An encounter with Jesus

Peter

The disciple who denied Jesus, and was restored

Read the chapter: John 21

“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.”

What they wanted

Peter had promised to die for Jesus, then denied even knowing Him three times, and wept bitterly. After the resurrection he goes back to fishing, perhaps thinking his chance is gone. He wants, more than anything, to be near Jesus again, but how could he be?

What Jesus did

Jesus makes him breakfast on the shore. Three times, one for each denial, He asks, Simon, lovest thou me? Each time Peter says yes, and each time Jesus gives him work: Feed my sheep. He restores Peter fully, not by ignoring the failure but by healing it.

What changed

The man who denied Jesus becomes the leader who preaches at Pentecost and spends his life feeding the flock. His worst failure did not have the final word. Grace did.