Message Minute (Grace Bigger Than Your Worst Day)

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. - John 21:15-17

Peter had made a mess of things. He swore he'd never abandon Jesus — then denied knowing Him three times when it actually cost him something. The guilt must have been crushing.

But after the resurrection, Jesus didn't avoid Peter. He went looking for him. And in one of the most tender moments in all of Scripture, He asked Peter three questions — once for each denial — not to humiliate him, but to restore him. After each answer, Jesus simply said: "Feed my sheep."

Translation: You're still my guy. You're still in. Your failure doesn't disqualify you.

So many people walk into Easter carrying the weight of things they've done — ways they've let God down, let their family down, let themselves down. The temptation is to rehearse an apology, to try to earn your way back, to clean yourself up first.

But that's not how this works. Jesus didn't wait for Peter to figure it out. He went to Peter. He's going to you too.

Reflection Question: What shame have you been carrying that you've never fully let Jesus speak into?

Prayer: Jesus, stop the endless cycle of me trying to earn my way back. Your grace is bigger than the worst mistakes I’ve made. I receive the restoration You offer. Thank You that the cross means forgiveness, and the empty tomb means that forgiveness is real and permanent. Amen.