The Magic Number

Text for this Sunday's sermon/conversation (NLT): John 21


No, the magic number is not eight... that's the Magic Eight Ball you're thinking of - the world's most profound prognosticator of future truth... or not!


Nope... the magic number is three. Remember a few chapters back in John's gospel story, when Peter made a bold prediction about his unwavering commitment to Jesus? (Peter should have checked the Magic Eight Ball - "Not Likely"). Anyway, in 13:7, our friend Peter proclaimed:

“But why can’t I come now, Lord?” he asked. “I’m ready to die for you.”

Hmmm... nice thought, but late that same evening (or early morning) he did exactly what Jesus told him he would do... he denied he had even ever heard of "that man" when the going got tough. How many times did he deny him you ask...? Three. Make a mental note of that. It's important to recognize how thoroughly and completely Peter failed his best friend, mentor, and Lord.

After the trauma and consequential euphoria of the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus the Messiah (who, by the way... after three days in the grave... is RISEN!), Peter and the other disciples - likely in a highly confused stupor - went back to their old lives, trying to figure out what it all meant. Then, one morning the resurrected Jesus showed up at Lake Galilee to reveal himself to the disciples for the third time. Then Jesus turned to our foot-in-the-mouth spokesperson, Peter, and committed one of the most beautiful, grace-filled acts in all of Scripture. Jesus re-commissioned Peter over a fire (of 153 fish). If you were to take a wild guess, how many times do you suppose Jesus asked Peter if he loved him? Ding ding... you are a winner! Yep, three times Jesus gently, yet not-so-subtly rubbed Peter's failure in his face... while simultaneously loving him, forgiving him, and preparing him to be the Apostle of God he was always meant to be.

"Do you love me?" Those are some haunting words in light of our failures, huh? But I don't think Jesus was just making conversation or being rhetorical. Each time he asked the question, it cut into Peter's soul a little deeper... and yet, each time he also commissioned Peter to "Feed his lambs" it breathed new life into his holy calling as shepherd of God's sheep.

C'mon, would God really send out (and entrust His mission) to a guy like Peter who sold him out? Would he really build his church on the "rock" (petra) of this guy's character? Would Jesus really forgive his friend who so miserably failed to follow through on his words? Would he really empower and entrust the guy who pretended he didn't even know him while Roman soldiers tortured him?

Ya... according to this story, he would. Aren't you glad? I don't know about you... but I am sooooo like Peter. I say the dumbest things without thinking. I make promises I don't always keep. I shrink in fear when faced with danger or embarrassment. Speaking of three... I know of at least three people who don't deserve the calling they have received to serve Him and feed His lambs:

Me...

myself...

and I.

And yet, He patiently waits for me to turn to him and trust him with my whole life (not just part of it). He earnestly seeks to pour out his holiness in, over, around, and through me. And though it must frustrate him (as a two year old frustrates his mom) God never seems to grow tired of my oh-so-human ability to tune him out... turn him off... and otherwise deny his lordship.

He just keeps oozing with love... the well of his grace never seems to run dry.

Almost makes me want to take my role as Christian disciple seriously.  :-)