More Than Just a Story - the Book of JohnNäide

Restored

Yesterday we read how when Peter realizes it is Jesus he jumps from the boat and swims to him. He can't wait for the boat to get there. But, we know that Peter had failed. He had denied Jesus three times, even after boldly claiming he would never abandon Him. The weight of that failure was still with Peter, and yet he still couldn't wait to see Jesus. This shows how special Jesus is, even when we screw up His heart and love is still so good. Jesus isn't finished with Peter.

After breakfast, Jesus pulled Peter aside and asked him a simple but deep question three times: “Do you love me?” Peter answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus responded, “Then feed my sheep.”

Jesus asked him the same question three times, mirroring the three times Peter had denied Him. This wasn’t to shame Peter but to restore him. Each time, Jesus was reminding Peter that his failure didn’t define him—his love for Jesus did. His past didn't define his future. The same is true for us.

Peter wasn’t just forgiven; he was restored and he was given a mission. Jesus was called him to lead, to care for others, and to live out his faith boldly. His past mistakes didn’t disqualify him—Jesus still had a purpose for his life.

This moment is such a powerful picture of God’s grace. We all mess up. We all fall short. But Jesus doesn’t hold our failures over us. Instead, He meets us in our brokenness and calls us forward. He calls us up and out of our past. Up and out of the darkness and in to our future and into His light.

If you’ve ever felt like your past mistakes make you unworthy of God’s love, remember Peter. Jesus didn’t just forgive him—He entrusted him with an important role in His kingdom.
Your story isn’t over.

Jesus is asking you the same question today: “Do you love me?” If your answer is yes, then He is calling you to live out that love.

Have you ever felt like your past mistakes disqualified you from being used by God? How does Peter’s story encourage you?

Jesus didn’t just forgive Peter—He called him to action. What is one way you can live out your love for Jesus today?

When Jesus asks, “Do you love me?” what is your honest answer, and how is He calling you to respond?