Peter is a significant character in this final chapter of John’s Gospel…and with good reason! Recent events have rocked his world and knocked his confidence. Not only was Peter sternly rebuked by Jesus for rejecting His teaching that He would be crucified (Mark 8:31-33), Peter then forcefully denied ever knowing Him (Mark 14:66-72)…and now Jesus had risen from the dead! What would or could Peter now do? Had Jesus ‘written him off’? Should Peter just go back to his old way of life – fishing (John 21:3)?
I suspect that sometimes we can feel a bit like Peter. Perhaps you know you have grieved the Lord greatly, or some of your attitudes or actions do not reflect how He wants you to live. Maybe some recent, personal events have rocked your world.
Sunday’s sermon passage highlights the tender forgiveness and restoration to service of a repentant Peter. The lesson for us is that turning towards Jesus (John 21:7) and not away from Him is always the right response in any circumstance. Is it time for you to have breakfast on the beach with the Lord? The invitation is always there!
Let us hear these encouraging words from our gracious God in the book of Micah:
“Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love.
He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea”. (Micah 7:18-19).
– Phil Pratt