lenin and Stalin as children went to Sunday school. Karl Marx was raised in a Lutheran home.
A father told his son the story of the lost sheep. He explained how the sheep found a hole in the fence and crawled through it. It was so glad to get away and the sheep wandered so far away it could not find its way back to the shepherd. Further, the father explained how a wolf chased the sheep and how finally the shepherd came and carried it home. The little boy was intensely interested. After thinking about it, he asked, "Did they fix the hole in the fence?"
