Jesus Keeps Working With Us

Scripture

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. 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.’ Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, ‘Follow me!’ (John 21:17-19 NIVUK) 

Jesus Keeps Working With Us

It was a week yesterday since the resurrection and if you and I were huddled in a safe house with the disciples we would have had our second visit from Jesus declaring “Peace be with you”. I’ve been thinking about the humanity of these men and women, their faithfulness through Jesus’ ministry days and the moments where the men scattered, leaving him to face his suffering alone.  

If I were Peter I’d be struggling with my own demons of failure and bombastic promises not met and yet within a week Jesus intentionally came to him, letting him know that his momentary failures weren’t disqualifying. After a shore fish barbecue, he took him aside for a conversation.  

We normally focus on Jesus asking “Do you love me?” three times as a way of blotting out the three denials. This Easter season I saw Jesus accept Peter’s boast that he would die with him. Jesus had told him that wasn’t going to be the case but now by the shore he embraces that idea telling Peter how he would indeed die in a manner that glorified God.   

Peter had gotten ahead of himself in the days before the crucifixion and probably felt foolish. Jesus saw that when the time was right and Peter had accomplished his work of leading the early church’s establishment, he would indeed be a great man of faith and courage. Our failures are the materials Jesus can use to make us into something only he can visualize.  

A Prayer for Today

O God, you brought me from the rest of last night through to the new light of this day.
Sharpen my ears for your voice. Bring me in the light of this day to see your guiding light and hear your words of encouragement. Busy as I am, help me do what is most important. I ask you – help me become the person you have in your heart for me to be. …. For Jesus’ sake