Then

This week, we have examined the experience of failure in Peter’s life. Today, we see how Jesus handles failure ... we see something extraordinary.

John 21
15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.
16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.
17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.
18 “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.”
19 Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”


Then. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be “called to the Principal’s office” by Jesus? Do you imagine Jesus saying, “I guess you know why I have called you in here today”? Do you think he would roll out some sort of footage that would replay the moment you screwed up? Would He express words of disappointment? Include a sternly written reprimand in your permanent file? Suspend you? Thankfully, we have this passage to answer those questions. Jesus does two things. First, Jesus asks Peter to search his heart and determine if he truly loves Him. When we fail Jesus, it is usually an issue of the heart ... pride, selfishness, greed, lust. Love is what we need to overcome those issues ... what we need to renew so that we can overcome our failures. Second, Jesus tells Peter to get back to work ... get back to serving Him ... get back to following Him. If you have failed, bring your failures to Jesus ... allow Him to correct your heart, heal your heart, renew your heart. Then, get back to expressing Jesus’ heart ... serving, caring, loving.