J. SERIES: DISCERNING DOUBT

SESSION 4
THE RESTORATION OF PETER
JOHN 21.15-19

It is more than awkward.

When things have taken a bad turn—things have gone south—with someone you are close to. Something was said.  Something happened. A terrible injury has occurred to the relationship.

And then you see that person.  You are gathered with them in the same group. Sharing the same conversation and space.  But you know—maybe everybody knows—things aren’t right.  It is the pit in everyone’s stomach.  It’s the lack of eye contact.  It’s the awkward pauses.  

It’s the elephant in the room. 

It might be just that kind of breakfast.  That breakfast on the beach.  Jesus calls the weary fishermen from the water to dine with him on the beach.  What is going through Peter’s mind.  As Jesus stokes the charcoal and positions the fish.  How his own words must have haunted him:

“I don’t know Him…” “I never knew Him.”

Do you think Peter had any appetite that morning? 

Jesus is in the business of restoration.  Jesus invites the one who denied Him—even three times denying Him—to His table.  Jesus invites Him to share in a meal, to break bread together.  Jesus invites Peter to relationship and intimacy again.  

As Peter is restored, He is also commissioned.  He is commanded to feed His lambs, to tend to Christ’s sheep. This is also the business of Jesus.  As He restores us to Him, He sends us on mission. He sends us out so that other deniers—even three times deniers—may be restored as well.

I love your hearts!
Bryan

SUPPER FOLLOWS:
HOG N BONES on HWY 82 (next to Salt Lick).