Tuesday, 21 January 2025

Peter Restored

"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. A second time he asked him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me? ”
“Yes, Lord,” he said to him, “you know that I love you.”
“Shepherd my sheep,” he told him.
17He asked him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me? ”
Peter was grieved that he asked him the third time, “Do you love me? ” He said, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.”
“Feed my sheep, Jesus said.        John 21:15-17   CSB

Peter had failed Jesus three times, blatantly denying Jesus to save his own skin. Jesus was not going to let him get away with it and so, arranged things round, so that Peter and He would have this opportunity. Peter was quite skeptical at first but genuinely answered Jesus' questions, which were: (1) Do you love Me more than these? Peter answered this  with Phileo love which was a kind of brotherly love and affection between good friends. Before, Peter would have answered in agapao which would have been in a sacrificial manner. However, because of his past failures Peter wasn't willing to push things. Jesus accepted this, knowing that Peter wasn't thinking too highly of himself anymore.
Jesus then asked, 'Simon son of John, do you love Me? Peter answered, 'Jesus, you know that I love you.' Then Shepherd my sheep.' Peter was grieved that he asked him the third time, “Do you love me? ” He said, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.”
“Feed my sheep,” Jesus said. 18Truly I tell you, when you were younger, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don’t want to go.” 19He said this to indicate by what kind of death Peter would glorify God. After saying this, he told him, “Follow me.”

In conclusion to all of this, we see Jesus' desire to not let Peter slip away. He knew he had made mistakes, like we all do. And He knew Peter's heart and his desire to follow Jesus. Once we belong to Jesus, He will never push us away and will give us every opportunity to put things right with Him. Once you say you're sorry to Jesus, you are forgiven.
Peter had been a loud and foul mouthed fisherman; yes he made many mistakes and paid dearly for these mistakes. But he had one thing about him, he loved ~Jesus and, deep down, he would do all he could to work for Him.
Probably you feel that you've blown it. We all have at times. However, there is a love that knows no end and His name is Jesus. He is right there with you now.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:
Lord Jesus, I have sinned   
I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

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Peter Restored

"When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter,  “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? ” “Yes, Lord,” he said t...