RE:NEW
Jesus and Peter
WARM-UP
Have you ever had something fixed so that it became as good as new? What happened?
How do you show your family members or friends that you love them?
Have you ever had a relationship with a family member or friend that was restored after an issue? What happened?
WORD
He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.” JOH 21:17
(Read also Joh 21:1-16.)
Peter was among the first of Jesus’ apostles to be called by him. And yet, when the religious leaders and authorities came to arrest Jesus, Peter was among those who ran away. More than that, Peter also denied that he knew Jesus, three times. Jesus was crucified, but then he rose back from the dead. He then asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?” and Peter answered every time, “You know that I love you.” Peter betrayed Jesus by running away and denying him, but here we will see how Jesus restored the relationship and how, as a result, Peter preached to thousands.
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The Mighty One, God, the Lord! The Mighty One, God, the Lord! He knows! And let Israel itself know! If it was in rebellion, or if in transgression against the Lord, do not spare us this day. JOS 22:22
Rashi’s Commentary
The Mighty One, God, the Lord—He is God over all divine beings. He is the Lord, who knows that our intent was not rebellion nor transgression etc. By repeating this declaration twice, they declared that he is God in this world and in the world to come.
Do not spare as—They said this to his Divine Presence.
1 Jesus sought Peter out despite what he had done.
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3 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.
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4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. JOH 21:3-4
Even though Jesus was back, Peter and the disciples went back to what they did best: fishing. But Jesus, despite Peter's denial, revealed himself to the disciples. When we have hurt or betrayed Jesus, sometimes we feel guilty and don’t know what to do except go back to how we lived before. But Jesus seeks us out despite what we have done. Have you ever done something you felt Jesus would not forgive you for? How has Jesus sought you out despite that?
2 Jesus restored Peter.
And when he had spoken this, he said to
him, “Follow me!” JOH 21:19
Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?” It was the same number of times Peter had denied ever knowing him. And three times, Peter answered, “Lord, you know that I love you.” Each time, Jesus restored Peter in the relationship by requesting him to look after the disciples (and, eventually, the church). Then Jesus ended with the same words he used to call Peter the first time: “Follow me!” Even when we have failed him, Jesus calls us to return to him, follow him again, and continue to fulfill his call in our lives. Have you ever been in a similar situation? What happened?
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You shall love the Lord your God [do his commands out of love] with all your heart [with both of your inclinations] and with all your soul [even if he takes your soul] and with all your strength [with all your wealth—this, for one whose wealth is more beloved of him than his soul]. DEU 6:5
Rashi’s Commentary
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You shall love the Lord—Fulfil his commands out of love, for one who acts out of love is not like him (is on a higher plane than one) who acts out of fear. He who serves his master out of fear, if he (the master) troubles him overmuch, leaves him and goes away (Sifrei Devarim 32:1).
And with all your soul—Even if he takes your soul (even though you have to suffer martyrdom to show your love of God) (Berakhot 54a; Berakhot 61b; Sifrei Devarim 32:5).
3 Peter preached the gospel to thousands.
But Peter, standing up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all you who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you and listen to my words.” ACT 2:14
Jesus ended his earthly ministry, ascended to heaven, and asked his disciples to wait for his Spirit to come to
them. His Spirit came with the sound of a mighty rushing wind, and it drew Jews from all over the area who had come for the Feast of Pentecost. When Peter
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saw the multitudes, he raised his voice and addressed them, preaching the good news of Jesus Christ. Three thousand believed in Jesus and followed him. Peter, because of the restored relationship with Jesus, continued to follow him and ultimately fulfilled his call in his life. Have you ever experienced the grace of God to do something you’d never imagined as you continued to follow him? What happened?
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Then Moses and the Levitical priests spoke to all Israel, saying, “Be silent and listen, O Israel! This day you have become a people for the Lord your God” [let it be in your eyes as if you have entered into the covenant with him this day]. DEU 27:9
Rashi’s Commentary
Be silent—Understand this as the Targum does: meaning, “Listen!” or “Be silent!”
This day you have become a people for the Lord your God—On each day it should appear to you as though it were “today” that you have entered the covenant with him (Berakhot 63b).
APPLICATION
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Do you believe that Jesus is a God who restores relationships, no matter what you have done or how you have behaved? How can you come to a deeper understanding of this starting this week?
Is there an area in your life that Jesus is asking you to let him restore? What are two action steps you can take for this?
Is there anyone you know who needs to have their relationship with Jesus restored? How can you encourage them with Jesus’ compassionate and restorative love this week?
PRAYER
Thank Jesus for the way he restores your relationship every day, as you continue to follow him. Pray for the confidence in his love to continue this every day.
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Ask Jesus to restore your relationship with him in the area he is pointing out to you. Pray for confidence in his grace as you continue to follow him.
Pray for someone you know who needs to seek a restored relationship with Jesus. Pray that as you encourage them with Jesus’ love, they will continue to fulfill his call in their lives.
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This work, "RE:NEW: Jesus and Peter" is a derivative of "RE:NEW: Victory Series" © 2018 by VICTORY® All rights reserved