John 21:19

New King James Version

This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”

Your Encouragement

It is always interesting to meet a former spouse or best friend who offended you so badly and rejected you cruelly. The Bible is right about not taking revenge but helping such a person in their time of need (Romans 12:19-20). Being nice and warm toward them is the least you could do. The Holy Spirit tells us about the effect of such a godly attitude.

“For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head (20).”

Try it and experience the transforming power of God in forgiveness.

Let us interrogate Peter about this today.

Interrogator:

Brother Peter. All those times you encountered Jesus after His resurrection, He did not mention your desertion in Gethsemane (Mark 14:50), did He, though you vowed not to leave Him even if all your colleagues deserted Him (Mark 14:29).

Neither did the Lord ever bring up your infamous denials with curses that you ever knew Him (66-72). Was His silence not killing you, Peter?

More so the morning after the miraculous catch, as John records for us (John 21:1-21). Did it not remind you of the morning He called you into ministry with Him (Luke 5:1-11)?

And then the early morning meal at the beach (John 21:9-13). Did it not recall the painful memories of the Passover meal, when you boasted about your faithfulness to Him, even to death (Luke 22:33)?

Miserable man, Peter! Was your heart not screaming to the Master to deliver you from your misery? 

Just say something, Lord. I beg you—a rebuke, a word of condemnation, or even a whipping.

 One comforting truth about the Lord is that He knew your anxious thoughts. He knew your breakpoint and how to step in and bring you relief.

So, the Master looked you straight in the eyes and asked you,

Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these? (John 21:15).

Your ‘yes’ was not convincing, and you knew it, Peter. Yet, the Master you disappointed so cruelly forgave and gave you a personal charge.

Feed my lambs 

How gracious is that?

The Lord looked you in the face again, His eyes piercing yours, and asked the same question, a second and a third time (John 21:16-17). 

Now, tell me, Peter. How deeply did it cut to your heart that the Lord asked you the same question three times?

You could not pretend again. Divine searchlight had spotted you like a deer caught in the headlight of an approaching vehicle. You were in the grip of the Lord, and you could not run.

Lord, you know all things. You know I love you (17).

Feed my sheep, Jesus told you.

Three denials and a three-part commissioning to a higher responsibility! Amazing grace! How sweet the taste of it is.

Brother Peter, do you remember? You took a deep breath, and a sense of peace swept over you. You opened your mouth to say something, but the Master put His warm finger on your lips.

Shh!

Let us take a stroll down the beach, Peter. Just follow me (19).

Now, reader. How do you feel listening to this interrogation of Peter this morning? Can you sense the power of His forgiveness all over you and the new sense of calling to follow His example?

So, how can you not let go of the offenses of those who have hurt you—your husband, wife, child, colleague, or neighbor—and just let go and to forgive them?