Today's Passage:  John 21

John's gospel ends with this beautiful story of the reinstatement of Peter.  Remember, it was just days earlier that Peter, full of confidence, had promised he would never deny Jesus.  It was just hours after that promise that he chose to protect himself rather than stand for Christ, only to run away in shame.  Since then, Jesus has been crucified, raised from the dead, and has appeared to the disciples.  His denial was not addressed until now.

Can you imagine what that must have been like for Peter?  He knows what he has done.  He also knows that Jesus knows what he has done, which is even more difficult to bear.  Now, they are alone together...and Peter knows there is a giant "elephant in the room" between them.  He's probably waiting to be dismissed from the group...maybe he will be punished...surely things can't continue the way they were!

But Jesus, with great tenderness, asks him a very simple question, "Do you love me?"  It seems like a very simple question, and it has a very simple answer..."Yes, Lord, you know that I do."  Three times...once for each denial...Jesus asks and Peter responds.  Three times Peter is told to go and do ministry.  The past is forgotten...forgiven...and there is hope for the future.

How many times have you denied Jesus?  Have you chosen sin over blessing?  Have you failed to tell someone about His love?  Have you taken the world over the cross?  No matter how many times, Jesus stands today ready to forgive and move forward.  He's ready for you to repent from the poor choices and look to the good opportunities you have ahead.

If you are in guilt today because of those choices, ask Jesus to forgive you of your denial of Him.  Look deeply into the forgiveness of the Savior and see what the future could be like in obedience to Him!