Jumping Overboard: Pursuing Intimacy with Christ
Summary
In John 21, the disciples find themselves in a season of waiting, uncertain and restless after the resurrection. Peter, ever the man of action, decides to go fishing—returning to his old life, perhaps seeking comfort in the familiar. Yet, even in this, the old ways no longer satisfy. When Jesus appears on the shore and performs a miracle reminiscent of earlier days, John recognizes Him by the pattern of His work, and Peter, in his characteristic zeal, throws himself into the sea to get to Jesus as quickly as possible. This moment is both comical and deeply revealing: Peter’s passion for Christ outweighs any concern for decorum or even the success of the fishing trip.
The story highlights the transformation that comes from encountering Jesus. Peter, once defined by impulsiveness and failure, is now so captivated by Christ that nothing else compares—not even a miraculous catch of fish. The more time spent with Jesus, the more one learns to discern what is truly excellent, and the less appealing the old life becomes. Like a bank teller who knows the real currency so well that counterfeits are obvious, those who walk closely with Christ can recognize His hand at work—and also sense when something is missing.
Yet, there is a warning here. It is easy to drift back to old habits when distance grows between us and Jesus. Sometimes, we settle for proximity to Christ without true intimacy, content to keep Him “100 yards off” so He doesn’t interfere with our plans. But Peter’s example challenges us: is there anything in our lives that we value more than closeness to Jesus? Are we willing to look foolish in the world’s eyes to pursue Him with abandon?
The call is to renew our zeal, to remember the devotion of our early days with Christ, and to recognize that nothing in this world can satisfy like He does. Jesus is not distant; He is near, inviting us to draw close, to leave behind what no longer fills us, and to experience the fullness of life with Him.
Key Takeaways
- Intimacy with Jesus sharpens our spiritual discernment. Just as John recognized the Lord by the pattern of His work, the more time we spend with Christ—through Scripture, prayer, and obedience—the more we can sense His presence and guidance in our lives. This familiarity also helps us recognize when something is counterfeit or not of God, protecting us from deception and distraction. [36:10]
- Zeal for Christ is born from experiencing His surpassing worth. Peter’s reckless leap from the boat wasn’t just emotionalism; it was the response of someone who had tasted and seen that Jesus is better than anything else. When we truly encounter Christ, the things that once captivated us lose their hold, and our passion for Him becomes the driving force of our lives. [45:30]
- Distance from Jesus often leads us back to old patterns. The disciples, in Jesus’ absence, returned to fishing—their former way of life. Similarly, when our relationship with Christ grows cold, we tend to drift toward familiar habits, even those that once enslaved us. Recognizing this tendency is crucial for spiritual growth and calls us to continually seek closeness with the Lord. [47:40]
- The world’s standards of excellence pale in comparison to Christ. Peter left behind a miraculous catch—the very thing he once would have celebrated—because he had found something far greater in Jesus. As we grow in knowledge and discernment, we learn to approve what is truly excellent, letting go of lesser pursuits for the sake of knowing Christ more deeply. [51:23]
- True devotion may look foolish to the world, but it is the only fitting response to Jesus. Peter’s impulsive dive into the water was undignified by worldly standards, yet it was the natural overflow of a heart captivated by Christ. We are invited to abandon our pride, comfort, and self-sufficiency, and to pursue Jesus with the same wholehearted abandon, trusting that He alone can satisfy. [56:25]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Imperfect Disciples and the Need for Jesus
[04:05] - Setting: The Sea of Tiberias
[06:00] - The Disciples Go Fishing
[08:30] - The Miraculous Catch and Recognition
[12:15] - Learning to Discern God’s Hand
[15:40] - The Character of Peter
[19:00] - Peter’s Zeal and Impulsiveness
[23:30] - Peter’s Past Failures and Passion
[28:10] - Why Peter Jumps Overboard
[32:00] - The Emptiness of the Old Life
[36:10] - Recognizing the Real vs. the Counterfeit
[39:01] - Breakfast with Jesus
[45:30] - Zeal for the Lord: A Personal Challenge
[51:23] - Approving What is Excellent
[56:25] - The Call to Jump Overboard
[57:48] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: John 21 – “Jumping Overboard for Jesus”
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### Bible Reading
- John 21:1-14 (The disciples go fishing, Jesus appears on the shore, the miraculous catch, and Peter jumps into the water to get to Jesus)
- Philippians 1:9-11 (“…that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent…”)
- Jeremiah 2:2 (“I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed me in the wilderness…”)
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### Observation Questions
1. What did Peter do when he realized it was Jesus on the shore, and how did the other disciples respond? (John 21:7-8)
2. According to the sermon, what was different about Peter’s experience of fishing after he had spent time with Jesus? [45:30]
3. In the story, how did John recognize that it was Jesus on the shore, even before seeing Him clearly? [36:10]
4. What does Jesus invite the disciples to do after they come to shore, and what might this simple act show about His relationship with them? (John 21:12-13)
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Peter was willing to leave behind a miraculous catch of fish—the very thing he once valued so much—to get to Jesus? What does this say about what had changed in his heart? [51:23]
2. The sermon compares recognizing Jesus’ work to a bank teller knowing real money so well that counterfeits are obvious. How does spending time with Jesus help us recognize what is truly from God and what is not? [36:10]
3. The disciples went back to fishing when Jesus wasn’t around. What does this reveal about human nature and our tendency to return to old habits when we feel distant from God? [47:40]
4. Peter’s actions might have looked foolish to others. Why does true devotion to Jesus sometimes look foolish to the world, and why is it still the right response? [56:25]
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### Application Questions
1. Peter jumped out of the boat to get to Jesus as fast as he could, not caring how it looked. Is there anything in your life that you value more than closeness to Jesus? What would it look like for you to “jump overboard” in your own context? [51:23]
2. The sermon warns that it’s easy to drift back to old habits when we feel distant from Jesus. Are there any “old nets” or patterns you find yourself returning to when your relationship with Christ grows cold? What practical step could you take this week to draw closer to Him? [47:40]
3. The more time we spend with Jesus, the more we can recognize His presence and guidance. What are some specific ways you can spend more intentional time with Jesus this week (Scripture, prayer, worship, etc.)? [36:10]
4. The world’s standards of success and excellence can be very appealing. Is there something you’ve been chasing that, in light of Jesus, now feels empty? How can you let go of that pursuit and seek what is truly excellent? [51:23]
5. The sermon mentioned that sometimes we keep Jesus “100 yards off” so He doesn’t interfere with our plans. Are there areas of your life where you’re keeping Jesus at a safe distance? What would it look like to invite Him closer? [53:11]
6. Peter’s passion for Jesus was renewed after encountering Him again. Can you remember a time when your zeal for Christ was stronger? What changed, and how might you ask God to renew your passion today? [46:25]
7. True devotion may look foolish to others, but it’s the only fitting response to Jesus. Is there a step of faith or obedience you’ve been hesitant to take because of what others might think? What would it look like to trust Jesus and take that step anyway? [56:25]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for renewed passion and closeness to Jesus, asking God to help each person let go of what no longer satisfies and to pursue Him wholeheartedly.
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing the Voice and Work of Jesus
As John and the disciples fished unsuccessfully, it was only after Jesus instructed them to cast their nets on the right side that they experienced an overwhelming catch. John, having spent years with Jesus, immediately recognized that this miraculous event bore the unmistakable fingerprints of the Lord. The more time you spend with Jesus—through Scripture, prayer, and fellowship—the more attuned you become to His presence and activity in your life. Like a bank teller who knows real currency by touch, you will be able to discern when God is truly at work and, just as importantly, when something is not of Him. This spiritual discernment grows as you walk closely with Christ, enabling you to recognize His voice and leading in both the extraordinary and the everyday moments. [36:10]
John 10:27 (ESV)
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."
Reflection: Can you recall a recent situation where you sensed God’s hand at work—or sensed His absence? What helped you discern the difference, and how can you grow in recognizing His voice more clearly?
Day 2: Zeal for Jesus Surpasses All Else
Peter’s passionate response to recognizing Jesus on the shore—leaping out of the boat and swimming to Him—shows a heart that values closeness to Christ above all else. Even when surrounded by the success of a full net of fish, Peter’s desire to be near Jesus outweighed any earthly achievement or comfort. His zeal may have looked foolish to others, but it was fueled by the knowledge that nothing in his old life could compare to the joy and purpose he found in Jesus. This kind of wholehearted devotion is not about perfection, but about a willingness to pursue Christ with abandon, even if it means looking a little ridiculous in the eyes of the world. [45:30]
John 21:7 (ESV)
"That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, 'It is the Lord!' When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are holding back from pursuing Jesus with full passion? What would it look like to “jump overboard” in that area today?
Day 3: Returning to Old Ways When Distant from Christ
When the disciples found themselves without Jesus’ daily presence, they drifted back to their old habits—fishing, as they had before they met Him. This tendency mirrors our own lives: when we lose our zeal or feel distant from Christ, we often return to familiar patterns, even if they no longer satisfy. The things that once brought comfort or excitement can feel empty after experiencing the fullness of life with Jesus. If you find yourself caught between the world and Christ, longing for more but feeling stuck, know that you are not alone. Jesus invites you to draw near again, to leave behind what no longer fills you, and to rediscover the joy of His presence. [48:37]
Jeremiah 2:2 (ESV)
“Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem, Thus says the Lord, ‘I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed me in the wilderness, in a land not sown.’”
Reflection: Are there old habits or patterns you’ve returned to when feeling distant from Jesus? What is one step you can take today to move closer to Him instead of back to the old ways?
Day 4: Experiencing True Excellence by Knowing Jesus
Peter’s willingness to abandon a miraculous catch of fish for the sake of being with Jesus reveals a new standard of excellence—one defined not by worldly success, but by the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. As Paul wrote to the Philippians, the more you grow in love, knowledge, and discernment, the more you are able to recognize what is truly excellent. When you have experienced the goodness and purpose that come from walking with Jesus, the allure of lesser things fades. Life apart from Christ loses its appeal, and you find yourself drawn to what is genuinely life-giving and excellent. [51:23]
Philippians 1:9-11 (ESV)
"And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."
Reflection: What is something in your life that once seemed excellent but now feels empty compared to Jesus? How can you pursue what is truly excellent today?
Day 5: Jesus Is Near—Respond with Renewed Passion
Though it may feel at times like Jesus is far off, the truth is that He is present and ready to reconnect with you right now. He invites you to bring your confession, your needs, and your longing for more of Him. Like Peter, you are given permission to respond with zeal—to leave behind comfort, routine, or fear of looking foolish, and to draw near to Christ with renewed passion. The world may not understand this kind of devotion, but if you truly know who Jesus is, there is no better response than to pursue Him wholeheartedly. Today, Jesus is not 100 yards away; He is here, inviting you to encounter Him afresh. [56:25]
James 4:8 (ESV)
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: What is one practical way you can respond to Jesus’ nearness today—whether through prayer, confession, worship, or an act of obedience? Will you take that step, even if it feels bold or out of your comfort zone?
Quotes
Christ doesn't just want to tell you what is good. He wants to show you what is good, let you experience his goodness. Let me tell you some good news this morning. Jesus is not 100 yards off today. He's here, and he's ready to reconnect. He's ready to hear your confession. He's ready to hear your call for help. Maybe you want to say hello for the first time. Maybe today is the day you quit playing it safe, and you just jump overboard towards Christ. I'm giving you permission. Show your zeal. [00:55:56] (40 seconds)
But if that's Jesus, I'm leaving the net full of fish. I don't care. I'm jumping towards him. Because this is maybe good. And maybe at some point in my life, this would have been the best thing I could have ever imagined. This would have filled me to the fullest. This is the stuff I prayed for. But today, today, I know that this full net ...compared to Jesus, I'm abandoning ship because that guy is a lot better than even my wildest dreams. [00:51:18] (39 seconds)
You know, from the world's perspective, Peter looked pretty foolish jumping overboard that day. But I'll tell you, if you really know who Jesus is, is there any other appropriate response? How foolish are we for not jumping overboard like Peter? How foolish is it to not take advantage of the opportunities that we all have to encounter the risen Lord? [00:56:36] (35 seconds)
Life apart from Christ just doesn't cut it. Without Christ, life is purposeless. I don't care how many fish we catch or whatever you fill in that blank with. So when only a hundred yards of water separated Peter from Christ, it's a no -brainer for him. He jumps in. He couldn't get enough of this man. [00:52:23] (18 seconds)
I think if we spent more time with Jesus, we too would be walking away from a lot of things in our life. Or at least be doing things differently than how we're doing them. But too often, Christians aren't all in. They like their Jesus as long as he doesn't mess with the other things they love. This is all over Christianity today. We get comfort from Jesus being on shore, but we kind of like the distance and being in the boat. [00:53:29] (33 seconds)
Peter was not okay with that distance. He knew that there was nothing better than being close to the Lord. So in a crazy, passionate Peter way, he just dives in. And I can make fun of Peter all I want through these stories and his track record. But if I'm honest here today, I want Peter's zeal for the Lord. I wish I had more passion to be with Jesus. I'm jealous of this guy who just emotionally, recklessly, passionately jumps overboard to get to Christ. [00:54:02] (33 seconds)
When we drift away from Christ, we normally drift towards our old habits, our old patterns, sometimes our old struggles, our addictions, and desires that have got us into trouble. But as we have distance from Jesus, it's easy to lose that zeal and then just tend to return to old stuff. This is what the disciples do. Former fishermen going out to fish. [00:48:02] (23 seconds)
But the sad part about this church is for some of us, a hundred yards seems just about right for us in Jesus. That I'm not so sure I want to have Jesus be any closer. Because, you know, Lord, I'm kind of in the middle of something here. I've got some good things going on. I don't want you messing with me. I don't want you messing with it. So you stay there. I'll stay here on the boat. I'll call you if I need you. I'm in swimming distance. That's nice. I don't need you meddling with my stuff, though. [00:52:41] (30 seconds)
Why did Peter have so much zeal so much unbridled excitement that he chose just to jump off the boat and head to shore here's why I think because Jesus was better than anything Peter had ever experienced in his life Jesus changed Peter's life and to Peter nothing else compared to Jesus. [00:44:40] (31 seconds)
We get to see what actually feels, what it feels like not to just cover guilt and shame, but be free of guilt and shame. We get to understand that Jesus actually gives my heart forgiveness, love, mercy. He starts to heal many parts that need healing. I need somebody in my life at times that says, Greg, you're off right here, but I'm not going anywhere and we're going to transform this together. [00:55:26] (30 seconds)
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