Monday, April 26, 2010

Jesus Gives All A "Do-Over"

Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." -- John 21:15b

Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."

-- John 21:16b

Jesus said, "Feed my sheep." -- John 21:17b

Then he said to him, "Follow me!" John 21:19b

Jesus gave these instructions to Peter after He had revealed Himself to seven of His disciples. It had to be a difficult time for Peter. He had denied His Lord three times as Jesus was being led away to his crucifixion. The guilt had to be overwhelming.

After Jesus' death, Peter had gone back to what he knew. Remember he had been a fisherman when Jesus called him. He and the others were fishing when Jesus appeared to them. It was like a new beginning, what Beth Moore refers to as a "do over."

The above responses came after Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him. Each time Peter responded that he did. Three times came the question. Three times came the answer. Pastor Gary suggested that Jesus asked Peter three times because that is the number of times Peter denied Jesus. After Peter answered each time, Jesus gave him a mission, a purpose, a reason to go forward. Finally, Jesus told Peter to "Follow me!"

Jesus found Peter right where he was, Pastor Gary said. Just like Jesus finds us right where we are. Jesus knows we can't go back and redo our pasts. We can't take back words or actions. We can only sincerely repent, ask for forgiveness and go forward down a different path.

Many people harbor shameful secrets. They carry a guilty burden. They don't believe they deserve to be forgiven. Frankly, none of us deserve the forgiveness Jesus gave us when He took our sins upon Himself. But He gave it to us anyway.

Jesus restored Peter, allowing him to move forward and prove his love for Jesus by his actions. Pastor Gary challenged all of us to do the same.