John 21:15-17 NIV
[15] When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” [16] Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” [17] The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep”.
Imagine being denied by someone close to you in an hour of need. How long would it take you to forgive that person? Peter denied Jesus 3 times. I wonder what he must have felt when he saw Jesus for the first time after the resurrection. Peter must have had some conflicting issues in his heart because he decides to go back to what he is familiar with, fishing, and some disciples follow him.
The same scenario that happened when Jesus called him to follow him happens again. They fish the whole night and catch nothing. In the morning they see a man on the shore who tells them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat, and they will catch some. They follow the instructions, and they catch a large haul of fish. I wonder what was going on in Peter’s mind when this happened. Did he remember that he started following Jesus under similar circumstances?
It is almost like Jesus is telling Peter that even if he goes back to his old way of life, he will not make it without Jesus.
Three times Peter denied Jesus and three times Jesus asks Peter if he loves him. Peter was a natural leader because of his personality. Jesus restores him and leaves him with the responsibility of taking care of others. To imagine that Jesus would leave Peter with that responsibility and yet, it was Peter who denied him three times shows us how merciful our God is. He is a God of second and third chances.
You may think that you are too far gone from God because of your actions. If your heart is truly repentant like Peter was, God is willing and able to restore you.
Reflections.
What is one thing you used to do that you have thought of going back to?
How do you think Peter felt when he recognized it was the Lord?
In what area of your life do you need God to restore you?
