GOING BACK TO GO ON
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Opening Prayer
Lord, open my mind and heart now to learn from your Word. Use it to work in me and then through me, not only for my good, but for the benefit of others around me.
Read JOHN 21:15–19
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
Jesus Reinstates Peter
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
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. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Spend a few minutes simply resting in the loving gaze of the One who knows you best.I remember, as a child, wincing while my mum held firmly to the hand that had a splinter lodged in palm or finger. It astonished me that something I’d barely noticed entering could be so excruciating to remove, but if it stayed in, the risk of inflammation and serious infection was real. We tend to associate splinters with our physical bodies, but our minds, hearts and memories can receive them too— words that echo in our ears, scenes that flash before our eyes, stabs of recollection that haunt us and hold us back. Those things—things we can’t unsee, unhear, unsay or undo—live on within, causing inflammation, infection, even immobility.
That’s why in this passage, with three probing questions (vv. 15–17), Jesus takes Peter back to the night of his denials. Jesus is gentle and firm in his pursuit. Peter protests (v. 17). If God knows every- thing, even what’s going on inside us, why does he still ask us to express it when doing so can be painful? The answer we see here is that he has more for us. Through Jesus’ three questions and his own pained responses, Peter receives the reinstatement and release of renewed trust, as well as the reminder that all he does flows from love.
Apply
Are there any memories and regrets that threaten you when you are alone, especially in the darkness of night, and rob you of sleep?
Closing prayer
Lord God, thank you that despite my failures and mistakes you continue to call to me and use me. May I live fully and freely from your love today.
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