Published 4/24/19
Read John 21:15-17
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." He said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep."
Reflect
• Why did Jesus ask Peter three times if he loved Him?
• Why was Peter grieved?
• How would you rate your relationship with Jesus? Is there anything you need to confess to Him?
Three times Peter denied Jesus in the high priest's courtyard. And three times Jesus had him confess his loyalty. It was a painful experience, but it was necessary to prove to the disciples and to Peter that he was back in the group, that Peter once again was assigned the task of looking out for others. It would not always be an easy job, but as long as Peter stayed humbled and depended on God's power instead of his own ego, he would succeed.
Confession is the healing answer to crippled walk. You don't have to live with a huge load of guilt and shame in your life. Christ is reaching out to you with open arms--go to Him in prayer. Tell Him all about your sins, tell Him you're sorry, and He'll forgive you. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).
Once you've confessed the sin and asked Jesus to help you change (called repentance), you can stop flogging yourself. You're completely forgiven. Now with your relationship fully restored with God, you can take steps toward growth and change. (The Holy Spirit will help you.) Understand this: The Lord won't give up on you--even if it's the same sin you confessed yesterday. In Jesus, you'll find acceptance, love, and freedom--despite your shortcomings. Ask Him to go deep in your heart and to heal the real cause of what's making you stumble.
Pray
Lord Jesus, I want a right relationship with You. I confess my sins to you right now. Don't hold back--tell Him everything. Tell Him how sorry you are, and thank Him for His forgiveness.