Jesus Reinstates Peter

JESUS REINSTATES PETER

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:

“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs...” — John 21:1-19 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Luke 22:31-32, Proverbs 24:16, 1 John 1:9, Psalm 51:12, Romans 11:29

INTRODUCTION:

Failure does not define a believer’s destiny when grace is available. Peter had denied Jesus three times, but that was not the end of his calling. After the resurrection, Jesus went out of His way to find Peter and restore him. This act shows the depth of Christ’s love and His readiness to restore those who have fallen.

Many people give up on themselves when they fall short or make mistakes. But Jesus shows us that restoration is part of our journey. He does not condemn the fallen; He restores them and recommissions them. This sermon explores how Jesus reinstated Peter and how He still does the same for us today.

In John 21, we find a beautiful picture of grace, love, and purpose. Jesus didn’t just forgive Peter; He restored his calling. If you’ve ever failed, fallen, or felt unworthy, this message is for you—Jesus still calls, still loves, and still restores.

1. JESUS COMES TO WHERE YOU ARE

a) Jesus Pursues the Broken

He didn’t wait for Peter to come to Him; He showed up at the Sea of Tiberias (John 21:1-4).

b) He Meets Us in Familiar Places

Peter had returned to fishing—Jesus met him right there (John 21:3).

c) He Initiates Fellowship

Jesus prepared a meal for them before addressing the issue (John 21:12).

d) He Calls Us Back in Love

The call to Peter wasn’t harsh but filled with compassion (John 21:15).

Biblical Example: The prodigal son was met by the father while still far off (Luke 15:20).

2. JESUS DEALS WITH OUR PAST IN ORDER TO RESTORE OUR FUTURE

a) He Confronts Without Condemning

Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me?” not “Why did you deny me?” (John 21:15-17).

b) He Uses Repetition to Heal the Wound

Three questions for three denials—a full emotional and spiritual reset (John 21:17).

c) Restoration Begins with Love

Love becomes the new foundation, not shame or guilt (John 21:15).

d) He Restores Identity and Purpose

From fisherman to shepherd: “Feed my sheep” (John 21:16).

Biblical Example: David, after falling, was restored and continued as king (Psalm 51:12-13).

3. JESUS REASSIGNS YOU WITH PURPOSE AND VISION

a) He Entrusts You Again

Jesus didn’t just forgive Peter; He gave him back responsibility (John 21:17).

b) He Calls You to Serve Others

“Feed my lambs… feed my sheep”—Peter’s new focus was people, not fish (John 21:16).

c) He Gives Clarity for the Future

Jesus showed Peter what kind of death he would die—pointing to purpose, not fear (John 21:18-19).

d) He Says, ‘Follow Me’ Again

The original call is reissued—restoration means your journey continues (John 21:19).

Biblical Example: Jonah was recommissioned after his disobedience (Jonah 3:1-2).

4. RESTORATION IS FOR THOSE WHO STILL LOVE JESUS

a) Love is the Basis for Return

Jesus did not ask for perfection but for love (John 21:15).

b) Love Rekindles Zeal and Purpose

Peter’s love for Christ brought him back stronger (John 21:17).

c) Love Covers a Multitude of Failures

Grace flows from a heart that still desires the Lord (1 Peter 4:8).

d) Love Motivates Lasting Service

Only love can keep one faithful in service (John 14:15).

Biblical Example: Mary Magdalene’s love brought her to the tomb early (John 20:1-18).

CONCLUSION:

No matter how far you’ve fallen or how badly you’ve failed, Jesus is not done with you. He comes to restore, not to reject. He reinstates the fallen and puts them back on the path of destiny. Peter’s story proves that failure is never final when Jesus is involved.

Let this message encourage you to return to Jesus. He knows your weakness but still sees your worth. He calls again—“Follow me.” Your story can still bring glory to God.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Father, thank You for never giving up on me despite my failures.

2. Lord Jesus, restore every area of my life where I have missed it.

3. Father, rekindle my love and passion for You anew.

4. Lord, help me to walk again in the path of Your calling for my life.

5. Father, use me again for Your glory, just as You did with Peter.

6. Lord, help me to feed and serve others with the gifts You’ve given me.

7. Father, heal every wound in my heart caused by failure.

8. Lord, help me to remain faithful till the end of my assignment.

9. Jesus, let my life glorify You in every way from now on.

10. Father, thank You for restoring my identity, purpose, and relationship with You.