Jesus Restores The Fallen

JESUS RESTORES THE FALLEN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: John 21:1-19

Supporting Texts: Luke 22:31-32, Psalm 51:12-13, Micah 7:8, Proverbs 24:16, 1 John 1:9

INTRODUCTION:

Failure is never final when it is placed in the hands of the Master. One of the most comforting truths in Scripture is that God does not discard His children because of their mistakes. In John 21, we witness a touching encounter between the resurrected Jesus and Peter, the disciple who had denied Him three times. Yet, in this moment of restoration, Jesus not only forgives Peter but recommissions him to ministry.

This passage highlights the loving pursuit of Jesus after those who have stumbled. Though Peter had returned to fishing—perhaps in discouragement or disillusionment—Jesus came looking for him, not to condemn but to restore. His approach was gentle, His provision was abundant, and His purpose was clear: Peter was still useful in the kingdom.

In our own walk with God, we may fall short. We may even retreat like Peter. But the message of this passage is clear—Jesus restores the fallen, reignites their calling, and empowers them for greater impact. Let us explore what this restoration looked like and how it applies to us today.

1. JESUS SEARCHES FOR THE DISCOURAGED

Jesus does not wait for Peter to come back to Him—He goes after Peter.

a) Christ pursues the backslider

(John 21:1-2) Jesus appeared to His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, where Peter had gone fishing. This was a divine appointment.

b) He comes to where we are

(Psalm 139:7-10) No matter how far we go, His presence finds us.

c) He initiates the encounter

(Revelation 3:20) Christ always knocks first; He longs to restore fellowship.

d) He calls us by name

(John 21:5) Jesus addressed them as “Children.” His tone reveals love and concern.

Biblical Example: The parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:4-7) — the shepherd goes after the one who strayed.

2. JESUS PROVIDES IN OUR EMPTINESS

After a fruitless night, Jesus filled their nets with abundance.

a) Divine provision follows divine instruction

(John 21:6) Obedience to Jesus brings overwhelming results.

b) We often toil in vain without Him

(John 15:5) Without Christ, we can do nothing.

c) His supply exposes our need

(Philippians 4:19) He shows us our insufficiency and then meets our needs.

d) He prepares a table in the wilderness

(John 21:9) Jesus had already made breakfast, even before their catch.

Biblical Example: The widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-16) — God provided flour and oil in famine.

3. JESUS RESTORES THROUGH LOVE

The core of Peter’s restoration was love, not shame.

a) He deals with our deepest wounds

(John 21:15-17) Jesus addressed Peter’s three denials with three questions.

b) Love is the foundation of our service

(Matthew 22:37-38) Before ministry, there must be love for Christ.

c) He recommissions us despite our past

(2 Corinthians 5:17) If any man is in Christ, he is a new creature.

d) He entrusts us again with responsibility

(John 21:17) “Feed my sheep”—a fresh assignment was given.

Biblical Example: Jonah — though he fled, God restored and used him again (Jonah 3:1-3).

4. JESUS CALLS US TO FOLLOW AFRESH

Restoration leads to renewed discipleship.

a) He renews the call to follow

(John 21:19) “Follow Me” was His final instruction to Peter.

b) Discipleship requires surrender

(Luke 9:23) Daily cross-bearing is part of the journey.

c) There is purpose after failure

(Romans 8:28) God works all things—even failure—for good.

d) Our story continues beyond our fall

(Micah 7:8) Rejoice not over me, my enemy; when I fall, I shall arise.

Biblical Example: Mark (Acts 13:13, 2 Timothy 4:11) — once rejected by Paul, later called “useful.”

5. JESUS REDEEMS OUR STORY FOR HIS GLORY

Peter became a pillar in the early Church after his restoration.

a) God uses broken vessels

(2 Corinthians 4:7) We carry treasure in earthen vessels.

b) Restoration positions us for impact

(Acts 2:14) Peter preached boldly at Pentecost.

c) Your past becomes a testimony

(Revelation 12:11) We overcome by the word of our testimony.

d) Grace rewrites your future

(Romans 5:20) Where sin increased, grace abounded much more.

Biblical Example: Paul — once a persecutor, now a preacher of the gospel (1 Timothy 1:12-16).

CONCLUSION:

The story of Peter's reinstatement is a testament to the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ. He does not discard the wounded or the weak. Instead, He seeks them out, heals their hearts, and recommissions them for greater service.

No matter your fall, no matter the shame, Jesus still calls you by name. He has prepared a place for you at His table, and His love has the power to restore what sin, fear, or failure tried to destroy. Rise and follow Him again.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Father, thank You for Your mercy that restores me when I fall.