When I look at Scripture, some of my favorite passages are those that come after the resurrection and before the ascension. In this time period, Jesus' task has been accomplished, yet he stays with his disciples for a time for their own benefit. The way he interacts with his disciples is the way we can be confident he interacts with us as well: gently, servant-heartedly, and kindly. John 21 is a perfect example of Jesus' loving nature towards his people, even in the face of failures and obstacles.
John 21:1-14: “After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.”
There are moments in life that we seem to move backwards. We go to comfortable locations, we get back with people, places, or habits that are bad influences. We feel like we make multiple steps backwards. Most of the time, this is as fruitful for us as it was for the disciples when they returned to their nets. If you feel like that's you, can I tell you that your Savior is waiting at the shore with a fire prepared for you? He is gently calling you back to the life you once walked in. The steps you have taken backwards are not further than Jesus is willing to go. Psalm 130:7 says there is plentiful redemption to be found in our God. He is calling you back into the fold, not with an angry word, but with a cooked breakfast. Rest in the gentle redemption that is found in Christ. Turn your eyes back to him and understand the deep and unchanging love that he has for you.
John 21:15-19: “When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”
Is there an action you have taken that is haunting you lately? Are you avoiding turning your eyes to Jesus because you're sure that the only thing you'll see is a disappointed, disapproving face? Then you're in good company with Peter, who actively denied knowing Jesus three times on the night of his execution. What strikes me about this moment is how specific and intentional Jesus is to restore Peter according to the exact means he failed. Instead of denying Jesus, Peter is led to declare his love for Jesus. Jesus knows the love Peter has in his heart. Friends, Jesus is not in the business of restoration through a berating tone and harsh words. He desires to restore you gently. I can say this confidently because Galatians 6:1 tells us to restore brothers caught in sin gently. If Jesus calls us to this standard, how much more can we expect it from him? Many times we allow our sin and failure to become paralyzing. We sit and analyze it, we feel sorry for ourselves, we don't allow ourselves to move forward. Friends, Jesus’ main call in this passage is forward. “Go, feed my lambs” He has not disqualified Peter from his calling, nor has he disqualified you from your's. Of course, we must repent, we must tum from sin, but we are not called to wallow in shame for months on end. Live in the forgiveness Jesus has purchased for you. Use your life for ministry, not just aimless self-loathing. You are forgiven, you are loved. You are cherished by the one who breathes out stars. Rest in that forgiveness, and live for the advancement of his name. Rest for Peter didn't mean lack of difficulty or work. Jesus, in restoring him, told him about his violent death. No, friends, rest is not the absence of difficulty, rather it is the person and presence of Jesus Christ.
John 21:20-22: “Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!”
Are you putting stock in what God is doing with others? Are you concerned with the gifts, thoughts, or intentions of someone else? I will say this quickly, because Jesus does too:
"What is that to you? You follow Jesus.”
Jesus is better, friends. His love is truer, his presence nearer. Jesus has not called you to be the hero in anyone's story, he just wants to be the center of yours.
Look at these passages. Consider Jesus’ heart. In a consistently gentle manner, Jesus confronts backsliding, denial, shame, guilt, disbelief, comparison, and more. Yet through it all, his tone is love, servanthood, and gentleness. Believers, this is how Jesus handles our hearts. He is good to us. He is trustworthy. He is worth confessing to. Lean on him, friends. Trust him.
Your heart has been broken, but Jesus is better.
Your life has looked fake, but Jesus is better.
Your guilt has been debilitating but Jesus is so much better. His love is so much deeper.
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