Before He was crucified, Jesus told Peter that he would deny knowing Him three times. “Not on your life!” exclaimed Peter. I’m sure most of us, as followers of Christ, would make a similar statement. We would never deny knowing Jesus, the one who loves us and gave His life for us. But you all know how the story goes… Peter did indeed deny knowing Jesus. He even cursed the third time. Peter did what we all do in some way. We all make mistakes and find ourselves regretting the choices we made. Peter was crushed. He was devastated. He wore his guilt like chains and shackles around his hands and feet. He gave up on his calling and went back to his old life style. In John’s Gospel, chapter 21, we read that he went fishing in the Sea of Tiberias. He went back out into the same old boat he was in when Jesus first called him.
So, what did Jesus do to Peter for denying Him? Did He strike him with lightening? Did He plague him with leprosy or boils or extreme hair loss? No, He didn’t. Jesus came to where Peter was and cooked him breakfast. Jesus never once rebuked Peter or reminded him about his bad choices. He showed up to say I love you and I have a purpose for you in my kingdom. Wow! Did you know that even though you may have made some horrible mistakes, some terrible choices, Jesus comes to you and says “I love you, I forgive you, now let’s move forward together because you are mine, my son, my daughter!” We, like Peter, sometimes carry our guilt around and have a hard time shaking off those chains. We think God wants to brow-beat us and torment us over our mistakes. He doesn’t. Your sins have already been paid for – in full. Leave those mistakes you have made in the boat. God has chosen you to be a part of His family and to have a positive impact in His kingdom. Jesus is smiling and saying “Good morning, my friend! Today is a new day. I made you breakfast. Would you like coffee?” Yes, Lord, I would :)
