PODCAST

Restored By God

March 15th, 2023

John 21:15-19

During a post-resurrection breakfast on the beach, Jesus allows Peter to reaffirm his love. Jesus encourages Peter to care for and feed His sheep. He reveals Peter’s future, his death, and then calls him to follow.

The restoration of Peter is such a beautiful picture of God’s grace. Peter must have been humiliated by his failure, especially considering his dramatic assertions that “even if all fall away, I will not,” and his claim that he would go to prison or death with Jesus.

After his denial, we find Peter back with the group. Why didn’t he hide in shame? Maybe he remembered the words Jesus had spoken to him saying when he turned back, “strengthen your brothers.” It’s likely that the disciples were all beating themselves up about failing Jesus. Misery loves company. They would soon find that Jesus is faithful despite our unfaithfulness.

Whether our failure is denial, or disobedience or even a cooling of our love, Jesus calls us. Follow me.

Author: Vicki Copp