Jesus Restoring Peter-Failure isn't Final

Simon Peter, also known as Cephas, was one of the first followers of Jesus Christ. At times most of us can identify with him. He had one of the most unique personalities of all the apostles. Peter was known as being enthusiastic, strong-willed, impulsive, and brash. Peter was also a natural-born leader, and quite possibly at his own appointment, became the primary spokesperson for the Twelve.

By trade, Peter was a fisherman from Galilee, and Jesus helped transform Peter into a fisher of men (Luke 5:10). Peter took his commission as a soul winner seriously, and later
Perhaps one thing that links us with Peter is the number of failures he encountered during his life. Many times, just like us, Peter needed correction from his Leaders, Jesus. Despite Peter’s shortcomings, Jesus met Peter right where he was at and exhibited patience, firmness, and love.
Peter was also the first of all the disciples to recognize Jesus’ true identity, and he boldly confessed it in Matthew 16:16: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” This was heartfelt declaration. For Peter to make this statement, the fog had been lifted in his eyes by the sovereign God of the universe.
All four gospel writers record Jesus’ prediction that Peter would deny Him. Peter vehemently denies that he will ever deny Jesus. How can Jesus, in His sovereignty, be patient with Peter knowing that Peter will deny him?
Similarly, all four gospel writers record the darkest moment in Peter’s life to date. Jesus had been arrested and was in custody after being betrayed by another of his disciples, Judas, for 30 pieces of silver. Peter’s interactions with three total strangers are haunting. Peter, in his weakness and frailty, and most likely scared to death that he is next, does the unthinkable. Just like Jesus predicted, Peter denies Jesus three separate times.
When accused of being a part of Jesus’ ministry, Peter cursed himself and swore an oath that he did not know “Jesus the Galilean,” or “Jesus of Nazareth.” The Man he had lived for every day for the last three years. The Man who he walked on water to. The Man he had fought for in the garden when he drew a sword and cut off someone’s ear, to save his Jesus.
And Peter wept. Bitterly (Luke 22:62). Who wouldn’t? Did the words of Jesus’ prediction of the denial ring louder in Peter’s mind that the crow of the rooster? More than likely. We have all said things we regret, but Peter’s threepeat denial regarding the Sovereign Lord could not be taken back. How would his life ever be the same after that fateful moment?  
 
We see the answer in John 21:4-22, where John records what could have been the most pivotal event in Peter’s life. It all occurred at a seaside breakfast. Immediately before the breakfast, while Jesus was concealed to the disciples, He gave the disciples some fishing tips, and immediately, their nets were full (John 21:6). Once Peter realized Jesus was on the shore, Peter did what any of us would do, right? He threw himself into the Sea of Tiberius (John 21:7) in what was likely deep water, as the boat was still a football field away from the shore. Classic Peter. But he didn’t care. He wanted to see His Savior face to face. After all, he had a lot to say.
After Jesus fed the disciples fish and bread, He continued to feed them with questions and life lessons. Their conversation is transformational, and life-changing for Peter, and intriguing. Check out the use of the different Greek words for love:
Jesus: “Simon, son of John, do you love (Gk. agapao) me more than these?”
(Agapao is where we get our word agape, the highest and purest kind of love, a love that implies total commitment).
Peter: “Yes, Lord; you know that I love (Gk. phileo) you.”
         (Phileo implies brotherly love and is a less lofty term that signifies affection).
Jesus: “Feed my lambs.”
Jesus: “Simon, son of John, do you love (Gk. agapao) me?”
Peter: “Yes, Lord; you know that I love (Gk. phileo) you.”
Jesus: “Tend my sheep.”
Jesus: “Simon, son of John, do you love (Gk. phileo) me?” (At this point, the sometimes easily irritated Peter became grieved in spirit due to Jesus’ repeat question).
Peter: “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love (Gk. phileo) you.”
Jesus: “Feed my sheep.”
“Jesus: “Follow me.”
Three times, Jesus calls Peter by his birth name, “Simon, Son of John.” Did Jesus purposely ask Peter three questions, one for each denial? We don’t know. But Jesus was successful in pulling sacrificial and sincere love statements out of Peter’s impulsive mouth. After the third, “I love you,” Jesus loved and perfectly accepted Peter’s failure and imperfection. Peter’s restoration was complete.
Peter’s interaction with the Son of God changed him forever. He became a pivotal under-shepherd in God’s Church. Peter was permanently changed and turned over a new leaf. Peter’s path of restoration led him to a renewed conviction and he preached with Spirit-inspired boldness (Gk. parresia) to thousands of people at Pentecost. Peter spoke freely, openly, and without concealment and ambiguity. At least 3,000 were saved based on the truth of Peter’s sermon. He then becomes the leader of thousands of new converts in the Book of Acts and a pillar of the early Jerusalem church.
Despite being labeled as “ordinary” and “uneducated,” Peter never stopped serving Jesus after his restoration. Instead of living in defeat, guilt, and shame, Peter continued to press on. The longer Peter served the Lord, the bolder he became. He performed many miracles in Jesus’ name. He cared for the persecuted church. He went on to write two epistles to the churches in Asia Minor (I Peter and 2 Peter). Extra-biblical information tells us that Peter was martyred in Rome by being crucified upside down.
Just like God used Peter’s many shortcomings and transgressions to build His church, He still wants to use us today. We are chosen by God and precious, living stones for God who are being built up into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. I Peter 2:4.