The Rooster’s Crow

Sunday, April 28, 2024

Text: John 21:15-19, 2024

“15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, 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.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, 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 everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

Let’s Connect:

What is your morning alarm clock?

Text Explained:

Peter’s breakfast with Jesus (post-resurrection)

The back story:

Luke 22:31-34, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you (all), that he might sift you (all) like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you (Simon) that your faith may not fail. And when you (Simon) have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”  33 Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”

Shame (regret) is a devourer— of joy, identity and purpose.

Jesus has Been There:

Hebrews 12:2, “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Jesus has Been There. He has experienced and triumphed over the shame of the cross, so shame is not the end of our story—it’s healing and restoration—it’s freedom in Christ.

Let’s Relate:

The chickens of Kauai and our liberty from shame:

Our Challenge:

Run free! (Just beware, not afraid, of our natural “defanged” predator (1 Peter 5:8)

Closing:

1 Peter 5:10-11 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.