Restored by Grace (John 21)
Scripture: John 21 (CSB)
“When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he said to him, ‘you know that I love you.’ ‘Feed my lambs,’ he told him.” (John 21:15)
John 21 offers us a final glimpse into the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, focusing on His restoration of Peter and commissioning of His disciples. After a miraculous catch of fish, Jesus shares a meal with His disciples by the Sea of Galilee. What follows is a deeply personal and redemptive conversation between Jesus and Peter, where Peter is given the opportunity to reaffirm his love for Jesus three times—mirroring his earlier threefold denial.
In this chapter, Jesus demonstrates His incredible grace, not only by forgiving Peter but by restoring him to a position of leadership. The conversation between Jesus and Peter is a powerful reminder that failure is not the end of the story. Through His grace, Jesus redeems our mistakes and calls us to continue serving Him. The chapter ends with a final commissioning of Peter and a subtle foreshadowing of Peter’s eventual martyrdom, underscoring the cost of discipleship and the call to follow Christ no matter the path ahead.
John 21 highlights Jesus' care for His disciples, His provision for their needs, and His ability to restore and renew even those who have failed. As we reflect on this final chapter of John’s Gospel, we are reminded of the unshakable love and grace of Jesus, who continues to call us into His mission despite our imperfections.
Key Lessons for Our Daily Lives:
Jesus Restores Us When We Fail: Peter had denied Jesus three times, yet Jesus lovingly gives him the chance to reaffirm his love. Have you ever felt like your failures disqualify you from serving God? Remember that Jesus' grace is greater than our failures. He offers restoration and a fresh start, calling us to continue serving Him despite our past mistakes.
Love for Jesus Leads to Service: In asking Peter, “Do you love me?” Jesus connects love with action, instructing Peter to “feed my lambs.” How does your love for Jesus influence the way you serve others? True love for Christ compels us to care for those around us and take part in the mission He has given us, whether that’s sharing the Gospel, caring for the vulnerable, or helping others grow in their faith.
Jesus Provides for Our Needs: The miraculous catch of fish and the breakfast Jesus prepared for the disciples remind us that Jesus knows our needs and provides for us. Are you trusting Jesus to provide for your daily needs? Whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, Jesus is faithful to sustain us as we follow Him.
Following Jesus Comes with a Cost: Jesus hints at the type of death Peter will face, showing that discipleship often involves sacrifice. Are you prepared to follow Jesus wherever He leads, even when it’s difficult? While following Jesus requires sacrifice, it also leads to the abundant life He promises, a life lived in His grace and purpose.
John 21 closes with a reminder that our journey with Jesus is ongoing, filled with opportunities for grace, restoration, and service. No matter what has happened in the past, Jesus invites us to love Him and follow Him into the future He has prepared for us.
A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible grace You show us through Your Son, Jesus. Help us to trust in Your forgiveness and restoration when we fail. Strengthen our love for You so that we may serve others with the same love and care You have shown us. Provide for our needs, and give us the courage to follow You wherever You lead, no matter the cost. Thank You for calling us into Your mission and for never giving up on us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.