Grace — Week 1 – Thursday
TODAY’S VERSE
John 21:1
After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. (ESV)
There are few people in the Bible that more people relate to than Peter. Maybe that’s because Peter, while displaying moments of complete devotion and passionate faith, also exhibited human weakness and raw impulsivity, making him highly relatable. He often spoke before thinking, was prone to mistakes, and fell asleep during prayer. One minute he was stepping out of the boat. The next minute he was sinking because he took his eyes off Jesus. Who can’t relate? But maybe the most significant reason we’re drawn to Peter is because of the hope his story can offer ours. Peter’s story involves betrayal in its lowest form, and forgiveness in its highest.
After Peter denied Jesus, he did what so many of us do as well: he went back to the life he knew before Jesus. Probably another reason we relate to Him. How often have we returned to our old ways when we think we’ve forfeited our relationship with God? John 21 tells the rest of the story. Peter was fishing with some of the other disciples when someone unrecognizable showed up on the shore. It was only after the stranger spoke that the disciples began to figure out it was the resurrected Jesus. When Peter realized this, the Bible says he threw himself into the sea. I can imagine that when Peter threw himself into the sea, it was followed by an attempt to run as fast as he could through the water to shore.
My wife and I were able to visit the site in Israel on the banks of the Sea of Galilee (aka Sea of Tiberias) where all of this took place. Standing by the water, I could see how the lake gently sloped out about a hundred yards, just as John described it. A church is now built around the still exposed rock where Jesus is said to have built the fire and made breakfast for His disciples. Isn’t this an interesting detail that John includes in his account? It shows Jesus continuing His ministry by serving, providing, and nurturing those He loves. And the fact that He ate with them further emphasizes His full, bodily resurrection.
APPLICATION
Let Peter’s story inspire yours. Just when you think you’ve done too much or gone too far, Jesus calls out. Let Him provide for you only what He can.
PRAYER
Father, thank You for the transparency of Scripture that allows me to see imperfection met with love over and over again.
