Message Minute (The Comeback)

Jesus restores Peter with gentle tenderness. Rather than reprimands, he asks "Do you love me?" Three denials, three opportunities for restoration. The conversation centers on affection, not failure. Jesus addresses him as "Simon son of John"—his birth name—not "Peter" (the rock), signaling a fresh start. "Do you love me more than these?" challenges Peter to examine his priorities. Each time Peter affirms his love, Jesus commissions him: "Feed my lambs... Take care of my sheep... Feed my sheep." True love for Christ is measured through faithful service to His people, not emotional intensity. Peter's comeback isn't about regaining status but accepting responsibility born from restored relationship. Jesus concludes with the same words that began their journey: "Follow me." Peter's failure became the foundation for his understanding of grace that empowered his decades of ministry.

Verse: "After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, 'Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?' 'Yes, Lord,' Peter replied, 'you know I love you.' 'Then feed my lambs,' Jesus told him... A third time he asked him, 'Simon son of John, do you love me?' Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time... Jesus said, 'Then feed my sheep.'"
John 21:15-17

Reflection: What if today your setback turned into a comeback? How might Jesus restore you through loving service rather than achievement?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for gently restoring what shame and failure have broken. Yes, Lord, You know I love You. Help me express that love through faithful care of those You've entrusted to me. Transform my failures into compassion, my setbacks into comebacks, for Your glory. Like Peter, I hear You calling "Follow me," and I respond with a renewed heart. What defines me is not my worst moment but Your limitless grace. Amen.