Opening illustration: It’s my duty to grill the chicken, fish, beef, potatoes, or whatever else my wife has on the menu. And while I’m not the greatest chef when it comes to outdoor cooking, I love the unforgettable aroma of grilling over a charcoal fire. So the mention of a “fire of coals” in John 21: 9 catches my attention. And I find myself wondering why John would include this detail in the story about Jesus calling a failing Peter back to serve and follow Him.
In verses 1-3, it’s apparent that Peter had reopened his fishing business. Just a few days before, Peter was warming his hands over a charcoal fire when he denied Jesus to save his own skin (John 18: 17-18). So why not go back to fishing?
While Peter and his cohorts were casting nets, Jesus built a fire on the beach. Coincidence? I doubt it! And as Peter approached Jesus, I wonder if the pungent aroma of the burning charcoal brought back memories of that other fire where he had failed Christ. Yet Jesus in His mercy took the initiative to call Peter back into His service.
This morning we will be looking into God’s Word and checking out the life of Peter which is a positive model for helping us to understand how we can redeem our denials.
Introduction: Peter’s abandonment and three denials of being associated with Jesus could have marked the end of his ministry. But the power of Christ’s forgiveness led to three great victories.
The Easter story is full of gloom. Agonizing prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane. Hostile mobs demanding execution. Betrayal and beatings. A crown of thorns and a bloody cross.
But one of the saddest parts of the story, to me, is what happened to Peter the night Jesus was arrested. Peter was tired, stressed to the breaking point and fearful of the crowd. When the high priest’s servant girl accused him of being a disciple of Jesus, he denied it. When she repeated her accusation to some bystanders, he denied it again. When others questioned him, the Bible says Peter “began to curse and swear, ‘I do not know this man you are talking about!’” (Mark 14: 71)
Then the rooster crowed, and Peter remembered Jesus’ words: “Before a rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times” (v. 72).
This could have been the end for Peter. He wept bitterly and disappeared. He never says anything else in Matthew and Mark’s gospels. Luke records the fact that Peter went to Jesus’ tomb and found it empty. John’s is the only gospel that explains how Peter found full restoration for his failure.
Sulking, lonely and dejected, Peter went back to what he knew—his fishing job. He had fished all night and caught nothing. But then Jesus appeared on the shore and invited His friends to cast their nets on the right side of the boat. They hauled in a full net of fish! This was a divine sign that their Master still had plans to use them.
Peter must have been curious when He saw the full breakfast Jesus had prepared for the disciples on the beach. How could this be? Jesus wasn’t frowning or scowling. Nor was he waiting to deliver a stern lecture. He didn’t scold Peter or even remind him of his sin. This amazing Savior simply invited Peter to sit with him and eat.
1. 3 Denials ~ Mark 14: 66-72
(a) Avoidance: What! Are you saying?
Avoiding our daily time with Christ, avoiding prayer, reading His Word and even trying to avoid the church family. Do not want to be associated with church or anyone from there … even deny at times that we are Christians.
(b) Rejection: I have no idea what you are talking about!
Rejecting our faith and roots in Christ. Putting up a face and not being real. At times even rejecting believers. Our deeds and actions talk louder than our words. Rejecting our associations with Christians and Christ. Not voicing our concerns about pro-life, gay-lifestyle, endorsing evil and wickedness in the land.
© Disownment: I don’t know Him (Christ), curses, swearing, and signs of frustration
When the going gets tough, we start crumbling and using a vocabulary foreign to God and His people. Signs of frustrations creep in and take a massive toll on our lives. We can even go to the extent of disowning where we really belonged whole-heartedly.
When we come to the realization of our state and show remorse, restoration is not far-fetched. This is what exactly happened to Peter and sometimes we can be sailing in the same boat as there is a bit of Peter in all of us.
2. 3 Affirmations (Do you love ME?) ~ John 21: 15-17
Then Jesus talked his beloved Peter through the process of healing. He said to Peter three times: “Do you love me?” Surely Peter realized that Jesus was repeating himself three times in order to intentionally apply His forgiveness to Peter’s three denials. Jesus’ three commands to Peter ~
(a) Feed (nourish/suckle) My lambs
In the Greek it literally means to give suckle to the immature, babies and the new ones in Christ. This is a very difficult part as it can make the mature sore and tired. But this is Godly instruction and command and has to be carried out. Jesus was preparing his mind and heart for greater things to come. During this phase, a lot of love, compassion, kindness and gentleness have to be exhibited. The Fruit of the Holy Spirit are very profound. Expectation for these lambs to become sheep …
(b) Shepherd/Tend (guide/direct) My sheep
In the Greek it means to guide or give aid/helps to the mature to keep growing continuously in the love and grace of God. Taking care of those who are grown or growing strong in the Lord. This requires admonishing, correction, exhortation and counsel to the mature in Christ. A lot of grace and mercy is displayed with obedience to this command.
© Feed (nourish/suckle) My sheep
Finally doing what he did for the babies in Christ but now even to do for the mature in Christ. This requires a lot of patience, long-suffering and self-control.
These 3 affirmations provided all the reassurance he needed. Jesus had not disqualified him. He was not a failure. He was back in the game. What is even more amazing is how the shaky, impetuous, insecure Peter was transformed after he was baptized in the Holy Spirit a few weeks later. This weak man who crumbled under pressure when His Master was arrested then preached not one, not two, but three important sermons in the opening chapters of the book of Acts.
3. 3 Acts of Restoration
(a) Boldness: Peter preached on the day of Pentecost and boldly declared to a crowd that Jesus is the Messiah - and 3,000 people were converted. (Acts 2: 14, 38)
(b) Confidence: After God healed the lame man in Solomon’s portico, Peter preached a sermon of repentance and 5,000 people were saved. (Acts 4: 4)
© Fearless: After Peter and John were arrested and brought before the high priest; Peter bravely defended his faith in Christ and told the elders: “There is salvation in no one else.” (Acts 4: 12)
Application: Three denials. Three affirmations of Christ’s love. Resulted in three acts of restoration. Three courageous sermons defending Jesus in the face of opposition. I hope you can do the math. There is a bit of Peter in all of us. We are weak in the face of temptation. We feel like failures. Some people even keep a spiritual scorecard reminding them that they struck out.
This Easter season, please remember that after Peter wept in the darkness of his shame, the sun came up and Jesus appeared on the shore with a meal prepared. Just as He invited Peter to breakfast, and then lovingly restored his faith, He can do the same for you.
Think of it: Jesus is willing to forgive our failures and call us into His service. After all, if only perfect people qualified to serve Him, He wouldn’t have anyone to choose from!
Although we are imperfect,
The Lord can use us still,
If we confess our sins to Him
And seek to do His will. —Sper
Being imperfect doesn’t disqualify us from serving God; it just emphasizes our dependence on His mercy.
