He Learned From the Master - Further Proof of Forgiveness

 Jesus told his apostles to go to Galilee, where they would meet him again.  When they arrived, Peter decided to go out fishing on the Sea of Galilee.  Several others accompanied him. Once again, Peter found himself on the lake whee he had spent much of his earlier life.  The creaking of the boat, the lapping of the waves, the feel of the nets in his hands must all have seemed comfortingly familiar.  The men caught no fish all that night. - MATTHEW 26:32: JOHN 21:1-3.

At dawn, though, a figure called from the shore and urged the fishermen to cast their nets on the other side of the boat.  They complied and pulled in a great catch of 153 fish!    Peter knew who that person was. He leaped from the boat and swam ashore. On the beach, Jesus gave his faithful friends  a meal of fish cooked over charcoal. He focused on Peter. - JOHN 21:4-14.

Jesus asked Peter if he loved his Lord "more than these"-evidently pointing to the large haul of fish.  In Peter's heart, would love for the fishing business compete with love for Jesus?  Just as Peter had denied his Lord three times, Jesus now gave him the opportunity to affirm his love three times before his fellows.  As Peter did so, Jesus told him how to show that love; by putting sacred service ahead of all else, feeding, strengthening,  and sheperding Christ's flock, His faithful followers. - LUKE 22:32; JOHN 21:15-17. 

Next time: He Learned From the Master - Conclusion of Further Proof of Forgiveness

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