Peter, After The Fire
Restoration that matched the wound.
On being given work again after failing publicly.
The big idea
Jesus rebuilt Peter beside a fire, because that is where he broke.
Opening scripture
“The third time he said: Simon son of John, do you love me? Peter was hurt, and said: Lord, you know everything — you know that I love you. Jesus said: feed my sheep.”
What does “Peter, After The Fire” walk through?
Do You Love Me?
John 21:17 · KJV
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
In plain English
The third time he said: Simon son of John, do you love me? Peter was hurt, and said: Lord, you know everything — you know that I love you. Jesus said: feed my sheep.
Three Times, Beside A Fire
Peter denied him three times beside a fire. Jesus asks three times beside another fire. The repair is shaped precisely like the injury — nothing about it is accidental.
No Probation
There is no lecture and no reduced role. Jesus hands the man who failed him the care of his people, immediately.
As Far As East From West
Psalms 103:12 · KJV
As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
In plain English
As far as the east is from the west, that is how far he has removed our sins from us.
“Peter's worst night became the shape of his restoration, not the end of his usefulness.”
Faithful To Forgive
1 John 1:9 · KJV
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
In plain English
If we admit our sins, he is faithful and just — he will forgive them and wash us clean.
He Will Finish It
Philippians 1:6 · KJV
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
In plain English
I am sure of this: the one who began a good work in you will carry it through to completion.
Pray
Jesus, you know what I have done and you are still asking. Amen.
Write it down
What failure are you assuming disqualified you?
Still asked
The calling came back. It usually does.
Which passages does this journey use?
4 passages, drawn from John 21:17, Psalms 103:12, 1 John 1:9, Philippians 1:6. Every verse appears here in the King James text with a plain-English line beside it, so you can read it without a commentary open. Allow about 7 minutes for the whole thing, or 8 short sittings.
- John 21:17
- Psalms 103:12
- 1 John 1:9
- Philippians 1:6
Read any of these in full on the complete KJV, or look the wording up independently at Blue Letter Bible.
More in People of the Early Church
All People of the Early Church →Paul In Prison
Contentment inside limits you did not choose.
John, Who Stayed Close
Abiding, from the one who wrote the word.
Barnabas, The Encourager
The man who vouched for people.
Thomas, Who Asked
The doubt that got a personal answer.
Philip And The Nudge
Obedience to something small.
Stephen, Under Pressure
A face nobody expected.