Restoration

Restoration (by David Peterson)

On the night of Jesus’ capture and trials, Simon Peter denied Christ three times just as Jesus said he would. In an act of restoration several days after His resurrection, Jesus and Simon Peter have the following conversation in John 21:15 to 17;

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Feed my sheep”.In direct response to Simon Peter’s three denials, Jesus asks three questions in order to reaffirm his love for Him and to restore him.

Pastor John MacArthur wrote this about Simon Peter; “Jesus looked at him, and said, 'You are Simon the son of John; you shall be called Cephas' (which translated means Peter)." "Peter" means "stone." Apparently, Jesus named him Peter as a reminder of his future role in the church, which would require spiritual strength and stability. Whenever Peter acted like a man of strength, Jesus called him by his new name. When he sinned, Jesus called him by his old name.” These are important insights regarding Simon Peter.

Philip Bliss wrote the hymn “Peter’s Denial” with the first verse and refrain here;

In the garden, boldly, Peter would have fought;

Now he answers coldly, Nay, I know Him not.

Refrain:

I would stand forever near my Savior’s side,

Lest to glory yonder I should be denied.

Bliss’ refrain centers on Peter’s, and our, restoration.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, forgive us for the times we’ve denied you in thought, word, or deed. Restore our hearts to follow You more faithfully. Amen.