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.
John 21:17
Our biggest failures don't have to be the end of our story. Peter's journey from Gethsemane to the seaside breakfast in John 21 shows God's redemptive power at work. The disciple who couldn't stay awake to pray, who later denied knowing Jesus three times, was now being restored through three questions of love. Jesus wasn't done with Peter when Peter was done with himself.
Jesus seeks us out after we've fallen asleep on watch. Notice who arranged this meeting by the sea. It wasn't Peter's idea to set things right. It was Jesus who appeared on the shore, prepared breakfast, and initiated this conversation. When we fail and withdraw in shame like Peter did ("I'm going fishing"), Jesus comes looking for us. The risen Christ sought out the same disciples who slept in the garden.
Restoration often happens where we least expect it. Not in the temple, not with a dramatic ceremony, but around a charcoal fire with the smell of fish cooking—this is where Jesus restores Peter. The setting probably reminded Peter of another charcoal fire where he had denied Jesus (John 18:18). Jesus doesn't avoid the painful reminders; He redeems them. Your place of failure can become your place of fresh commissioning. Talk about another chance.
Jesus doesn't ignore our failures—He addresses them directly. Three denials, three questions of love. Jesus doesn't pretend the failures didn't happen, but neither does He scold Peter. Instead, He asks a question that cuts to the heart: "Do you love me?" This addresses the root cause below the symptom. The disciples' sleeping in Gethsemane wasn't primarily about physical tiredness—it reflected a deeper heart issue that Jesus now addresses.
Your past failures can prepare you for future service. Jesus tells Peter, "Feed my sheep," entrusting him with leadership after his greatest failure. The sleeping disciple becomes the bold apostle. The denier becomes the proclaimer. Peter's awareness of his weakness becomes the foundation for his strength. His stumbling in Gethsemane wasn't the disqualification he thought it was—it was preparation for a deeper understanding of grace.
Godseekers, Jesus is waiting to meet you at your breakfast by the sea. Just as He did for Peter, Jesus offers not just forgiveness but restoration to purpose. The fact that you've failed in spiritual vigilance—that you've slept when you should have prayed, denied when you should have confessed, run when you should have stood firm—doesn't disqualify you from His service. It qualifies you to understand His grace more deeply. So it's time to wake up and receive our grace.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for seeking me out after my failures. When I've slept through important spiritual moments or denied You through my actions, remind me of Peter's story. Help me respond honestly when you ask if I love you, and give me the courage to accept the new opportunity you offer, despite my past. In Your gracious name, Amen.
Personal Reflection
- In what ways have I become spiritually complacent when I should have been alert?
- How might Jesus be seeking to restore me to purpose despite my failures?
Step of Faith
Today, I will identify one area where I feel disqualified because of past failure and surrender it to Jesus for His redemptive touch.
