Christ in the Very Place

Scripture:

“And after saying this he said to him, ‘Follow me.’” (John 21:19)

Reading:

Have you ever blown up your life – through a moral failing, a falling away, or by damaging something precious?

I think of Peter on the night Jesus was arrested. He lingered by a charcoal fire, trying to blend in, soaked in sweaty fear, vowing that he didn’t know Jesus (Mark 14:66-72). In his weakness, Peter failed. And failed publicly.

In the days following the resurrection, Peter saw the risen Jesus at least twice, yet Scripture gives no sign that his heart had found resolution (John 20:19, 20:26). It’s hard to imagine the psychological, emotional, and spiritual weight Peter carried.

Then, on the shore of the Galilee, Jesus was waiting.

A charcoal fire burned, fish and bread were already prepared. Nothing about this moment was random. Every detail was deliberate, set against the backdrop of the very place where Jesus had first called Peter to follow Him.

When  Peter realized it was Jesus, He didn’t hesitate. He threw himself into the sea and swam to Him as fast as he could (John 21:7). You can almost hear the splashing, the determination in every stroke, the desperate need to get to Jesus.

And isn’t this true for us, too? When we’ve sat too long in the aftermath of our sin and suddenly realize that we miss Jesus, we don’t stay away. We return to Him, no matter how desperate it may look.

The last time Peter sat by a charcoal fire was the night he denied Jesus three times (John 18:18). Now here he was again, the same smell of smoke in the air, the same crackle of flame. This was no coincidence. The Lord was meeting Peter at the crossroads of his failure and redemption.

Imagine Peter now, dripping wet, heart pounding, unable to tell if the water rolling down his face is from the sea or his own tears. And the risen Jesus was right there with him.

Then came the question.

Three times, Jesus asked, “Do you love Me?”

Peter didn’t boast this time. He remembered who he is and what he had done.

Peter answered with simple honesty. “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” (John 21:15)

And each time, Jesus responded, “Feed my sheep.”

In those moments, Peter was not shamed, he was restored. He was not dismissed, he was recommissioned.

Do you remember what Jesus had told him before all of this?

“Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers”? (Luke 22:31-32)

This is that turning.

Turning is where humility takes root and purpose is reborn. Peter would go on to strengthen others, not in spite of his failure, but through Christ’s redemption of it.

In Christ, no failure is final.

Even in our darkest shame, Jesus calls us close, close enough to be saturated by His grace. He restores, He renews, and He gives us purpose again, often in the very places we once failed.

Your Turn:

1. Where have I failed or fallen that feels unresolved with Christ?

2. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace… .” Is there something you need to confess, release, or surrender to the Lord? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to do so.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, please restore me to a life lived close to You. I confess my sin and my need for Your grace. Thank You that in Christ I am the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21)! Please restore and renew me. Please redeem my failing and help me now live for You. Amen.