Your Friend, God: Week 6
[John 21:2-17 NLT] – 2 Several of the disciples were there--Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples. 3 Simon Peter said, "I'm going fishing." "We'll come, too," they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night. 4 At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn't see who he was. 5 He called out, "Fellows, have you caught any fish?" "No," they replied.
6 Then he said, "Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you'll get some!" So they did, and they couldn't haul in the net because there were so many fish in it. 7 Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, "It's the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. 8 The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards from shore.
9 When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them--fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread. 10 "Bring some of the fish you've just caught," Jesus said. 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn't torn. 12 "Now come and have some breakfast!" Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. 13 Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish. 14 This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead.
15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," Peter replied, "you know I love you." "Then feed my lambs," Jesus told him. 16 Jesus repeated the question: "Simon son of John, do you love me?" "Yes, Lord," Peter said, "you know I love you." "Then take care of my sheep," Jesus said. 17 A third time he asked him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, "Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you." Jesus said, "Then feed my sheep.
FRIENDSHIP IS MORE THAN BEING TOGETHER.
Friendship is not measured by time, common interests, or shared experiences, but by genuine love and care for another.
John 15:12–15
FRIENDSHIP SEEKS TO UNDERSTAND, NOT JUST BE UNDERSTOOD.
Jesus patiently walked with Peter through his doubts, questions, and misunderstandings, teaching him the meaning of true love.
Matthew 16:13–23
FRIENDSHIP RESTS ON THE FOUNDATION OF TRUST.
Jesus encouraged Peter to step out in faith and rescued him when he faltered.
Matthew 14:28–31
FRIENDSHIP IS NOT ISOLATION, IT’S VULNERABILITY.
Jesus invited Peter into His deepest moments of sorrow and suffering.
Matthew 26:36–38
FRIENDSHIP REMAINS FAITHFUL THROUGH FAILURE.
Even when Peter denied Jesus, Christ did not abandon him. Genuine friendship offers grace and makes room for restoration.
Luke 22:31–34; John 21:15–17
FRIENDSHIP GIVES WITHOUT EXPECTING TO RECEIVE.
Jesus demonstrated a selfless love that sought Peter's good rather than His own benefit. True friendship is expressed through sacrifice and service.
John 13:12–15; John 15:13
FRIENDSHIP HELPS OTHERS BECOME WHO GOD CREATED THEM TO BE.
Jesus did more than forgive Peter. He restored him, encouraged him, and entrusted him with the care of others.
John 21:17–19; Galatians 6:2
FRIENDSHIP IS THE WAY WE LIVE.
When we live in the ways of Christ, we become friends to others through the love we demonstrate. Friendship is not simply a relationship we possess, but a commitment we practice—caring for one another, offering grace, serving selflessly, and seeking the good of others. This is the friendship God intended us to experience and extend to everyone.
Friendship with Jesus is not built on our perfection but on His love, presence, faithfulness, and grace.
“Love each other in the same way I have loved you.” — John 15:12 (NLT)
