Read: John 21:15-17

Reflect: Of all the individuals that are recorded in God’s word, the one that we are able to identify with the most is Peter. Peter was an ordinary man with the simple occupation of a fisherman. This was not a weekend angler like we see today. This was how Peter made his living. But all that changed one day when Jesus approached him and challenged him to become a fisher of men. Peter brought the same passion and excitement to following Jesus as he had at his trade.

However, occasionally Peter’s zealousness got the better of him. As we read the scriptures we find that sometimes it seemed that Peter would speak out before considering what to say or whether or not to say it. One time Peter proclaimed that he would follow Jesus anywhere. Problem was, Peter never stopped to consider the actual cost.

But this was the kind of person Peter was. He was an “act first and think later” kind of follower. Prior to the crucifixion, Jesus told Peter that he would deny even knowing Him three times. Peter boasted that this would never happen. Can you imagine the shame and humiliation Peter must of felt when those very words of Jesus came true. Peter had failed the Lord. He had vowed to follow Jesus regardless of what might happen. But when push came to shove, Peter blew it…..big time!

We have all been there. We have accepted Christ’s wonderful gift of salvation. We have prayed for God to fill our hearts and change our lives. We have vowed to serve him. But failure is lurking just around every corner. You can count on the closer you get to Jesus, the harder Satan tries to trip you up. But there is hope…..

Respond: In the verses you’ve read, Peter encounters the risen Saviour. I’m sure that he was a little uncomfortable. He knew that he had failed Jesus….and he knew that Jesus knew that he had failed Him. Jesus cut right to the chase. He asked Peter three times, “Do you love Me?” After the third time, Peter broke down weeping. The Bible says he was “grieved.” This is a sadness and sorrow that cuts straight to the heart. Peter acknowledges “Lord, You know all things…” The beauty however is found at the end of verse 17. Jesus tells Peter, “Feed Me sheep!” He was saying to him, I know you’ve failed, I know you are hurting and I know you are sorry….but you still have value and there is still a job for you to do.

You may have recently experienced a moment of temporary failure toward Christ. But the Savior is saying to you, “You still have value, I know you failed and I know your pain and sorrow…but I still have a job for you to do…..Feed My sheep!”