Peter had denied Jesus and didn’t get a chance to make amends before Jesus was killed. While some of the disciples were fishing, Jesus met them on the beach and had a comforting talk with Peter. This daily devotional looks at how Jesus restored Peter and equipped him for his future ministry.
We read where Peter denied Christ three times, then wept bitterly (Mt. 26: 69- 75; Mk. 14: 66-72; Lk. 22: 54-62; Jn. 18: 15-18, 25-27). The next time we read of him is when he is running to the tomb (Jn. 20: 3-10).
Luke gives one account of Jesus appearing to the disciples, but it doesn’t mention Peter by name (Lk. 24: 36-49). John also doesn’t mention Peter in his account either but talks of two occasions when Jesus met with the disciples (Jn 20: 19-29).
Let's Go Fishing
"When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?' He said to him, 'Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.' He said to him, 'Feed my lambs'" (Jn. 21: 15 ESV)
John also relates a story where some of the disciples decided to go fishing. It was Peter’s idea (Jn. 21: 3).
Peter must have been heartbroken. He did exactly what he said he wouldn’t do. Then Jesus died, and there was no way for Peter to make it right.
I have often wondered why the disciples decided to go fishing. Did they go fishing because it was something they liked to do and it relaxed them. They were really stressed, being in fear for their lives and all.
Or were they going back to their former way of life because they thought their days of fishing for men were over (Mt. 4: 19)?
Either way, the outcome was still the same. They fished all night, and yet, caught nothing.
Only when the Lord told them where they should fish, they found 153. Even though there was a large number, “… the net was not torn” (John 21: 11 ESV).
When they got back to the beach, Jesus already had a fire going. The fish were already cooking.
Then three times the Lord asked Peter if he loved Him. Three times Peter answered, “you know that I love You” (v. 15, 16, 17 ESV). Jesus answered, “Feed My sheep” (v. 17 ESV).
Jesus went on to say that when we are young, we go where we want to, but when we are old, someone must lead us where we don’t want to go. At the end of the chapter, Peter asked about John. But Jesus said “… what is that to you? You follow me!” (v. 22 ESV).
Making the Connections
So many different things can be read into this chapter. Here are professional fishermen who were not catching fish. The Carpenter tells them where to fish, and they catch a sizable amount.
Isn’t it true that when the Lord sends us to do His work, we are greatly blessed? He goes before us, and when we go to Him, He already has the results of our work.
But we have to be asked again and again if we love the Lord. It’s not that He doesn’t know we love Him – it’s that we keep it to ourselves. We don’t tell others — even God.
Then when God tells us where or how He wants us to serve Him, we ask the questions about our parents or our jobs. We make excuses as to why we can’t serve Him the way He wants. We try to tell Him that He doesn’t know what is best for us.
There are really three different questions that Jesus asked Peter: “… do you truly love me more than these? (v. 15 NIV); “… do you truly love me?” (v. 16 NIV); and “… do you love me?” (v. 17 NIV). One way of looking at these questions is saying they go from being specific to the general “do you love Me” question.
How Do We Apply This?
If Jesus were to ask us these questions, would they be in the same order? Would He question our love and build on it, or would He find our love lacking under the scrutiny of specifics?
Another way is saying verse 17 has the bottom line. Do we love Jesus for who He is — or what He does for us?
Read verse 18. There are times when God reveals His plan for our lives, and we reject it. We say we are going to go where we want to. We try it on our own — and we fail. Only then do we allow God to lead us where He has been trying to get us to go all along.
What is our “these” when Jesus asks us if we love Him more than something? Do we love Him more than our fish — our jobs? Do we love Him more than we are afraid of being taken out of our comfort zone? Do we love Him more than having our expectations met? Do we love Him enough to give Him control of our lives?
Jesus didn’t want the disciples going back to their old way of life. He had plans for them. Peter, especially, had to be assured that Jesus forgave Him.
Sometimes, we have to be assured also. Jesus will do that. He wants to restore us, also, because He has plans to use us to expand His kingdom.
Heavenly Father. You know what is best for us in our lives. Yet, when you reveal Your Will to us, we make excuses why we don’t think we can serve You. At times we like to keep You for ourselves instead of sharing Your love with others. Or we put this life above Your eternal life. Help us, Lord, to rely on You and completely trust in Your plan for our lives. Show us areas in our lives that do not hold up under scrutiny. Help us change these areas. Amen.
What do you think? Most of us probably identify with Peter. Isn’t it wonderful that Jesus will restore us when we ask forgiveness? Leave me a comment below (about this or anything else) or head over to my Facebook group for some interactive discussion.
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Love the truths you unpack here!! x
Thank you very much! We can learn a lot from Peter.
Thank you Elaine!
Thank you for this sharing. I messed up recently in my walk with God. The Holy Spirit prompted me to read and meditate on this particular story with Peter. It has truly ministered to me in a healing way. Most importantly it has just shown me how merciful God is and how my righteousness can never be taken because of the sacrifice of Jesus. It has also ministered that I need to be humble in spirit and not be too quick to make promises to God which I cannot keep in my human nature. Rather I must ask the Holy Spirit to lead and guide me in his wisdom and knowledge.
Portia, I am so please that God was able to use these words to bring you comfort and healing. We all mess up in our walks with God. He is a loving and forgiving God when we truly seek His forgiveness. Satan wants us to think there is no way God is going to forgive us for our sin, but He is wrong. God will always forgive us when we genuinely repent. Blessings. Elaine.