The Verdict Is In: The Pardon of God — Wednesday
John 21:15-17
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. Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” (NLT)
After we stayed the night in Magdala, Israel, we made our way to the Mount of Beatitudes, the traditional location of the Sermon on the Mount. The view of the Sea of Galilee from this location was beautiful. After some time walking around the hillside, we traveled a little over two miles down the mountain to the northwestern edge of the sea. As is the case with many places in Israel, the Catholic Church has had oversight of this location for years, and they built a small church to commemorate the site. As you walk around the church building, a section of the Sea of Galilee shoreline is revealed just steps away. Small stones and pebbles make up the shore, and the water is fairly shallow, even out from the shoreline a good distance. I remember standing at the water’s edge with my Bible, reading about Jesus’ appearance right here after His resurrection. Some of the disciples had been fishing in the area all night. It was John who recognized Jesus first and told Peter. Peter immediately jumped out of the boat and ran to shore. Jesus offered to fix breakfast over a charcoal fire, and it was there that He helped Peter embrace His forgiveness. You can see the dialogue in today’s verse.
I mentioned yesterday that Peter’s denial of Jesus had taken place around a charcoal fire. It’s interesting how Scripture offers this level of description. While Jesus didn’t berate Peter or hash out all of the details of His betrayal, a symbolic return to the location of Peter’s denial surely helped Peter make the connection—along with Jesus giving Peter the opportunity to offset his three denials with three affirmations of love.
As Jon Weece taught us Sunday: “Forgiveness follows failure. Freedom follows forgiveness.”
Wednesday’s Reflection
Failure — Forgiveness — Freedom. Is the memory of failure robbing you of freedom? Embrace what Jesus is saying to you today: “I love you. I love you. I love you.”
