Restoration Through Christ: Embracing Our 'Yes'
Summary
In moments when life feels heavy with failure—when it seems we’ve let down ourselves, our loved ones, or even God—it’s natural to want to retreat to what’s familiar and comfortable. Peter, after denying Jesus three times, found himself in such a place. He returned to fishing, the life he knew before Jesus called him. Yet, even in this place of retreat, Jesus met him. Jesus didn’t come with rebuke or condemnation, but with an invitation: “Come and eat.” He had already prepared breakfast on the shore, showing that even when we feel lost or unworthy, Christ is already making provision for our restoration.
This encounter at the Sea of Galilee is a powerful reminder that our comfort zones, though familiar, cannot satisfy the deep needs of our souls. Only Christ can restore what’s been broken. When Peter and the disciples fished all night and caught nothing, it was Jesus’ word that brought abundance. In the same way, our efforts to find fulfillment apart from Him will always fall short. But when we respond to His voice, even in our places of disappointment, He brings restoration and abundance.
After breakfast, Jesus turned to Peter and asked him three times, “Do you love me?”—mirroring Peter’s three denials. Each time Peter answered, Jesus gave him a new commission: “Feed my lambs. Shepherd my sheep. Feed my sheep.” This was not to shame Peter, but to heal him, to restore him, and to recommission him for the work ahead. Every “yes” Peter gave was a step toward healing and restoration. In the same way, every time we say “yes” to God, even after failure, we open ourselves to His restoring work.
Discipleship is not always safe or comfortable, but it is sacred. It requires surrender, a willingness to die to our old ways, and a continual “yes” to Jesus. Restoration comes not from returning to what’s familiar, but from following Christ forward, even when it’s hard. No matter where you find yourself—whether in a place of retreat, disappointment, or failure—Jesus meets you there, invites you to the table, and calls you to say “yes” again. Your restoration is in your “yes.”
Key Takeaways
- Retreating to Comfort Isn’t the Answer
When we feel like failures, our instinct is to return to what’s familiar and comfortable, just as Peter went back to fishing. But the comfort zone cannot fulfill what only Christ can restore. Our old ways may feel safe, but they cannot satisfy the deep longing for purpose and healing that only Jesus can provide. [26:35]
- Jesus Meets Us in Our Place of Retreat
Even when we withdraw in disappointment or shame, Jesus comes to us right where we are. He doesn’t rebuke us for retreating, but instead prepares a table for us, offering nourishment and grace. His presence in our lowest moments is a reminder that restoration begins not with our striving, but with His initiative and love. [29:20]
- Restoration Comes Through Repeated “Yes”
Peter’s threefold affirmation of love for Jesus mirrored his three denials, each “yes” serving as a step toward healing. Our restoration is often a process, requiring us to say “yes” to God again and again, even when we feel unworthy. Every “yes” is a moment where God heals, restores, and recommissions us for His purpose. [35:22]
- Discipleship Is Sacred, Not Safe
Following Jesus is not about staying in a place of comfort or safety. True discipleship calls us to surrender, to die to our old selves, and to embrace the sacred path of following Christ wherever He leads. Restoration and purpose are found not in retreat, but in the risk and surrender of discipleship. [40:09]
- God’s Grace Finds Us in Failure
No matter how far we feel we’ve fallen or how deeply we believe we’ve failed, God’s grace is greater. He meets us, forgives us, and invites us to follow Him anew. Our failures do not disqualify us; instead, they become the very places where God’s restoring love is most powerfully revealed. [42:28]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[06:48] - Introduction and Setting the Scene
[13:46] - Reading John 21:1-19
[17:33] - Jesus Prepares Breakfast on the Shore
[19:34] - Jesus’ Invitation: “Follow Me”
[21:35] - Peter’s Retreat to Fishing
[26:35] - The Comfort Zone Can’t Restore
[29:20] - Jesus Meets Us in Our Retreat
[33:42] - The Threefold Question: “Do You Love Me?”
[34:36] - Restoration, Not Shame
[35:22] - Every “Yes” Brings Healing
[38:38] - The Call to Follow and the Cost
[40:09] - Discipleship: Sacred, Not Safe
[42:01] - Prayer for Those Feeling Like Failures
[45:23] - Closing and Blessing
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Restored by Saying Yes Again”
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### Bible Reading
John 21:1-19
(This is the main passage for the sermon and study.)
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### Observation Questions
1. What did Peter decide to do after Jesus’ death and resurrection, and who went with him? (John 21:2-3)
2. What happened when the disciples fished all night? What changed when Jesus spoke to them from the shore? (John 21:3-6)
3. How did Jesus interact with the disciples when they came to shore? What did He already have prepared for them? (John 21:9-12)
4. After breakfast, what question did Jesus ask Peter, and how many times did He ask it? What did Jesus tell Peter to do each time? (John 21:15-17)
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Peter went back to fishing after everything that happened with Jesus? What does this say about how people respond to failure or disappointment? [21:35]
2. Jesus didn’t rebuke the disciples for returning to what was comfortable. Instead, He invited them to eat. What does this reveal about Jesus’ character and His approach to us in our low moments? [29:20]
3. Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?”—mirroring Peter’s three denials. Why do you think Jesus did this, and how might it have helped Peter heal? [33:42]
4. The sermon says, “Discipleship isn’t safe, but it is sacred.” What does it mean for following Jesus to be sacred but not always safe? [40:09]
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### Application Questions
1. When you feel like you’ve failed—yourself, others, or God—what is your “comfort zone” that you tend to retreat to? How does it make you feel, and does it truly satisfy you? [26:35]
2. Can you think of a time when you felt unworthy or disappointed, but God met you right where you were? What did that look like, and how did it change you? [29:20]
3. Jesus prepared breakfast for the disciples before they even arrived. What does this say about how God provides for us, even when we’re not looking for Him? How can you look for signs of God’s provision in your own life this week? [17:33]
4. Peter’s restoration came through saying “yes” to Jesus, even after failing Him. Is there an area in your life where God is asking you to say “yes” again, even if you feel unworthy? What would it look like to take that step? [35:22]
5. The sermon says, “Discipleship is not always safe or comfortable, but it is sacred.” What is one area where following Jesus feels risky or uncomfortable for you right now? How can you surrender that area to Him this week? [40:09]
6. The sermon reminds us that “God’s grace finds us in failure.” Is there a failure in your life that you need to bring to Jesus for healing and restoration? What would it look like to let His grace meet you there? [42:28]
7. Every “yes” to God is a step toward healing and restoration. What is one practical way you can say “yes” to God this week, even if it feels small? How can the group support you in this? [43:22]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray for courage to say “yes” to Jesus again, especially in areas where they feel like they’ve failed or want to retreat. Ask God to meet each person in their place of need and to bring restoration and new purpose.
Devotional
Day 1: Christ Meets Us in Our Place of Retreat
Even when we feel like failures and retreat to what is comfortable, Jesus meets us right where we are—not with rebuke, but with grace and provision. He comes to us in our lowest moments, not to shame us, but to restore us, inviting us to receive from Him even when we feel unworthy or lost. In the story, Peter and the disciples return to fishing after feeling defeated, but Jesus appears on the shore, ready to provide for them and draw them back into relationship. No matter how far you feel you have drifted, Christ is already waiting to meet you, to nourish you, and to begin the work of restoration in your life. [26:35]
John 21:1-14 (ESV)
After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
Reflection: Where have you retreated in your life out of disappointment or failure, and how might you recognize Jesus meeting you there today?
Day 2: Restoration Comes Through Repeated Surrender
Peter’s threefold denial of Jesus is mirrored by Jesus’ threefold question, “Do you love me?”—not to shame, but to restore. Each “yes” from Peter is a step toward healing, a reversal of his past failure, and a reaffirmation of his calling. Jesus does not dwell on Peter’s mistakes; instead, He gives Peter the opportunity to declare his love and receive a new commission. In the same way, every time you say “yes” to Jesus, no matter how many times you have failed, you open yourself to His restoring grace and the healing of your soul. [35:22]
John 21:15-17 (ESV)
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, 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 everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to say “yes” to Jesus again, trusting that each “yes” brings restoration?
Day 3: The Old Comforts Cannot Satisfy
When life feels like a failure, it is tempting to return to old habits, roles, or comforts that once felt safe. Yet, as Peter and the disciples discovered, going back to what is familiar cannot fulfill the deep needs of the soul—only Christ can. The nets of the past may feel secure, but they come up empty without Jesus. True satisfaction and purpose are found not in retreating to the old, but in allowing Christ to meet you and lead you forward into new life. [26:35]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV)
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Reflection: What “old nets” or comfort zones are you tempted to return to, and how can you invite Jesus to fill those empty places with His new work?
Day 4: Jesus Restores and Recommissions Us
Jesus not only restores Peter, but He also recommissions him—calling him to feed and shepherd His people. Restoration in Christ is never just about healing the past; it is about being sent forward with renewed purpose and responsibility. No matter how you have failed, Jesus’ call remains: “Follow me.” He entrusts you with meaningful work in His kingdom, inviting you to serve others out of the restoration you have received. [38:38]
2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (ESV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.
Reflection: How might God be calling you to serve or care for others out of the restoration He is working in your life?
Day 5: Discipleship Is a Sacred Path of Surrender
Following Jesus is not always safe or comfortable, but it is sacred. Discipleship means surrendering your own plans, dying to self, and embracing the path Christ sets before you. It is in this daily surrender—this continual “yes”—that you find true restoration, purpose, and the glory of God revealed in your life. The journey may be costly, but it is the only way to experience the fullness of what God has for you. [40:09]
Luke 9:23-24 (ESV)
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”
Reflection: What is one specific way you can surrender to Jesus today, trusting that the sacred path of discipleship leads to restoration and new life?
Quotes
i need you to understand this yet your old ways may feel safe but they won't satisfy you the old ways may feel safe but it will not satisfy you the old ways may feel safe but it's okay it's not a good way but it's not a good way it's not a good way [00:26:35] (17 seconds)
Because now Peter has to respond out of his mouth. When Jesus asked, do you love me? And he has to respond out of his mouth. And I believe that I'm going to help y 'all that every time he gives Jesus a yes, it's another moment of restoration that comes and starts to heal him from the inside out. Now, whew, do y 'all see that? That every time, every time, every time, whew, every time Peter has to respond and give Jesus a yes, I believe that every time he says, yes, I love you. [00:35:35] (47 seconds)
but everything everything was transformed at the breakfast on the beach thank you thank you apostle uh archbishop olive brown everything began with the breakfast on the beach [00:39:34] (22 seconds)
and i need you to understand this for y 'all that are in ministry y 'all that are and y 'all that are believers discipleship discipleship isn't safe but it is sacred [00:40:09] (15 seconds)
i heard uh bishop designate karen rogers last sunday talk about stop one of the things she said was stop trying and start dying there has to be a surrender to get to that restoration there's got to be a surrender there's got to be a yes there's got to be a surrender and there's got to be a dying crucifying paul says crucify my flesh [00:40:44] (30 seconds)
when we try to go back to like listen some of the people don't even recognize you when you got try to go back to doing what you did before you know jesus come on and some of us have tried to go back to what we what we did before we knew jesus and it didn't work didn't look the same the clothes didn't even seem to fit the same the the the neighborhood didn't even recognize you [00:26:04] (29 seconds)
of that text peter says i'm going fishing and this isn't just a casual uh outing this is not just a casual little moment for peter but it's a return y 'all gotta catch this it's a return to his old life did y 'all did y 'all get this it's a return it's a return to peter's old life he says i'm going fishing and it's a return to where he once was before this but before he became the disciple before he became the follower of christ he was a fisherman and now he returns to the thing that's familiar because it's seemingly everything else is gone says i'm going fishing peter who once dropped his neck to follow jesus is now picking them back up [00:22:00] (65 seconds)
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