TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

After his resurrection, Jesus instructed Peter and the other disciples to go to Galilee and wait for him there. Instead, weighed down by guilt over his threefold denial of Christ, Peter returned to his former occupation of fishing rather than waiting as instructed, likely feeling unworthy to serve after his failure. Jesus finds him in that setting and asks whether Peter loves him more than “these,” a reference to the boat, nets and fishing equipment that represented Peter’s old way of life.

The question calls for a renewed commitment from Peter, asking him to choose between his former livelihood and the ministry Jesus intended for him. Each time Peter affirms his love for Jesus, he receives the same response: feed my sheep, feed my lambs. The exchange happens three times, the same number of times Peter denied Jesus.

Isn’t the point here that even Peter, who denied Jesus, can be redeemed? Peter gave three denials followed by Jesus asking him three times if he loved Him. This led to restoration of a fallen disciple, humbled his self-confidence, followed by Jesus trusting him with leadership of the early Church. Jesus offered Peter a public opportunity to reverse his failure without humiliation, shifting his focus from boastful self-reliance to profound trust in Christ.

Jesus redeemed Peter. He can redeem you.

“Feed my sheep.”

John 21:17