Expository Sermon: Restored to Lead
Key Text: John 21:17 – “He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?’ Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, ‘Do you love Me?’ And he said to Him, ‘Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed My sheep.’”
Text: John 21:15-19
Theme: Jesus’ forgiveness not only restores but also commissions us to fulfill our God-given purpose.
Illustration:
Let me share with you the story of Nelson Mandela, a man who experienced failure, rejection, and deep pain but ultimately rose to lead and inspire millions. Mandela spent 27 years in prison, much of it in harsh conditions on Robben Island. He could have let bitterness and anger consume him, but instead, he used that time to reflect, grow, and prepare for what lay ahead.
When Mandela was finally released, he didn’t seek revenge against those who imprisoned him. Instead, he worked tirelessly to bring healing and unity to a divided South Africa. Despite his past failures and the betrayal he had faced, he was restored to a position of leadership and used it to change the course of history.
This story reminds us of Peter in John 21:15-19. After denying Jesus three times, Peter might have thought his time as a disciple was over. But Jesus, in His grace, not only forgave Peter but restored him to a place of leadership. Jesus’ question, “Do you love Me?” wasn’t just about forgiveness—it was about commissioning Peter to feed His sheep and lead His people.
Let us pray
Introduction
Church, how do we handle failure? For many, failure feels like the end. But in this passage, we see how Jesus deals with failure—not with condemnation, but with forgiveness and restoration. Peter, who denied Jesus three times, might have thought his story was over. But Jesus met him, not to remind him of his failure, but to restore him and give him a mission.
This is a message for anyone who feels like their failure has disqualified them from God’s plans. Through Peter’s story, we see that failure is not the end; it’s an opportunity for God to show His grace and call us into greater purpose.
I. The Question of Love (John 21:15-17)
“Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”
Jesus doesn’t start with Peter’s failure; He starts with Peter’s heart. He asks Peter three times, paralleling Peter’s three denials, giving him the chance to affirm his love. This wasn’t to shame Peter but to restore him.
Church, hear this: Jesus isn’t focused on your past mistakes; He’s focused on your heart. He doesn’t ask, “Why did you fail?” He asks, “Do you love Me?” Our love for Jesus is the foundation of everything else in our walk with Him.
Notice that Jesus follows each affirmation of love with a commission: “Feed My lambs. Tend My sheep. Feed My sheep.” Love for Jesus leads to action. True love for Christ isn’t just emotional—it’s practical. It shows up in how we serve others.
Application: Jesus’ question to Peter is the same question for us today: “Do you love Me?” If we say yes, that love should overflow into how we care for others, especially those God has placed in our lives.
II. Forgiveness Restores Purpose (John 21:18-19)
Jesus goes on to speak about Peter’s future. He tells him that one day, Peter will stretch out his hands and be led where he does not want to go—a prophecy of Peter’s martyrdom.
This might seem like a strange way to encourage Peter, but it’s actually profound. Jesus is saying, “Peter, your story isn’t over. You’re going to fulfill the calling I have for you, even to the point of giving your life for Me.”
Church, this is what forgiveness does: It doesn’t just erase the past; it restores purpose. Jesus didn’t just forgive Peter—He reinstated him as a leader. Forgiveness isn’t just about starting over; it’s about stepping into what God has prepared for us.
Application: If you’ve ever felt disqualified by failure, remember Peter. Jesus’ forgiveness doesn’t just set you free; it calls you to walk in the purpose He has for you.
III. Leadership Through Grace
Peter’s leadership would never be the same after this moment. His failure had humbled him, and his restoration had reminded him of God’s grace.
When Jesus tells Peter to “Feed My sheep,” He’s calling him to lead with the same grace and compassion that Jesus showed him.
Church, listen to this: The best leaders are not those who have never failed but those who have been forgiven. Why? Because they lead with humility, compassion, and an understanding of God’s grace. Peter would go on to be a pillar of the early church, not because he was perfect, but because he was restored.
Application: Whether you’re leading your family, your workplace, or a ministry, let your leadership flow from a place of grace. Remember how Jesus has restored you, and let that restoration guide how you serve others.
Conclusion Illustration: "The Restoration of Steve Jobs"
Let me share with you the story of Steve Jobs, a man who knew what it was like to fail but also what it meant to be restored and lead again. In 1985, Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, was forced out of the very company he helped create. Imagine the humiliation and pain of being rejected by something you had poured your life into. Many thought his career was over.
But Jobs didn’t let failure define him. He used that time away from Apple to learn, innovate, and grow. He founded a new company, NeXT, which eventually caught the attention of Apple. In 1997, he was invited back to the company, and under his leadership, Apple transformed into one of the most successful and innovative companies in the world. His story is a powerful example of restoration and redemption.
Like Steve Jobs, many of us have experienced failure. But here’s the good news: failure doesn’t mean the end of the story. Just as Steve Jobs was restored to lead, Jesus offers us the same opportunity. He doesn’t just forgive us; He restores us and calls us to step back into our purpose with renewed strength and vision. Let’s leave here today knowing that, with Jesus, our failures can become stepping stones to greater leadership and service. Amen.
Conclusion: Failure Is Not Final
Church, the story of Peter’s restoration reminds us of a powerful truth: failure is not final. Jesus doesn’t just forgive; He restores. He doesn’t just erase our mistakes; He calls us to walk in our purpose.
So let me ask you today:
• Have you felt disqualified by your failures? Jesus is asking you the same question He asked Peter: “Do you love Me?”
• Are you ready to step into the purpose God has for you, knowing that His grace is greater than your mistakes?
Call to Action:
If you’ve been holding onto failure or feel unworthy of God’s call, come to Jesus today. Let Him restore you. Let Him remind you that your story isn’t over. And let Him send you out to “Feed His sheep”—to live out His purpose for your life with grace and humility.
Final Challenge:
Failure doesn’t disqualify you; it prepares you. Let Jesus take your failure and turn it into a testimony of His grace. Like Peter, you are restored to lead. Amen!
