Peter's Repentance

                                                    Feed my sheep - John 21:17.

Peter followed Jesus

                    Peter who was a fisherman started following Jesus. As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him - Matthew 4:18-20.

Peter's willingness to die

            Peter said that he was willing to die with Jesus if he had to but Jesus told that he will deny Him three times. Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me for it is written: “‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same - Matthew 26:31a, 33–35.              

Peter's denial

               Peter denied Jesus three times despite knowing Him and the rooster crowed as predicted by Jesus. Peter followed at a distance. And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.” But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said. A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” “Man, I am not!” Peter replied. About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.” Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed - Luke 22:54-60.

Peter's repentance

                 Peter went out and wept bitterly. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So Peter went out and wept bitterly - Luke 22:61,62.

Peter's restoration

              When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon, son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” - John 21:15–17.

Peter's ministry

              Peter also strengthened the other disciples and he was mightily used by God. He became the pillar of the early church in Jerusalem. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Matthew 16:18. And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” - Luke 22:31,32. When he preached, about three thousand people were baptized and added to the church - Acts 2:41. He healed a lame man and preached boldly. They brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them - Acts 5:14.  

Repent , Restore & Serve God

             Even though Peter failed by denying Christ, he wept bitterly with regret and humility and repented afterwards. When Jesus appeared to the disciples, He restored Peter. Later, Peter served God by preaching and by doing powerful ministries. If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor. Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding. Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor - Proverbs 15:32–33.

                                                      

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Give us a heart of repentance. Let us be restored, feed Your sheep and do mighty things for You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.