Week 10
Simon Peter was standing and warming himself by a fire. They asked him, “Are you also one of his disciples?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” One of the servants of the high priest, being a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” Peter therefore denied it again, and immediately the rooster crowed. —John 18:25–27
When they had eaten their breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you have affection for me?” Peter was grieved because he asked him the third time, “Do you have affection for me?” He said to him, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I have affection for you.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.” —John 21:15–17
Reconciliation to God is both an event (salvation) and a process (sanctification). Repentance turns you Godward as you are reconciled to him. Sanctification is the ongoing process that conforms you to the image of Christ. Trials and other circumstances will reveal truth about yourself and areas of your life in which the Lord wants to help you become more like him. Your Godlike image has been marred by your sins and sins committed against you. Upon confession, your sins are forgiven, but the Lord wants to help you overcome the root cause and the damage it has done to you and others.
Peter’s story reminds us that failure doesn’t disqualify us—Jesus lovingly restores us and calls us to continued purpose. Sanctification is about being shaped by God, especially in areas where we’ve fallen or been wounded. He redeems, heals, and sends us out again.
Reflection Questions
What trial or circumstance from your past has been significant in drawing you closer to God?
Think of a trial or circumstance from this past week. How did God use it in your life?
Lord, what are you teaching me in today’s reading?
Lord, what else have you said to me through thoughts, circumstances, conversations, emotions, or the work of the enemy?
Lord, what do you want me to do: At home? At work? In ministry?