Scripture References: John 21:1-19; Luke 22:31-34, 61-62; Psalm 34:5
Intro: Following last week's look at the Emmaus road, this sermon focuses on another post-resurrection encounter: Jesus restoring Peter by the Sea of Tiberias (John 21). This isn't just history; it's an invitation for us to encounter the risen Christ today, to believe His goodness, receive His grace, and allow Him to meet us right where we are, especially in places of failure and shame.
Key Points:
- The Scene (John 21:1-14): Disciples fish all night, catching nothing. Jesus appears on shore, unrecognized. He directs them to cast the net again – resulting in a huge catch (153 fish!). John recognizes Him; Peter jumps in to swim ashore. They find Jesus with a charcoal fire, cooking breakfast. Note Jesus' calm, serving, unhurried presence, bringing peace even after His resurrection.
- The Restoration (John 21:15-17): After breakfast, Jesus asks Peter three times, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter affirms his love. This isn't about forgiveness (Peter likely repented at their first meeting) but about publicly restoring Peter from the shame of his three public denials.
- The Recommissioning (John 21:15-19): With each affirmation of love, Jesus recommissions Peter: "Feed my lambs," "Tend my sheep," "Feed my sheep." He reaffirms Peter's calling despite his failure. Jesus finishes by telling Peter how he will die, then repeats the original call: "Follow me." This powerfully signifies: "I still choose you. Your failure doesn't define you."
- Shame vs. Guilt: Guilt is remorse over actions. Shame is a deeper, painful feeling about ourselves – feeling unworthy, pitiful, unloved, often stemming from failure, wounds (things done to us), or perceived weaknesses. Shame leads to hiding and isolation and is an exhausting burden pushed by the enemy.
- Jesus Lifts Shame: Jesus actively seeks out those in shame (Peter, Adam/Eve, woman at well, woman with issue of blood, prodigal son, us). He doesn't just offer forgiveness for guilt; He offers full acceptance and restoration from shame. He speaks a louder word of love and value over the voice of condemnation. Looking to Him brings freedom from shame (Ps 34:5).
Conclusion: Jesus met Peter in his failure and shame, not with condemnation, but with breakfast, gentle questions, and a powerful restoration of identity and purpose. He does the same for us. He comes toward us to lift the heavy burden of shame. His work on the cross offers not just forgiveness, but complete acceptance and the status of loved, chosen children.
Call to Action: Recognize the voice of shame in your life. Choose to turn away from it. Look to Jesus, your safe hiding place. Receive His powerful forgiveness and His full acceptance. Let His love define you, not your past failures, wounds, or weaknesses. Pray, renouncing shame and embracing your identity as forgiven, accepted, and loved by Him.
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