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"So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?' Peter said to Him, 'Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.' He said to him, 'Tend My lambs'" (John 21:15 NASB).
John, in his Gospel, includes this resurrection account. The disciples followed Jesus' instructions and went up to Galilee, just as they were told. And just as Jesus had promised, there He met them one morning while they were fishing. After another miraculous catch of fish, and after breakfast, Jesus took Peter aside and asked this important question: "Peter, do you love Me?" Not just once, but three times Jesus asked him. And it was there that Peter, a fallen and broken-hearted disciple, was restored.
The common name given to this beach location on the Sea of Galilee is "The Primacy of Peter." We might choose to call it the Beach of Peter's Restoration. You recall how Peter denied Jesus three times on the night of Jesus' arrest. It is on this beach that three times Jesus lovingly invited Peter back into the fold as a faithful disciple.
It is remarkable that Jesus doesn't hold a grudge. Jesus doesn't say to Peter, "You blew it; now I will make you a 'lesser disciple.'" Jesus doesn't even put Peter on probation or say, "Let's see how faithfully you can follow, and then I'll figure out to what extent I am able to use you." Jesus' grace to Peter has no limits. The usefulness of Peter as a bold witness doesn't remain damaged or dented. God's restoration is complete. The same is true for you.
Possibly you carry into these days after Easter a feeling of inadequacy. Like Peter, you may recall a time when you have blown it so badly that you feel that you can only be a "lesser follower" of Jesus. Remember that it was when the disciples went back to their boats and nets and to their everyday lives that our resurrected Lord met Peter. He does the same for you. He meets you where you are. He comes to take away both your doubts and your guilt. He restores you fully. He grants you this life-giving Spirit so that you can be His bold witness and messenger. What Jesus did for Peter, He offers to do for you!
Take a moment right now to share with Jesus a burden you need lifted. Then rejoice that Jesus simply says to you, "Feed My sheep," and then go forth and do whatever it is God has enabled you to do.
Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, that You can take dented and tarnished people and still use them in mighty ways for Your purposes. Amen.
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