"15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep." John 21:15-17
What happens when we fail the Lord? Simple answer: he starts off where we have failed and shows us mercy.
Peter had previously denied knowing Jesus and back pedaled on his promise to die for Him. When Jesus asked him, Peter do you love me – in the Greek, He asked Peter twice, “Peter, do you love me enough to die for me?” But instead of recommitting himself to loving Jesus to die for him, both times Peter responded, “yes, you know I love you like a brother.” Finally, Jesus asked, “Do you love me like a brother” to which Peter “grieved” and reaffirmed his brotherly affection for Christ. Perhaps Peter was sorrowful, having remembered his previous failures. Perhaps, Peter was hesitant to make promises to the Lord again having learned from his failures the first time. Or maybe he was simply remorseful to relive his mistake in his mind over and over again. No matter what, Jesus was not done with Peter and He is never done with us! Hallelujah!
Peter had previously denied knowing Jesus and back pedaled on his promise to die for Him. When Jesus asked him, Peter do you love me – in the Greek, He asked Peter twice, “Peter, do you love me enough to die for me?” But instead of recommitting himself to loving Jesus to die for him, both times Peter responded, “yes, you know I love you like a brother.” Finally, Jesus asked, “Do you love me like a brother” to which Peter “grieved” and reaffirmed his brotherly affection for Christ. Perhaps Peter was sorrowful, having remembered his previous failures. Perhaps, Peter was hesitant to make promises to the Lord again having learned from his failures the first time. Or maybe he was simply remorseful to relive his mistake in his mind over and over again. No matter what, Jesus was not done with Peter and He is never done with us! Hallelujah!
Perhaps we made promises to the Lord to be close to Him, to read our Bibles faithfully every day under a certain schedule, or to accomplish a certain task for Him. Then, when we do read the Bible or listen to a sermon, our hearts are pierced at our inability to perform said task. Don’t despair; the Lord is willing and waiting to hear from you and start with you right where you are. Sometimes we try to take humungous steps when we’re not ready; rest assured, He will always be waiting for us and ready to forgive and pardon. Get back to fellowship with God today.
Learn more and listen to the audio sermon below:
05.12.2013 - Courage - Pastor Doug Mann
MP3 Download
Learn more and listen to the audio sermon below:
05.12.2013 - Courage - Pastor Doug Mann
MP3 Download
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