BEFORE/AFTER - Part 4
What does “restoration” look like?
“The action of returning something to a former owner, place, or condition” —Oxford Dictionary
15So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”
He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”
He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”16He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?”
He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”
He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”17He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”
And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. —John 21:15-17
Restoration is a
in order to
up.
In this conversation, the use of the word “love” seems important. There are two different words used in the ancient text.
In terms of interpretation, when two synonyms are placed in close proximity in context, a difference in meaning, however slight, is emphasized. —John MacArthur
Jesus used the term “agape”, signifying TOTAL COMMITMENT, when He asked if Peter loved Him. All Peter could muster was the word “phileo” for love, which signifies a lack of total commitment.
What was wrong with Peter that he couldn’t give total commitment?
The third time Jesus ask was different though. Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him a third time but this time Jesus used the word “phileo.” Jesus knew where Peter was and went down to where he was in order to build him up from there.
Restoration communicates that
is still present.
To come back through restoration is to allow God to bury your past and then trust Him with your walk going forward.
18Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” —John 21:18
The call this morning is simple: FOLLOW JESUS.
19This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.” —John 21:19
Just follow Jesus and let Him take care of everything else.
Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him. —Dr. Charles Stanley