Restored and Commissioned

Peter, one of Jesus’ closest followers, had made bold promises. He had vowed that even if everyone else deserted Jesus, he never would.

And yet, on the night of Jesus’ arrest, Peter denied Him–not once, but three times.

Today, we are going to look at this account and see a story of

• • Grace that Redeems
  • Love that Restores
  • Purpose that Remains

Watch the full Sunday service and message by Pastor Dennis Jacobson below.

SERMON TEXT

John 21:1-14 (ESV)

After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.

When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

SERMON NOTES

Peter’s restoration reminds us of three truths –

• Jesus doesn’t give up on us
• Love for Jesus leads to action
• God uses our failures for His glory

Peter’s life changed when he finally realized who Jesus was. His occupation changed from fisherman to evangelist; his identity changed from impetuous to rock solid; and his relationship to Jesus changed–from one who had denied him to one who was forgiven.

Has your life changed since you met Jesus?

Do you want to change something in your life?

Surrender your heart to Jesus.