+DEV+ Failure Isn't Final

Date: October 9, 2012 10:43 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Failure Isn't Final

Failure Isn't Final

 "Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, 'Do you love me?' He said, 'Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.' Jesus said, 'Feed my sheep.'"  (John 21:17)
Scripture Focus: John 21:1-19

Within days of receiving the Holy Spirit and his commission from Jesus (John 20:21), Peter is at a loss for what to do. Uncertain, he heads back to fishing with a few other disciples. From what we know, there were at least three skilled fishermen in the boat, yet they toiled all night and caught nothing.

Then Jesus gives a fishing lesson, and they bring in a miraculous haul of fish. At this point Peter recognizes the LORD, and - typically impulsive - abandons ship to swim ashore where Jesus already has a barbecue breakfast prepared. Some scholars have noted that Peter denied Jesus three times after Jesus' arrest, but now Jesus restores him three times with His repeated question of "Do you love me?" The Lord used even Peter's denial as a tool in causing Peter to lean harder on the Rock, Jesus. After Peter's third reply, Jesus confirms, albeit in a veiled manner, that Peter's earlier claim of being ready to die for the LORD would one day come to pass. Both Peter's calling and future were restored.

Insight: Jesus Will Give Us The Chance To Live Up To Our Bold Statements Of Faith. Our Failure Need Never Be Final.