1 00:00:00,840 --> 00:00:05,680 Speaker 1: So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon, Peter, Simon, 2 00:00:05,920 --> 00:00:10,840 Speaker 1: son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He 3 00:00:10,920 --> 00:00:14,600 Speaker 1: said unto him, yea Lord, thou knowest that I love 4 00:00:14,680 --> 00:00:20,800 Speaker 1: thee He saith unto him, feed my lambs look twenty 5 00:00:20,800 --> 00:00:26,840 Speaker 1: one fifteen. Thank you, Jesus, that you use broken people 6 00:00:27,200 --> 00:00:31,040 Speaker 1: to do mighty things. As I look at the life 7 00:00:31,080 --> 00:00:35,120 Speaker 1: of Thomas, he represents the areas in my life where 8 00:00:35,120 --> 00:00:39,680 Speaker 1: I have doubt and fear. He represents the areas in 9 00:00:39,720 --> 00:00:42,559 Speaker 1: my life where I begin to question whether or not 10 00:00:42,600 --> 00:00:47,120 Speaker 1: the promises will come to pass in my life. However, 11 00:00:47,840 --> 00:00:50,880 Speaker 1: through Thomas, I also see the goodness of the Lord, 12 00:00:51,920 --> 00:00:54,600 Speaker 1: and that you are not taken back or angered by 13 00:00:54,600 --> 00:01:00,040 Speaker 1: my moments of doubt, but instead you feel compassion and 14 00:01:00,080 --> 00:01:02,840 Speaker 1: provide ways for me to lay hold of and to 15 00:01:02,880 --> 00:01:08,320 Speaker 1: put my hands on the truth of your word. Through Peter, 16 00:01:09,160 --> 00:01:11,759 Speaker 1: I see that you give me many chances to regain 17 00:01:11,840 --> 00:01:16,800 Speaker 1: my position and my honor within your kingdom, And like Peter, 18 00:01:17,640 --> 00:01:21,480 Speaker 1: I will not miss my opportunity to proclaim your goodness 19 00:01:21,520 --> 00:01:27,560 Speaker 1: and your love to the entire world. With each opportunity 20 00:01:27,600 --> 00:01:30,880 Speaker 1: of open doors that you bring me, I realize it 21 00:01:30,920 --> 00:01:34,039 Speaker 1: is you asking if I love you enough to walk 22 00:01:34,080 --> 00:01:37,000 Speaker 1: through them and give you glory in all that I do, 23 00:01:38,360 --> 00:01:42,920 Speaker 1: And to that I say yes. I say that I 24 00:01:42,959 --> 00:01:46,440 Speaker 1: am ready to represent you, Jesus with all of my heart. 25 00:01:48,120 --> 00:01:52,120 Speaker 1: I realize that my time has come. I realize that 26 00:01:52,160 --> 00:01:56,920 Speaker 1: the days of being afraid are gone. And I realize 27 00:01:57,680 --> 00:02:06,800 Speaker 1: and I realize ready for what's next in Jesus' name. Amen, 28 00:02:08,120 --> 00:02:11,760 Speaker 1: Stay tuned to immerse yourself in the Greatest Stories Ever 29 00:02:11,800 --> 00:02:15,880 Speaker 1: Told from pray dot COM's podcast Heroes in the Bible. 30 00:02:18,000 --> 00:02:20,560 Speaker 2: Hi, I'm doctor Tony evan jehosts for Heroes in the 31 00:02:20,600 --> 00:02:24,480 Speaker 2: Bible Jesus. If you've been enjoying this series, please write 32 00:02:24,480 --> 00:02:26,880 Speaker 2: a review and let me know how this podcast has 33 00:02:26,919 --> 00:02:30,400 Speaker 2: impacted your life. Welcome to the greatest story ever told. 34 00:02:30,840 --> 00:02:32,959 Speaker 2: It is a story of a shepherd's heart for his sheep, 35 00:02:33,400 --> 00:02:36,040 Speaker 2: a father's love for his children, and a hero's triumph 36 00:02:36,120 --> 00:02:39,919 Speaker 2: over death and darkness. This is a story that continues 37 00:02:39,960 --> 00:02:42,320 Speaker 2: to shape and mold the world around us, bringing the 38 00:02:42,360 --> 00:02:45,440 Speaker 2: divine heart of God right into the hearts of you 39 00:02:45,560 --> 00:02:49,520 Speaker 2: and me. This episode is Jesus's final act of healing 40 00:02:49,600 --> 00:02:52,760 Speaker 2: on Earth. He spent a great deal of time during 41 00:02:52,800 --> 00:02:56,680 Speaker 2: his ministry healing the sick, lame, and blind. He cleansed 42 00:02:56,760 --> 00:03:00,320 Speaker 2: leopards and closed up a woman's bleeding. He even brought 43 00:03:00,360 --> 00:03:03,440 Speaker 2: people back from the dead. But this healing is special, 44 00:03:03,919 --> 00:03:07,800 Speaker 2: unlike any other we have seen before. Beside a fire 45 00:03:08,160 --> 00:03:11,280 Speaker 2: on the sandy coast of the sea, Jesus is going 46 00:03:11,320 --> 00:03:14,440 Speaker 2: to restore a broken heart. This episode will take us 47 00:03:14,480 --> 00:03:17,600 Speaker 2: back to the beginning, where the seas of Galilee gently 48 00:03:17,600 --> 00:03:21,680 Speaker 2: bobed Peter's boat up and down. Simular sights, sounds, and 49 00:03:21,760 --> 00:03:24,480 Speaker 2: smells were into the story to remind us of a 50 00:03:24,520 --> 00:03:27,600 Speaker 2: more innocent time. Peter is about to be taken on 51 00:03:27,639 --> 00:03:30,680 Speaker 2: a journey back to the past so he can move 52 00:03:30,840 --> 00:03:34,040 Speaker 2: on to the future. Our prelude today once again brings 53 00:03:34,120 --> 00:03:37,360 Speaker 2: us back to King David, only this story takes place 54 00:03:37,400 --> 00:03:40,880 Speaker 2: before he ruled over anything but a sheep pasture. Before 55 00:03:40,960 --> 00:03:44,520 Speaker 2: David slew giants and defeated armies, he was a lowly shepherd. 56 00:03:44,840 --> 00:03:48,000 Speaker 2: Beside the tall swaying grass and underneath the shade of 57 00:03:48,040 --> 00:03:51,880 Speaker 2: a cypress tree, David strummed the sweet melody for the Lord. 58 00:03:52,520 --> 00:03:56,560 Speaker 2: His words soothed billions of hearts like Peter's lost and 59 00:03:56,600 --> 00:03:59,200 Speaker 2: alone needing to be brought back to the heart of 60 00:03:59,240 --> 00:04:02,720 Speaker 2: their good shepherd. I pray this episode restores your heart 61 00:04:02,760 --> 00:04:06,440 Speaker 2: as well. Here is episode twenty two. Do You Love Me? 62 00:04:08,440 --> 00:04:20,000 Speaker 3: Ah Pralude, Chapter twenty two. David sat in the tall grass, 63 00:04:20,600 --> 00:04:24,400 Speaker 3: looking down at the sheep grazing below the hill. He 64 00:04:24,480 --> 00:04:28,880 Speaker 3: sat with his back against a cypress tree, strumming his arm. 65 00:04:29,440 --> 00:04:34,359 Speaker 3: The melody was soft and filled with emotion. The sweet 66 00:04:34,360 --> 00:04:39,320 Speaker 3: melody seemed to make the grass dance slowly. As the 67 00:04:39,400 --> 00:04:43,000 Speaker 3: sun set behind them, the sheep began to fall asleep. 68 00:04:44,360 --> 00:04:48,279 Speaker 3: As night came, David sang to the sheep below. The 69 00:04:48,400 --> 00:04:53,920 Speaker 3: Lord is my shepherd. I shall want for nothing else 70 00:04:54,720 --> 00:05:00,920 Speaker 3: but him. He makes me lie down in lush pastures, 71 00:05:02,000 --> 00:05:06,600 Speaker 3: and he leads me beside peaceful waters. 72 00:05:08,279 --> 00:05:12,560 Speaker 4: He restores my soul. 73 00:05:14,040 --> 00:05:18,880 Speaker 3: David's strumming was methodical. Its sound was like sweet incense 74 00:05:19,279 --> 00:05:23,479 Speaker 3: rising up to the Lord. David continued to sing into 75 00:05:23,520 --> 00:05:23,880 Speaker 3: the night. 76 00:05:24,680 --> 00:05:29,880 Speaker 4: He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 77 00:05:31,400 --> 00:05:34,960 Speaker 4: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow 78 00:05:35,080 --> 00:05:40,560 Speaker 4: of death, there is no evil I will fear, for 79 00:05:40,800 --> 00:05:47,360 Speaker 4: you are with me. Your rod and shepherd staff comfort me. 80 00:05:49,000 --> 00:05:52,960 Speaker 4: You prepare a table before me, in the presence of 81 00:05:53,160 --> 00:05:59,480 Speaker 4: my enemies. You anointed me with oil, and my cup 82 00:05:59,800 --> 00:06:05,719 Speaker 4: overflows with your blessing. All the sheep had fallen asleep, 83 00:06:06,320 --> 00:06:10,120 Speaker 4: and David played with unwavering faith to the God of 84 00:06:10,160 --> 00:06:15,039 Speaker 4: his heart. He looked at the stars and breathed in deeply. 85 00:06:16,360 --> 00:06:19,919 Speaker 4: With a final note, David raised his voice to the 86 00:06:19,960 --> 00:06:26,560 Speaker 4: heavens and sang, Surely, goodness and mercy will follow me 87 00:06:26,839 --> 00:06:31,760 Speaker 4: all my life, and I will dwell in the House 88 00:06:31,880 --> 00:06:34,560 Speaker 4: of the Lord forever. 89 00:06:36,880 --> 00:06:41,200 Speaker 3: Amen. David knew that the heart of God was like 90 00:06:41,240 --> 00:06:45,720 Speaker 3: a shepherd for his sheep, and the quiet and stillness 91 00:06:45,720 --> 00:06:50,840 Speaker 3: of night David connected to his Lord. Yet David did 92 00:06:50,880 --> 00:06:53,960 Speaker 3: not know that his song to the Lord was prophetic. 93 00:06:55,520 --> 00:06:59,200 Speaker 3: In his song, David sang of a greater shepherd that 94 00:06:59,279 --> 00:07:04,240 Speaker 3: would rise and lead his sheep to still waters. He 95 00:07:04,240 --> 00:07:08,400 Speaker 3: would restore their weary souls and lead them in paths 96 00:07:08,400 --> 00:07:13,120 Speaker 3: of righteousness. This shepherd would lay his life down for 97 00:07:13,240 --> 00:07:17,600 Speaker 3: his sheep, and through him they would dwell in the 98 00:07:17,680 --> 00:07:24,800 Speaker 3: House of the Lord forever. Chapter twenty two, Do you 99 00:07:24,920 --> 00:07:32,680 Speaker 3: love me regret? This was the sickness that consumed Peter 100 00:07:33,400 --> 00:07:37,640 Speaker 3: day and night. It was like a knot in his 101 00:07:37,720 --> 00:07:42,600 Speaker 3: stomach that could not be untied. The memories of denying 102 00:07:42,720 --> 00:07:47,960 Speaker 3: Jesus flashed in his mind like a nightmare. Although Jesus 103 00:07:48,080 --> 00:07:51,559 Speaker 3: was alive, he did not have the courage to speak 104 00:07:51,600 --> 00:07:55,600 Speaker 3: to him when he first appeared. How could I possibly 105 00:07:55,640 --> 00:07:59,000 Speaker 3: face Jesus after what I did, Peter thought to himself. 106 00:08:00,760 --> 00:08:04,760 Speaker 3: A gentle wind came in from the Sea of Tiberius. 107 00:08:05,560 --> 00:08:10,080 Speaker 3: Peter sat on a ledge overlooking the waters. The sun 108 00:08:10,160 --> 00:08:14,320 Speaker 3: was setting, creating a burnt hue over the glassy horizon. 109 00:08:16,080 --> 00:08:19,720 Speaker 3: It was perfect sailing weather. An evening was the perfect 110 00:08:19,760 --> 00:08:25,640 Speaker 3: time to fish. Peter breathed in deeply. He had conceded 111 00:08:25,680 --> 00:08:29,400 Speaker 3: to the reality he would never be anything more than 112 00:08:29,440 --> 00:08:34,520 Speaker 3: a fisherman. His dreams of proclaiming the Kingdom of God 113 00:08:34,760 --> 00:08:37,440 Speaker 3: had shattered the night he sat by the fire and 114 00:08:37,559 --> 00:08:42,080 Speaker 3: denied Jesus to a little girl. Even if Jesus is alive, 115 00:08:42,360 --> 00:08:46,080 Speaker 3: he doesn't want to use me, Peter thought. A few 116 00:08:46,160 --> 00:08:52,360 Speaker 3: yards away sat Nathaniel, Thomas, James, and John. Peter stood 117 00:08:52,360 --> 00:08:55,760 Speaker 3: to his feet and began walking towards the shore. Where 118 00:08:55,800 --> 00:09:00,560 Speaker 3: are you going, John shouted. Peter didn't look back. He 119 00:09:00,640 --> 00:09:04,360 Speaker 3: waved his hand and yelled fishing and continued down the 120 00:09:04,440 --> 00:09:09,960 Speaker 3: rocks towards his boat. The four others joined him. As 121 00:09:09,960 --> 00:09:14,120 Speaker 3: the sun set over the gleaming sea, the disciples said sail. 122 00:09:15,520 --> 00:09:19,160 Speaker 3: The four other men laughed into the night, sharing stories 123 00:09:19,160 --> 00:09:24,559 Speaker 3: of Jesus's ministry and dreaming about the future. Peter remained silent, 124 00:09:25,200 --> 00:09:30,000 Speaker 3: staring at the stars above. He threw his nets over 125 00:09:30,040 --> 00:09:34,280 Speaker 3: the side of the boat and waited nothing. For a 126 00:09:34,320 --> 00:09:38,360 Speaker 3: few weeks now Peter had barely caught anything. I can't 127 00:09:38,400 --> 00:09:42,400 Speaker 3: even fish, Peter whispered, what's the point? He rested his 128 00:09:42,480 --> 00:09:46,320 Speaker 3: head against the mast. The four others were casting nets 129 00:09:46,320 --> 00:09:50,920 Speaker 3: on their sides of the boat as well. Together they casted, tugged, 130 00:09:51,160 --> 00:09:55,640 Speaker 3: and recasted. However, none of them were able to catch anything. 131 00:09:56,520 --> 00:09:58,240 Speaker 3: What do you think Jesus will do now that he 132 00:09:58,280 --> 00:10:01,199 Speaker 3: has returned, James asked the others. Maybe he will show 133 00:10:01,240 --> 00:10:04,000 Speaker 3: himself at the temple. Could you imagine the look on 134 00:10:04,120 --> 00:10:09,319 Speaker 3: Caiaphas's face? John chuckled. The rest of them laughed. They 135 00:10:09,360 --> 00:10:13,559 Speaker 3: speculated throughout the night, wondering when Jesus would show himself again. 136 00:10:14,559 --> 00:10:16,600 Speaker 3: It all still seemed like a dream. 137 00:10:17,200 --> 00:10:20,360 Speaker 5: All I know is that I will follow. 138 00:10:20,080 --> 00:10:24,040 Speaker 3: Him to the end. Thomas said, I'm done doubting. 139 00:10:25,120 --> 00:10:28,400 Speaker 5: He has proven to be faithful, so I will be 140 00:10:28,480 --> 00:10:30,000 Speaker 5: faithful in return. 141 00:10:30,679 --> 00:10:35,120 Speaker 3: Thomas's words felt like a knife in Peter's side. It 142 00:10:35,200 --> 00:10:38,920 Speaker 3: was too dark for the others to see tears streaming 143 00:10:38,960 --> 00:10:43,240 Speaker 3: down his face. The boat rocked up and down, and 144 00:10:43,320 --> 00:10:48,000 Speaker 3: the disciples continued their vain attempts at catching fish. Peter 145 00:10:48,160 --> 00:10:51,880 Speaker 3: remembered the first time he witnessed the graciousness of Jesus. 146 00:10:53,200 --> 00:10:56,840 Speaker 3: He had fished all night and caught nothing, Yet Jesus 147 00:10:57,040 --> 00:11:01,080 Speaker 3: wanted to go out for a catch. Anyways. Peter obeyed, 148 00:11:01,640 --> 00:11:04,360 Speaker 3: and that day they caught more fish than the boat 149 00:11:04,360 --> 00:11:09,280 Speaker 3: could handle. Peter remembered the feeling of shame he felt 150 00:11:09,280 --> 00:11:14,400 Speaker 3: in Jesus's presence. He was a lowly fisherman. What right 151 00:11:14,480 --> 00:11:17,079 Speaker 3: did he have to stand before the son of God? 152 00:11:18,320 --> 00:11:23,200 Speaker 3: Yet even so, Jesus accepted him and gave him purpose. 153 00:11:25,040 --> 00:11:28,160 Speaker 3: Peter closed his eyes and allowed the boat to gently 154 00:11:28,280 --> 00:11:32,240 Speaker 3: rock him to sleep. The sound of creaking wood and 155 00:11:32,320 --> 00:11:38,200 Speaker 3: splashing water was a familiar lullaby. That night, Peter dreamt 156 00:11:38,200 --> 00:11:42,360 Speaker 3: of Jesus. He remembered the smile on his face when 157 00:11:42,360 --> 00:11:45,800 Speaker 3: he hurled in the last catch. He remembered the flashes 158 00:11:45,840 --> 00:11:51,080 Speaker 3: of Jesus's glory on the Mountain of Transfiguration. In Peter's 159 00:11:51,120 --> 00:11:54,800 Speaker 3: heart of hearts. He longed to be restored to Jesus's 160 00:11:54,840 --> 00:11:59,040 Speaker 3: side once again, but there was still far too much 161 00:11:59,080 --> 00:12:04,960 Speaker 3: shame and captive. Dawn was breaking and Peter awoke to 162 00:12:05,000 --> 00:12:09,600 Speaker 3: the gulls flying overhead. The morning light was ascending over 163 00:12:09,640 --> 00:12:12,920 Speaker 3: the east side of the sea, breaking up the morning fog. 164 00:12:14,080 --> 00:12:17,720 Speaker 3: Peter rose to his feet and checked the nets. Still 165 00:12:17,840 --> 00:12:21,920 Speaker 3: no fish. He ran his fingers through his hair, tying 166 00:12:21,960 --> 00:12:26,080 Speaker 3: it back into a knot. Peter rolled up his sleeves 167 00:12:26,200 --> 00:12:29,320 Speaker 3: and brought the nets back into the boat. The other 168 00:12:29,400 --> 00:12:32,679 Speaker 3: disciples woke up shortly after and began to row back 169 00:12:32,720 --> 00:12:37,160 Speaker 3: to shore. Just one hundred yards away from the beach, 170 00:12:37,760 --> 00:12:41,760 Speaker 3: Thomas could see a figure waving at them. The sun 171 00:12:41,880 --> 00:12:44,880 Speaker 3: was behind him, making it impossible to see his face. 172 00:12:45,480 --> 00:12:49,200 Speaker 5: My children, the voice shouted, did you catch any fish? 173 00:12:50,400 --> 00:12:53,280 Speaker 2: No, sir, We toiled into the night and caught nothing. 174 00:12:53,760 --> 00:12:56,640 Speaker 3: The tides must not have been on our side, James 175 00:12:56,720 --> 00:12:57,400 Speaker 3: shouted back. 176 00:12:58,400 --> 00:13:02,160 Speaker 5: Try again. The strange replied, cast your nets on the 177 00:13:02,240 --> 00:13:03,439 Speaker 5: right side of the boat. 178 00:13:03,920 --> 00:13:05,320 Speaker 2: I think you may find some. 179 00:13:05,760 --> 00:13:10,199 Speaker 3: James rolled his eyes. They were tired and discouraged from 180 00:13:10,240 --> 00:13:14,719 Speaker 3: a night of no fish. However, perhaps the tide had 181 00:13:14,760 --> 00:13:18,640 Speaker 3: shifted in their favor, so the disciples took their nets 182 00:13:18,880 --> 00:13:21,040 Speaker 3: and cast it on the right side of the boat. 183 00:13:22,280 --> 00:13:26,720 Speaker 3: The water was flat and still the disciples waited in 184 00:13:26,800 --> 00:13:32,720 Speaker 3: silence for something to happen. A few moments passed and 185 00:13:32,800 --> 00:13:36,280 Speaker 3: Peter was growing frustrated. Just as he was about to 186 00:13:36,320 --> 00:13:38,800 Speaker 3: grab the nets to pull them back in, he could 187 00:13:38,840 --> 00:13:42,680 Speaker 3: hear the sound of tugging rope. The men stood back, 188 00:13:42,800 --> 00:13:45,600 Speaker 3: and the nets stiffened and pulled against the side of 189 00:13:45,640 --> 00:13:48,840 Speaker 3: the boat. The vessel began to lean towards the right, 190 00:13:49,120 --> 00:13:51,240 Speaker 3: and the men leapt for the nets, trying to tug 191 00:13:51,320 --> 00:13:55,680 Speaker 3: them back in. Fish filled the nets to the brim. 192 00:13:56,679 --> 00:13:59,600 Speaker 3: There were so many that the disciples could not even 193 00:13:59,679 --> 00:14:03,480 Speaker 3: pull them them in. James and Nathaniel were laughing. Thomas 194 00:14:03,520 --> 00:14:07,360 Speaker 3: stood over them with his hands on his head in disbelief. However, 195 00:14:07,880 --> 00:14:11,199 Speaker 3: John was peering at the shore. As the sun rose 196 00:14:11,440 --> 00:14:15,560 Speaker 3: slightly higher, he could see the figure standing in the distance. 197 00:14:16,440 --> 00:14:19,240 Speaker 3: John's jaw fell to the ground. He stood to his 198 00:14:19,280 --> 00:14:22,280 Speaker 3: feet and smiled ear to ear. He pointed to the 199 00:14:22,280 --> 00:14:25,040 Speaker 3: horizon and shouted, it's him. 200 00:14:25,640 --> 00:14:26,520 Speaker 2: It's the Lord. 201 00:14:27,080 --> 00:14:29,600 Speaker 3: Peter released his grip on the net and looked out. 202 00:14:30,560 --> 00:14:35,359 Speaker 3: Standing near the water was Jesus. He wore his familiar 203 00:14:35,440 --> 00:14:41,080 Speaker 3: grin and waved towards the boat. Peter's heart stopped. He 204 00:14:41,160 --> 00:14:44,560 Speaker 3: remembered the time Jesus stood on the waters and called 205 00:14:44,560 --> 00:14:48,760 Speaker 3: out to Peter. He remembered how his gaze left Jesus 206 00:14:48,880 --> 00:14:52,840 Speaker 3: and he sank to the bottom of the ocean. That 207 00:14:53,000 --> 00:14:55,720 Speaker 3: is what he did beside the fire the night Jesus 208 00:14:55,760 --> 00:15:00,320 Speaker 3: was taken. He took his eyes off Jesus. That is 209 00:15:00,320 --> 00:15:05,360 Speaker 3: why he denied him three times. Peter understood now it 210 00:15:05,520 --> 00:15:09,320 Speaker 3: wasn't perseverance or skill it would save him. It was 211 00:15:09,360 --> 00:15:15,240 Speaker 3: fixing his gaze solely on Jesus. Without another second of thinking, 212 00:15:15,560 --> 00:15:19,640 Speaker 3: Peter dove headfirst into the water. Peter remained underneath for 213 00:15:19,680 --> 00:15:23,160 Speaker 3: a moment with his eyes closed, having flashbacks of drowning 214 00:15:23,360 --> 00:15:27,160 Speaker 3: before Jesus rescued him. He opened his eyes and saw 215 00:15:27,200 --> 00:15:31,040 Speaker 3: the sun peeking through the top of the water. Peter's 216 00:15:31,080 --> 00:15:35,280 Speaker 3: heart beat swiftly, and he swamed ashore. His large arms 217 00:15:35,360 --> 00:15:38,080 Speaker 3: chopped through the water and his legs kicked with vigor. 218 00:15:39,240 --> 00:15:41,480 Speaker 3: He couldn't wait for the boat to be docked. He 219 00:15:41,760 --> 00:15:46,600 Speaker 3: had to see Jesus. Peter finally made his way to 220 00:15:46,640 --> 00:15:49,840 Speaker 3: the beach. His clothes were soaked, and it turned out 221 00:15:49,880 --> 00:15:53,160 Speaker 3: the boat had beat him to the shore. Peter scanned 222 00:15:53,160 --> 00:15:56,880 Speaker 3: the beach for Jesus. He was sitting by a charcoal fire, 223 00:15:57,520 --> 00:16:01,520 Speaker 3: waiting for the disciples to bring in the fish. Peter 224 00:16:01,680 --> 00:16:04,200 Speaker 3: ran to the boat and hauled the net off the boat. 225 00:16:04,840 --> 00:16:08,400 Speaker 3: Panting with water dripping from his clothes, Peter ran to 226 00:16:08,440 --> 00:16:12,360 Speaker 3: where Jesus was sitting. He dropped the fish beside him 227 00:16:12,760 --> 00:16:18,360 Speaker 3: and paused. Peter looked at that fire. He had seen 228 00:16:18,400 --> 00:16:22,920 Speaker 3: that dark charcoal before. It had a special scent that 229 00:16:23,000 --> 00:16:27,760 Speaker 3: brought back many memories. The charcoal Jesus used to start 230 00:16:27,800 --> 00:16:31,760 Speaker 3: the fire was unique. It was the same charcoal used 231 00:16:31,760 --> 00:16:36,680 Speaker 3: for the fires beside the temple where Peter denied Jesus. 232 00:16:37,600 --> 00:16:41,640 Speaker 3: Peter stood over the fire for a long moment. His 233 00:16:41,760 --> 00:16:45,160 Speaker 3: clothes were sopping wet and dripped on to the sand below. 234 00:16:45,840 --> 00:16:48,440 Speaker 5: Will you sit with me and enjoy some breakfast. 235 00:16:48,000 --> 00:16:52,760 Speaker 3: Peter, Jesus asked. Peter looked Jesus in the eye and nodded. 236 00:16:53,920 --> 00:16:58,160 Speaker 3: All the disciples sat down in late However, Peter just 237 00:16:58,200 --> 00:17:02,320 Speaker 3: stared at Jesus, looking for the right words to say. 238 00:17:03,800 --> 00:17:07,480 Speaker 3: They finished eating silently by the fire. The sun was 239 00:17:07,520 --> 00:17:10,960 Speaker 3: now high in the sky, yet Peter was still shivering 240 00:17:11,000 --> 00:17:14,679 Speaker 3: from the damp clothes draped on his back. He was 241 00:17:14,760 --> 00:17:19,680 Speaker 3: lost in thought, staring blankly at the fire. Jesus looked 242 00:17:19,720 --> 00:17:22,159 Speaker 3: up from across the coals and said. 243 00:17:22,480 --> 00:17:23,920 Speaker 5: Simon, son of John. 244 00:17:23,960 --> 00:17:26,960 Speaker 3: Peter looked up. It had been a long time since 245 00:17:27,040 --> 00:17:31,719 Speaker 3: Jesus called him Simon. Jesus looked deeply into the fisherman's 246 00:17:31,760 --> 00:17:36,200 Speaker 3: eyes and asked, do you love me? Peter met Christ's gaze, 247 00:17:36,920 --> 00:17:41,560 Speaker 3: the flickering flames reflected in his eyes. Yes, Lord, you 248 00:17:41,680 --> 00:17:45,280 Speaker 3: know that I love you, Peter answered. Jesus nodded and 249 00:17:45,400 --> 00:17:47,000 Speaker 3: poked the charcoal with a stick. 250 00:17:47,400 --> 00:17:49,440 Speaker 5: Then feed my lamps, he replied. 251 00:17:50,040 --> 00:17:53,639 Speaker 3: The black smoke rose high into the air. Peter hated 252 00:17:53,680 --> 00:17:56,920 Speaker 3: the smell of it. It reminded him of his sins. 253 00:17:58,280 --> 00:18:00,760 Speaker 3: He could still hear the echoes of the rooster's call 254 00:18:01,160 --> 00:18:01,879 Speaker 3: in his mind. 255 00:18:02,320 --> 00:18:04,760 Speaker 5: Simon, son of John, do you love me? 256 00:18:05,080 --> 00:18:10,520 Speaker 3: Jesus asked again. This time Peter paused before answering. He 257 00:18:10,600 --> 00:18:15,880 Speaker 3: considered the question. Did he truly love Jesus? If so, 258 00:18:16,480 --> 00:18:18,879 Speaker 3: then why did he fall asleep when Jesus wanted him 259 00:18:18,920 --> 00:18:22,879 Speaker 3: to pray? If he loved him, then why did he 260 00:18:23,000 --> 00:18:30,639 Speaker 3: deny him three times? Peter sighed and thought deeply. He 261 00:18:30,760 --> 00:18:34,840 Speaker 3: raised his head and looked at Jesus. Although his actions 262 00:18:34,880 --> 00:18:39,879 Speaker 3: did not fully express it, Peter knew the answer. Yes, Lord, 263 00:18:40,000 --> 00:18:43,119 Speaker 3: you know that I love you. Jesus's gaze did not 264 00:18:43,240 --> 00:18:43,960 Speaker 3: leave Peters. 265 00:18:44,400 --> 00:18:47,480 Speaker 5: If you love me, tend to my sheep, he answered. 266 00:18:48,840 --> 00:18:51,760 Speaker 3: The tension was thick enough to run a blade through 267 00:18:52,840 --> 00:18:57,440 Speaker 3: the Other disciples merely watched and listened silently as Jesus 268 00:18:57,480 --> 00:19:02,840 Speaker 3: asked Peter a third time. This time, Jesus's tone was 269 00:19:02,920 --> 00:19:05,240 Speaker 3: serious and filled with intensity. 270 00:19:05,600 --> 00:19:09,960 Speaker 5: Simon, son of John, do you love me? 271 00:19:10,440 --> 00:19:14,560 Speaker 3: Peter fell to his knees. Jesus had now asked three times, 272 00:19:15,119 --> 00:19:19,679 Speaker 3: the same amount of times he denied him. He placed 273 00:19:19,680 --> 00:19:23,439 Speaker 3: his hands in his face and wept. The rest of 274 00:19:23,480 --> 00:19:25,960 Speaker 3: the disciples listened to the sound of his sobs and 275 00:19:26,000 --> 00:19:30,080 Speaker 3: the crackling of the fire. Peter looked up to see 276 00:19:30,200 --> 00:19:37,919 Speaker 3: Jesus's compassionate smile. Peter wiped his tears and nodded his head. Lord, 277 00:19:38,119 --> 00:19:41,720 Speaker 3: you know all things. You know my heart, and you 278 00:19:41,760 --> 00:19:44,800 Speaker 3: know my mind. You have searched me and known me. 279 00:19:45,359 --> 00:19:49,240 Speaker 3: You know that I love you. Jesus nodded and stood 280 00:19:49,240 --> 00:19:52,920 Speaker 3: to his feet. He knelt down to Peter and placed 281 00:19:52,920 --> 00:19:57,800 Speaker 3: his hand on his shoulder. Jesus held it firmly and said, 282 00:19:58,040 --> 00:20:03,200 Speaker 3: then feed my sheep. In that moment, Peter felt the 283 00:20:03,240 --> 00:20:07,200 Speaker 3: full weight of grace fall upon him like a tidal wave. 284 00:20:08,080 --> 00:20:11,360 Speaker 3: He breathed in deep and felt the burden of shame 285 00:20:11,840 --> 00:20:16,480 Speaker 3: melt away. He embraced Jesus and wept on his shoulder. 286 00:20:17,680 --> 00:20:22,720 Speaker 3: Jesus had restored Peter, although he denied her, there would 287 00:20:22,720 --> 00:20:28,280 Speaker 3: be no condemnation for those who loved him. Peter's heart 288 00:20:28,320 --> 00:20:31,720 Speaker 3: was filled with the spirit of God. He had finally 289 00:20:31,760 --> 00:20:36,200 Speaker 3: realized why Jesus died on that cross. His sins were 290 00:20:36,320 --> 00:20:40,840 Speaker 3: heavy like an anchor on his soul, Yet Jesus was 291 00:20:40,880 --> 00:20:44,359 Speaker 3: able to take it upon himself so Peter would not 292 00:20:44,440 --> 00:20:49,320 Speaker 3: have to. Peter was now empowered to run without the 293 00:20:49,440 --> 00:20:53,800 Speaker 3: burden of shame. Jesus helped Peter to his feet and 294 00:20:53,840 --> 00:20:58,000 Speaker 3: took him alone to the water. Together they walked and 295 00:20:58,040 --> 00:21:01,840 Speaker 3: spoke as friends. The two of them stopped and looked 296 00:21:01,880 --> 00:21:05,400 Speaker 3: out on the water. They watched as the gulls doove 297 00:21:05,600 --> 00:21:09,680 Speaker 3: head first into the water to snatch up fish. Still 298 00:21:09,720 --> 00:21:13,840 Speaker 3: looking out, Jesus spoke to Peter, saying, when. 299 00:21:13,640 --> 00:21:15,880 Speaker 5: You were young, you were used to doing as you pleased. 300 00:21:16,480 --> 00:21:19,800 Speaker 5: You dressed yourself and walked wherever you wanted. You followed 301 00:21:19,840 --> 00:21:24,159 Speaker 5: your own desires, Peter. Yet now you no longer have 302 00:21:24,240 --> 00:21:28,320 Speaker 5: that freedom. You are called by me. That means you 303 00:21:28,359 --> 00:21:30,320 Speaker 5: will be taken where you do not wish to go. 304 00:21:31,160 --> 00:21:34,119 Speaker 5: You will be carried out as I was. Will you 305 00:21:34,200 --> 00:21:35,000 Speaker 5: still follow me? 306 00:21:37,480 --> 00:21:40,720 Speaker 3: Peter turned to look at Jesus. He would no longer 307 00:21:40,800 --> 00:21:46,080 Speaker 3: deny him. He nodded, ready to receive whatever death awaited 308 00:21:46,160 --> 00:21:49,960 Speaker 3: him because of Jesus. Peter turned back to the fire. 309 00:21:50,840 --> 00:21:53,840 Speaker 3: John and the other disciples were still eating and talking 310 00:21:53,840 --> 00:21:58,800 Speaker 3: amongst themselves. What about John, Peter asked, What is his fate? 311 00:21:59,280 --> 00:22:03,360 Speaker 3: Jesus looked back at John. His young smile was infectious. 312 00:22:04,359 --> 00:22:06,840 Speaker 3: Jesus grinned and patted Peter on the back. 313 00:22:07,480 --> 00:22:10,640 Speaker 5: My plans for John, and under your concern, he may 314 00:22:10,680 --> 00:22:13,760 Speaker 5: remain until I return once again. Yet that is not 315 00:22:13,920 --> 00:22:17,000 Speaker 5: for you to know. You follow me and the gifts 316 00:22:17,040 --> 00:22:18,879 Speaker 5: and callings I have given you, Peter. 317 00:22:19,359 --> 00:22:23,040 Speaker 3: Peter nodded. John and Peter would both suffer for the 318 00:22:23,080 --> 00:22:26,800 Speaker 3: sake of Christ. Peter would march up a hill with 319 00:22:26,840 --> 00:22:30,960 Speaker 3: his own cross and hang upside down. John would be 320 00:22:31,040 --> 00:22:35,440 Speaker 3: exiled to rot away on an island. Yet before these 321 00:22:35,480 --> 00:22:39,440 Speaker 3: things would happen, they would see the world forever changed 322 00:22:39,480 --> 00:22:43,320 Speaker 3: by the power of God's spirit. They would be called 323 00:22:43,560 --> 00:22:49,160 Speaker 3: as shepherds to tend Jesus's sheep. Together they would witness 324 00:22:49,440 --> 00:22:54,800 Speaker 3: and usher in the beginning of Christ's church. These lowly 325 00:22:54,880 --> 00:22:58,520 Speaker 3: fishermen from the back country of Galilee would be used 326 00:22:58,520 --> 00:23:02,200 Speaker 3: to usher in the glory of God, God himself. Yet 327 00:23:02,240 --> 00:23:07,080 Speaker 3: it all began with following the good shepherd Jesus. 328 00:23:10,400 --> 00:23:12,359 Speaker 2: We were taken back to where it all began. For 329 00:23:12,480 --> 00:23:16,400 Speaker 2: Peter before his name was Peter, before he even knew Jesus, 330 00:23:16,720 --> 00:23:19,200 Speaker 2: just rocking on a boat with his head against the mask. 331 00:23:19,800 --> 00:23:23,560 Speaker 2: Frustrated after a night of no fish, Peter was attempting 332 00:23:23,600 --> 00:23:27,120 Speaker 2: to return to his old life. The shamey experience caused 333 00:23:27,200 --> 00:23:30,200 Speaker 2: him to return to what was comfortable and familiar. When 334 00:23:30,240 --> 00:23:33,000 Speaker 2: you and I experience pain and shame, and we have 335 00:23:33,119 --> 00:23:35,679 Speaker 2: no one to blame but ourselves, we tend to shrink 336 00:23:35,720 --> 00:23:38,359 Speaker 2: back and retreat to old habits. We find comfort in 337 00:23:38,400 --> 00:23:42,080 Speaker 2: our old lifestyles, relationships, and sins that gave us security, 338 00:23:42,359 --> 00:23:44,720 Speaker 2: even though we hated who we were during that time 339 00:23:44,720 --> 00:23:48,200 Speaker 2: of our lives. It's a human universal to slip back 340 00:23:48,240 --> 00:23:51,960 Speaker 2: into old habits when things get tough. Something about us 341 00:23:51,960 --> 00:23:55,119 Speaker 2: wants to burrow back into sin when we sense danger 342 00:23:55,200 --> 00:23:58,440 Speaker 2: or discomfort. For Peter, it was shame that led him 343 00:23:58,480 --> 00:24:01,480 Speaker 2: back to the fishing boat. While the other men dreamed 344 00:24:01,480 --> 00:24:04,560 Speaker 2: about their futures with Jesus, Peter was still reeling from 345 00:24:04,600 --> 00:24:09,080 Speaker 2: the past. Shame is paralyzing. When we define ourselves based 346 00:24:09,080 --> 00:24:12,479 Speaker 2: on our past mistakes, we keep ourselves from stepping forward. 347 00:24:12,760 --> 00:24:16,119 Speaker 2: We chain ourselves to our sins as self punishment. We 348 00:24:16,160 --> 00:24:19,160 Speaker 2: put ourselves in a prison of our own insecurity because 349 00:24:19,200 --> 00:24:21,800 Speaker 2: we think we deserve it. That is what Peter was 350 00:24:21,800 --> 00:24:25,240 Speaker 2: doing this whole time. He thought his sins disqualified him 351 00:24:25,240 --> 00:24:27,840 Speaker 2: from the love and favor of God. Have you done 352 00:24:27,880 --> 00:24:30,800 Speaker 2: this to yourself? Are you unable to forgive yourself and 353 00:24:30,840 --> 00:24:33,320 Speaker 2: move on from what you've done? Peter was in the 354 00:24:33,359 --> 00:24:36,240 Speaker 2: same boat, no pun intended. He gave up on his 355 00:24:36,320 --> 00:24:39,480 Speaker 2: dreams and put himself on time out, But Jesus was 356 00:24:39,520 --> 00:24:42,800 Speaker 2: on the shore, ready to bring him back in Jesus 357 00:24:42,880 --> 00:24:46,639 Speaker 2: first got Peter's attention through fishing. Do you remember episode 358 00:24:46,680 --> 00:24:49,840 Speaker 2: six when Jesus caused his boat to overflow with fish? 359 00:24:50,720 --> 00:24:54,119 Speaker 2: We shouldn't leave, Simon, Peter said, it's hopeless. He stood 360 00:24:54,200 --> 00:24:58,080 Speaker 2: up to begin unwrapping the sails. Then as Simon stood up, 361 00:24:58,320 --> 00:25:01,600 Speaker 2: he heard a slight tightening of the rope behind him. 362 00:25:02,040 --> 00:25:05,200 Speaker 2: Simon froze. His eyes widened as he looked back slowly. 363 00:25:05,720 --> 00:25:09,159 Speaker 2: The nets were tightening at a fast pace, so fast 364 00:25:09,320 --> 00:25:11,560 Speaker 2: that if Simon did not act quickly, they would break. 365 00:25:12,359 --> 00:25:15,000 Speaker 2: He dove for the nets as they were being dragged 366 00:25:15,040 --> 00:25:18,359 Speaker 2: off the side of the boat. Andrew and Jesus leaped 367 00:25:18,359 --> 00:25:21,480 Speaker 2: forward to help him. Together they dragged the net out 368 00:25:21,520 --> 00:25:24,720 Speaker 2: of the water. As they pulled, Simon could see thousands 369 00:25:24,760 --> 00:25:27,480 Speaker 2: of fish being drawn into the boat. The three of 370 00:25:27,520 --> 00:25:30,640 Speaker 2: them laughed as they continued to bring in fish. Peter 371 00:25:30,800 --> 00:25:33,120 Speaker 2: yelled for James and John to come close to them 372 00:25:33,160 --> 00:25:36,240 Speaker 2: so they could draw more in. The men were screaming 373 00:25:36,240 --> 00:25:39,520 Speaker 2: with delight. Both the boats were filled with fish. It 374 00:25:39,600 --> 00:25:42,480 Speaker 2: was the most joy Simon had felt in years, Yet 375 00:25:42,520 --> 00:25:45,879 Speaker 2: his smile quickly faded as the other men cheered. Simon 376 00:25:45,920 --> 00:25:49,439 Speaker 2: looked at Jesus his eyes began to water. He fell 377 00:25:49,520 --> 00:25:52,960 Speaker 2: to his knees depart from me. Lord Simon said he 378 00:25:53,000 --> 00:25:55,440 Speaker 2: felt so much shame for the life he had been living. 379 00:25:56,000 --> 00:25:58,879 Speaker 2: He had so much bitterness and anger within him. He 380 00:25:58,920 --> 00:26:01,560 Speaker 2: felt unworthy to be in the presence of Jesus. I 381 00:26:01,600 --> 00:26:05,880 Speaker 2: am a sinful man, O Lord, I am not worthy. Sometimes, 382 00:26:06,080 --> 00:26:08,240 Speaker 2: in order to realize our future, we have to face 383 00:26:08,280 --> 00:26:11,439 Speaker 2: our past. We have to revisit parts of our lives 384 00:26:11,440 --> 00:26:14,800 Speaker 2: we would rather forget. There are wounds that have not healed, 385 00:26:15,440 --> 00:26:17,960 Speaker 2: sins you have not repented of, and mistakes you haven't 386 00:26:18,000 --> 00:26:21,920 Speaker 2: learned from. Peter's past flashed before his eyes the first 387 00:26:21,960 --> 00:26:24,760 Speaker 2: time Jesus captured his heart, the moment he walked on 388 00:26:24,840 --> 00:26:28,399 Speaker 2: water and sank, and the transfiguration raced in his mind. 389 00:26:29,040 --> 00:26:31,600 Speaker 2: All those moments came back to Peter like a whirlwind. 390 00:26:32,080 --> 00:26:34,480 Speaker 2: He needed to deal with them, or else he would drown. 391 00:26:35,200 --> 00:26:38,159 Speaker 2: Jesus took Peter on a journey in order to restore 392 00:26:38,200 --> 00:26:41,040 Speaker 2: Peter and empower him for the future. He made him 393 00:26:41,040 --> 00:26:44,359 Speaker 2: face his past. Jesus invited Peter to sit down with 394 00:26:44,440 --> 00:26:47,360 Speaker 2: him by the fire. This was the second time Scripture 395 00:26:47,400 --> 00:26:50,439 Speaker 2: mentioned the charcoal fire. It was the same type of 396 00:26:50,480 --> 00:26:54,080 Speaker 2: coals that warmed Peter when he denied Jesus. The smell 397 00:26:54,119 --> 00:26:57,600 Speaker 2: of the fire brought back old memories, emotions, and images 398 00:26:57,880 --> 00:27:02,200 Speaker 2: from that dreadful night. Jesusesus was lovingly making Peter face 399 00:27:02,280 --> 00:27:04,840 Speaker 2: his shame. With the memories of his betrayal fresh in 400 00:27:04,840 --> 00:27:09,240 Speaker 2: his mind, Peter was asked a simple question, Simon, son 401 00:27:09,280 --> 00:27:13,280 Speaker 2: of John, do you love me? Peter answered as honestly 402 00:27:13,320 --> 00:27:15,840 Speaker 2: as he could, Yes, Lord, you know I love you. 403 00:27:16,800 --> 00:27:19,960 Speaker 2: Jesus then gave Peter a charge. If you love me, 404 00:27:20,520 --> 00:27:24,359 Speaker 2: then ten to my sheep. Jesus asked the same question 405 00:27:24,480 --> 00:27:28,560 Speaker 2: three times, and each time Peter answered, Jesus commissioned him 406 00:27:28,600 --> 00:27:34,080 Speaker 2: with something tend to my sheep, Feed my lambs, feed 407 00:27:34,400 --> 00:27:38,919 Speaker 2: my sheep. Jesus allowed Peter the chance to declare his 408 00:27:39,040 --> 00:27:42,200 Speaker 2: love for him. Then he commissioned Peter with a beautiful 409 00:27:42,240 --> 00:27:45,679 Speaker 2: calling to tend to the flock of God. There is 410 00:27:45,720 --> 00:27:49,159 Speaker 2: no restoration without dealing with the past, but there is 411 00:27:49,240 --> 00:27:53,200 Speaker 2: also no restoration without a dream for the future. Jesus 412 00:27:53,320 --> 00:27:56,560 Speaker 2: led Peter through a process of healing by forgiving him 413 00:27:56,560 --> 00:28:00,000 Speaker 2: of his past and commissioning him for his future. Jesus 414 00:28:00,119 --> 00:28:02,760 Speaker 2: have the heart of a shepherd. Before calling Peter to 415 00:28:02,760 --> 00:28:05,800 Speaker 2: be a shepherd, he tended to him with gentleness and love. 416 00:28:06,440 --> 00:28:09,520 Speaker 2: In our next episode, Jesus will commission the rest of 417 00:28:09,560 --> 00:28:12,880 Speaker 2: his disciples. His time on earth is coming to an end, 418 00:28:13,600 --> 00:28:16,840 Speaker 2: as is our series on the life of Jesus. Join 419 00:28:16,920 --> 00:28:20,120 Speaker 2: us next time for our twenty third and final episode. 420 00:28:20,400 --> 00:28:24,440 Speaker 2: Go therefore, thanks again for listening. For more inspiring stories, 421 00:28:24,560 --> 00:28:27,840 Speaker 2: daily prayers, and wisdom to last a lifetime, go to 422 00:28:27,880 --> 00:28:30,639 Speaker 2: pray dot com. And to expand your heroes in the 423 00:28:30,680 --> 00:28:34,840 Speaker 2: Bible journey, download the Heroes of the Faith devotional at 424 00:28:34,880 --> 00:28:38,440 Speaker 2: Tony Evans dot org Forward slash Heroes. Please write a 425 00:28:38,480 --> 00:28:41,320 Speaker 2: review and let me know how Jesus and this podcast 426 00:28:41,600 --> 00:28:43,800 Speaker 2: have impacted your life. God bless