John 21 Devotional

Restored to Follow Again

“Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.”John 21:17 (BSB)

After a night of catching nothing, the disciples hear a man on the shore tell them where to cast the net, and the catch is too heavy to haul in (21:3-6). When Peter learns it is the Lord, he throws himself into the sea to reach him (21:7). Jesus already has a charcoal fire going with fish and bread, and he serves them breakfast (21:9-13).

Peter last stood by a charcoal fire in the high priest's courtyard, where he denied being his disciple (18:18, 25-27). Now Jesus asks him three times whether he loves him, and the third question grieves Peter, who can only appeal to what Jesus already knows (21:15-17). Yet each answer is met not with a rebuke but with a charge to care for Jesus' flock. Jesus does not set Peter aside. He restores him and calls him to follow, all the way to a death that will glorify God (21:18-19). Because Jesus restores the ones who fail him, you can get up after your failure and follow him again today.

To think about: What failure has made you hesitant to follow Jesus, and how does his breakfast with Peter speak to it?