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JOHN 21:18, 19

"WELCOME BACK"

Intro: At Ceasarea Phillip, Peter began his movement away from the Lord when Jesus made  the
       first mention of the cross. Here we see his final step of restoration as he is told of
       his own cross and challenged to follow.

I. FIRST STEP BACK, Luke 22: 31, 32, "SATAN HAS DESIRED . . ."
        A. Peter is revealed to be in the midst of a conflict.
                1. Satan desires him to sift him.
                2. Jesus is praying for him that his faith fails not.
                        a. Was the prayer of Jesus answered? Yes.
                        b. His courage failed, his obedience not faith.
        B. Many can identify with Peter here.
                1. In the severe test your courage failed.
                2. You have denied Him in your actions.
                3. Your obedience has failed not your faith.

II. LUKE 22:61, "AND THE LORD TURNED AND LOOKED UPON . . ."
        A. What kind of look do you suppose?
                1. I know how I might have looked.
                        a. In anger.
                        b. In hurt, "how could you?"
                2. I think it was a look of pity and love.
                        a. I believe he sow the sorrow he was bringing to himself by his
                           actions.
                        b. The look broke Peter's heart, he left the enemies fire and went out
                           and wept bitterly.
                        c. Have you life the enemies fire?

Ill. MARK 16:7, "GO TELL THE DISCIPLES AND PETER."
        A. These have been three bitter days.
                1. Peter had no doubt been tortured by the thought that the last thing the
                   Lord heard him say were words of cursing and denial.
                        a. He really didn't mean it, he was sorry but how could he tell Him 
                           now?
        B. As the ladies excited relate their story of the empty tomb and the message of the
           angel, "go tell His disciples...and Peter."
                1. Had they just said disciples, "Peter would have thought I was once one,
                   but I failed..."

IV. LUKE 24: 33, 34, "THE LORD IS RISEN AND HAS APPEARED UNTO SIMON."
        A. Just where, when and how the scriptures are silent.
                1. What Jesus said to him not recorded and rightfully so.
                        a. There are intensely personal things shared by the penitent heart
                           to  the Master that must forever remain personal.
                2. I believe He might have said, Peter, when I spoke of My cross you
                   rebelled, but now through My shed blood there is forgiveness.

V. JOHN 21; THE FINAL MOVEMENT BACK.
        A. First the challenge of Peter's love.
                1. Peter denied in the city, Jesus brings him back to the country.
                2. He was by the enemies fire, now he is by the fire Jesus kindled.
                3. Peter denied three times, Jesus gives him three opportunities to confess
                   his love.
                4. Peter is not brought to a formal court but to an informal breakfast.
                5. Here Peter was asked, do you Iove me.
                        a. The two Greek words for love.
                        b. Did Peter ever rise to the higher word?
                                1. Yes in his epistles.
                                2. "Lord you don't know me, I will never deny you."
                                3. "Lord you know all things, you know I love you."
                6. Get away from the world's fires and let Him kindle a fire in your life.
                   You  have no need in your nature that He cannot supply.
        B. Next the challenge to "Follow Me."
                1. He lays before Peter his own, cross then says follow Me.
                2. I spoke of my cross and you left Me.
                        a. My cross led to My crowning.
                        b. Follow Me.
        C. The Savior who restored Peter is waiting for you.
                1. He has built the fire, He invites you to come.