When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Oerer, “Simon son of John, donyou love me more than these?” “Yes Lord,” he said, “You know that I love you.” Jesus said, Feed my lambs.” John 21:15
Peter, the most impulsive and outspoken of all Jesus’ disciples, gave into fear the night of Jesus’ crucifixion. He denied knowing his friend to avoid persecution.
It was from a fishing boat that Peter first saw Jesus. In a moment of reckless abandonment he jumped out of the boat and walked on water. He was privilege to many miracles and wonders and was one of Jesus’ best friends and valiant defenders. Still……he had a moment of weakness and failed in a big way!
This post resurrection encounter between Jesus and Peter was much like the first time they met. Peter threw caution to the wind and went running to the LORD, who incidentally had breakfast ready and waiting. They ate and then Jesus asked, “Do you love me?” He knows the answer, but Peter needs to say it, see the radiance of love and forgiveness on the Lord’s face and hear His call once again.
Peter’s failure didn’t define him. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, he changed the face of the world. Don’t let your failures define you. Live in the unlimited power of grace and feed those sheep!
Love,
Gretchen