Peter was overwhelmed with shame, sorrow and grief when he denied Jesus. He even chose to go fishing when Jesus had returned (John 21:1-4). How often does our shame make us turn away from Christ? How could He ever want to look at me after what I've done? How can this sinful being be in the presence of the spotless lamb?
But Jesus invites Peter back to Him at a meal He has prepared. Like in Psalm 23:5 - “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” Jesus has just been at the right hand of His Father in heaven but He comes back to earth, prepares a meal (John 21:9-13) and invites the one who denied him 3 times.
What Peter does with his shame is inspiring: He grieves his sin, he accepts Jesus' invitation back to him (John 21:15-19) and then goes on to preach a sermon that starts the church (Matthew 16:18). One of the greatest sermons ever given (Acts 2:14-47).
Instead of wallowing in self-pity, feeling sorry for himself and being overwhelmed with shame, Peter turns from his sin, back to the Father, and he "feeds his sheep." (John 21:17)
Like when Jesus tells the woman about to be stoned, after being caught in adultery, "go and sin no more". (John 8:10-11)
Don't dwell on the sin. Look to Jesus, keep your eyes on Him and move forward in confidence knowing He has restored you.
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.”
(Ephesians 1:7-8a)
In Him,
Katie Karlson
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