The Grace GiverSample

Day Six: Redemption’s Shores

Can you imagine the heaviness in Peter’s heart after Jesus’s death? He disowned his Savior over the fear of man’s judgment, and Jesus died a sinner’s death. What hope was there now? He collected his nets and headed for the sea. It was still the place that held his old identity and security.

The next morning, Peter and the others sat disheartened and empty-handed on the open water. They hadn’t fully understood all Jesus had taught, but it was coming to pass that very morning. Not too far away, He was rising from the grave, conquering sin and death once and for all. 

Jesus sought the disciples and approached the shore where they were fishing. He told them to cast their nets over the right side of the boat. Although they didn’t recognize Jesus, they threw their nets out one last time.

And just like their first encounter with Jesus, they were met with abundance––the miracle catch was too heavy to haul! As John cried out that it was the Lord, Peter jumped from the boat and swam to shore to meet Jesus. 

Pulling in their boats, the others joined Jesus and Peter sitting around a fire on the shore. Can you imagine their awe and excitement? Did they finally understand what Jesus had taught them, what His conquering death meant? 

As ashes rose around them, Jesus turned to Peter and asked three times, Do you love me? Each time Peter answered yes, and each time Jesus told him to feed His sheep. By the third time, Peter was hurt that Jesus would ask so many times. Didn’t the Lord know all things? 

In a beautiful display of grace, Jesus didn’t ask for His own knowledge but to redeem Peter’s greatest night of shame. He replaced three denials around a fire with three affirmations around a fire—and in the same place where Jesus first called Peter to follow Him. 

This is the unique, individual compassion that Jesus displays to all of us. He could have chosen to go anywhere after He rose from the grave, but He chose to seek Peter out specifically for the sake of restoring him. He is always eager to enter into our weakest moments and deepest shame so that He might restore us and draw us nearer to Him. 

Reflection: What does the loudest voice in your head tell you about who you are and what you are capable of? 

Prayer: “Lord, thank you for constantly pursuing me and delivering me from my shame. There is no one like you, Jesus. Amen.”