Day 4 | Peter’s restoration

Scripture: John 21:15–19

Devotion

Just days earlier, fear had silenced Peter. Standing before Jesus and a crowd of people, when given the opportunity to identify with Him, Peter denied Him, shouting, “I don’t know Him” (John 18:15–27). Now, standing face to face with the risen Jesus he had previously denied, Peter does not receive condemnation; instead, our Lord offers him restoration. Three times he denied Jesus, and three times Jesus offered him the chance to affirm his love. Each time Jesus asks, “Do you love Me?” He isn’t rebuking Peter, He’s redeeming him. Jesus is rebuilding what fear broke. 

God’s mission does not end with our failure. In His grace and mercy, God meets us where we’ve fallen. He restores and rebuilds us. Jesus doesn’t just forgive Peter; He gives him a job to do: “Feed My sheep” (v.17). One of my seminary professors, Dan Doriani, once said, “Jesus forgives us and appoints us.” This passage reminds the church that the same grace that saves us also sends us. 

In a post-Christian world, where it’s easy to retreat or disqualify ourselves because of past mistakes, Jesus reminds us that His grace is greater than our guilt. He restores us and calls us, not to sit on the sidelines, but to step back into the starting lineup, back into the mission of caring for people and proclaiming the good news. Momentum is rekindled when grace restores what fear stalled. The invitation extended to Peter remains the same for us today: “Follow Me” and “Feed My sheep.” 

A Personal Prayer

  • Lord, thank You for meeting my failures with forgiveness and calling me forward in Your mission. Restore my confidence in Your grace and renew my love for You so that I may faithfully follow You and feed Your sheep.

Pray for Our Neighbors: Real Life Church Sango

Real Life Church Sango in Clarksville, Tennessee, is a church partner working toward the vision of establishing 100+ healthy churches across Middle Tennessee. With a mission to catalyze a disciple-making movement from Sango to the world, Real Life envisions families and generations growing in faith, harmony, and a commitment to serve and stand for justice. 

  • Pray for Real Life Church Sango to shine as a light in the community, drawing people to the hope and transformation found in Jesus. 
  • Ask God to bless and expand their disciple-making mission from Sango to the nations for His glory. 
  • Pray for Pastor Freddy T. Wyatt and the leadership team to lead with strength, unity, and wisdom as they serve their community. 

Pray for the Nations: Living Hope Community Centre

Living Hope Community Centre operates alongside King of Kings Baptist Church in South Africa, serving those affected by poverty and disease. Through healthcare, substance abuse recovery, life skills education, and community support, Living Hope impacts over 100,000 individuals each year, bringing hope and resilience to families and communities. 

  • Pray for healthcare staff to offer compassionate care that empowers individuals and families. 
  • Ask God to bless the substance abuse recovery program so participants find freedom and restoration. 
  • Pray for the agricultural training initiatives to equip and empower individuals to overcome poverty.