Restoration Through Grace: Peter's Journey to Purpose
Summary
This morning, our hearts turned to the story of Peter’s restoration after the resurrection of Jesus. The resurrection is not just a historical event to be acknowledged, but a living reality that demands a response from each of us. The question is not simply, “Did Jesus rise?” but “So what?”—what difference does it make in our lives today? The answer is found in the way Jesus restores Peter, and through him, shows us the path of restoration, purpose, and sacrificial service.
Peter’s journey is one of bold promises, deep failure, and profound grace. Despite his confident declarations of loyalty, Peter denied Jesus three times, even swearing an oath that he did not know Him. Yet, when Jesus appears to Peter after the resurrection, He does not rebuke or shame him. Instead, Jesus gently leads Peter through a process of honest self-examination, asking, “Do you love me more than these?” This question is both a challenge and an invitation—to reassess our loyalties, to let go of the things that keep us from wholehearted devotion, and to allow true repentance to do its deep work in us.
Restoration, as seen in Peter’s story, is not about erasing the past but about being remade for God’s purpose. Like the silver cup restored by Faraday, our lives—though marred by sin—can be reshaped by God’s grace into something even more beautiful and useful. Jesus’ forgiveness is not conditional on our perfection; He knew Peter’s failures before they happened, just as He knows ours. What matters is our willingness to return, to love Him, and to follow Him anew.
But restoration is never an end in itself. Jesus restores Peter with a mission: “Feed my sheep.” The call to follow Christ is inseparable from the call to serve others. A non-serving Christian is a contradiction. True restoration always leads to humble, sacrificial service, empowered by Christ’s partnership and presence. Yet, this service comes at a cost. Jesus tells Peter that following Him will mean sacrifice—even to the point of death. The Christian life is not a one-time decision but a daily, sometimes moment-by-moment, surrender to God’s will, laying down our lives for others as Christ did for us.
Key Takeaways
- Restoration Begins with Honest Self-Examination
Peter’s restoration started when Jesus asked him to honestly assess his love and priorities. True restoration requires us to face our failures, reevaluate our loyalties, and be willing to let go of anything that stands between us and Christ. Only then can we experience the deep, transforming work of repentance that leads to new life. [40:39]
- God’s Grace Anticipates Our Failures
Jesus knew Peter would deny Him, yet He called him anyway. Our failures do not surprise God, nor do they disqualify us from His love or calling. God’s forgiveness is comprehensive, and His restoration is available to all who return to Him with a sincere heart. [47:59]
- Restoration Always Leads to Service
Jesus restored Peter not just for Peter’s sake, but so that he could serve others: “Feed my sheep.” The Christian life is inherently outward-focused; we are saved to serve. If we are truly restored, it will be evident in our humble, sacrificial service to others, following the example of Christ. [48:51]
- Fruitfulness Comes from Partnership with Christ
When the disciples obeyed Jesus’ direction to cast their nets, they experienced a miraculous catch. Our efforts become fruitful when we partner with Christ, relying on His guidance and provision. God sustains what He ordains, and our greatest effectiveness comes from working in step with Him. [51:30]
- The Cost of Restoration is Sacrificial Living
Jesus made it clear to Peter that following Him would require sacrifice—even martyrdom. The call to follow Christ is a call to daily self-denial, to “take up your cross” and lay down your life for others. This is not a one-time act, but a continual, daily surrender that shapes us into the likeness of Christ. [56:32]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[05:21] - Prayers for the Community
[06:00] - Prayers for the Lost and for Our Nation
[07:13] - Prayers for Spiritual and Civil Leaders
[18:17] - Blessing the Children
[29:40] - The “So What?” of the Resurrection
[33:00] - Peter’s Denial and Need for Restoration
[38:45] - The Purpose and Pattern of Restoration
[40:39] - Assessing Our Loyalties
[42:54] - The Depth of Repentance
[45:53] - The Language of Love: Agape and Phileo
[47:59] - God’s Grace and Our Failures
[48:51] - Restoration and the Call to Serve
[55:32] - The Cost of Following Jesus
[56:32] - Daily Sacrifice and Surrender
[58:47] - God’s Irrevocable Call
[01:00:10] - Prayer for Restoration and Service
[01:13:20] - Communion and Thanksgiving
[01:17:50] - Sending Forth and Blessing
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Restoration of Peter and the “So What?” of the Resurrection
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### Bible Reading
John 21:1-19
(The story of Jesus restoring Peter after the resurrection, including the miraculous catch of fish and Jesus’ threefold question, “Do you love me?”)
Luke 22:54-62
(Peter’s denial of Jesus, fulfilling Jesus’ prediction.)
Galatians 2:20
(“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”)
---
### Observation Questions
1. In John 21, what did Jesus ask Peter three times, and how did Peter respond each time? What was Jesus’ command after each response?
2. What are the two possible meanings of Jesus’ question, “Do you love me more than these?” as discussed in the sermon? [[40:39]]
3. According to the sermon, what was the significance of the miraculous catch of 153 fish? [[48:51]]
4. In Luke 22, how did Peter react after denying Jesus the third time and hearing the rooster crow?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to restore Peter by asking him three times about his love, instead of simply forgiving him in one statement? What does this process reveal about true restoration? [[42:54]]
2. The sermon says, “Restoration is not about erasing the past but about being remade for God’s purpose.” How does Peter’s story illustrate this truth? [[38:45]]
3. The pastor said, “A non-serving Christian is a contradiction in terms.” Why is service to others an essential part of being restored by Jesus? [[48:51]]
4. Jesus told Peter that following Him would mean sacrifice, even to the point of death. What does this teach us about the cost of discipleship? [[55:32]]
---
### Application Questions
1. Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me more than these?” If Jesus asked you this question today, what “these” might He be referring to in your life? Are there things, relationships, or habits that compete with your love for Jesus? [[40:39]]
2. The sermon emphasized honest self-examination as the starting point for restoration. When was the last time you honestly assessed your priorities and loyalties? What did you discover? [[40:39]]
3. Peter’s restoration led to a clear call: “Feed my sheep.” In what ways are you currently serving others? Is there a specific area where you sense God calling you to serve more sacrificially? [[48:51]]
4. The pastor said, “God’s forgiveness is comprehensive, and His restoration is available to all who return to Him with a sincere heart.” Is there a failure or regret in your life that you need to bring to Jesus for restoration? What would it look like to return to Him with a sincere heart? [[47:59]]
5. The sermon compared our lives to Faraday’s silver cup—damaged but able to be restored and made even more beautiful. Can you think of a time when God used a failure or brokenness in your life to shape you for His purpose? [[38:45]]
6. The Christian life is described as a daily, sometimes moment-by-moment, surrender. What is one practical way you can “take up your cross” and surrender to God’s will this week? [[56:32]]
7. The sermon said, “Fruitfulness comes from partnership with Christ.” Are there areas in your life or ministry where you’ve been relying on your own strength instead of Jesus’ guidance? How can you invite Jesus to partner with you more fully? [[48:51]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray for one another, especially for areas where they desire restoration, courage to serve, or strength to surrender more fully to Christ.
Devotional
Day 1: Restoration Through Christ’s Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus is not just a historical event to be acknowledged, but the very means by which God restores our broken relationship with Him. Like Peter, who denied Jesus and was later restored, each of us is invited into a process of restoration that goes beyond our failures and shortcomings. God knows our weaknesses and yet calls us by name, offering us a new beginning and a renewed purpose. The story of Peter’s restoration reminds us that no matter how far we have strayed, Jesus seeks us out, meets us where we are, and lovingly restores us to the people He created us to be. [38:45]
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: Where in your life do you need to experience Christ’s restoration today, and how can you open your heart to His healing presence?
Day 2: Honest Repentance and Realignment of Priorities
True repentance is more than feeling sorry; it is a deep, gut-wrenching realignment of our priorities and loyalties. Jesus’ repeated questioning of Peter—“Do you love me more than these?”—invites us to examine what we truly value and what we might need to surrender in order to follow Him wholeheartedly. Repentance means being sorry enough to change, to let go of old patterns, and to embrace the new life Christ offers. It is a process that may involve sorrow and tears, but it leads to genuine transformation and freedom. [42:54]
Luke 9:23-25 (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. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?”
Reflection: What is one thing you sense God asking you to surrender or reprioritize in your life today in order to follow Him more fully?
Day 3: Restoration Leads to Humble Service
Restoration in Christ is not just for our own benefit; it always leads to humble service. Jesus’ command to Peter, “Feed my sheep,” is a call to serve others with the same love and humility that Christ has shown us. A restored life is a life poured out for others, and there is no such thing as a non-serving Christian. God partners with us in our service, providing what we need and multiplying our efforts for His kingdom. As we serve, we discover the joy and fruitfulness that come from walking in our God-given purpose. [48:51]
John 13:12-15 (ESV)
When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.”
Reflection: Who is someone you can serve today in a practical way, following the example of Jesus’ humble love?
Day 4: The Cost of Following Jesus
Following Jesus and living out our restored purpose comes with a cost—sometimes even great sacrifice. Jesus told Peter that his restoration and calling would ultimately lead to martyrdom, reminding us that discipleship is not a one-time decision but a daily, sometimes moment-by-moment, choice to lay down our lives. We are called to take up our cross daily, to die to ourselves, and to live for Christ, spending our lives in small acts of faithfulness and love. The path of following Jesus is marked by sacrifice, but it is also the path to true life. [56:32]
Matthew 16:24-26 (ESV)
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?”
Reflection: What is one “small coin” you can spend today—a simple act of sacrifice or obedience—that reflects your commitment to follow Jesus?
Day 5: God’s Calling Is Irrevocable
No matter how many times we stumble or try to run from God’s call, His gifts and calling are irrevocable. God’s purpose for your life remains, even when you feel unworthy or have failed in the past. Like Peter, you are invited to embrace your identity as a beloved child of God and to walk in the calling He has placed on your life. Restoration is not just about forgiveness; it is about being empowered to live out your unique purpose in Christ, knowing that He will complete the good work He began in you. [58:47]
Romans 11:29 (ESV)
For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust that God’s calling and purpose for you still stand, despite your past failures or doubts?
Quotes
So a couple of weeks ago, in fact, it was on Easter Sunday, I gave a type of a sermon that's known as an apologetic sermon. Not that I was really apologizing for anything at all. An apologetic is a legal defense. Amen. And it was a sermon that looked at all. And it was a sermon that looked at the facts of the resurrection of Jesus' death 2 ,000 years ago and showed how the facts support the doctrine that we've held for over 2 ,000 years of Jesus' resurrection. But the truth is that people can acquiesce to the evidence and even embrace a belief in the resurrection. They can acknowledge, yeah, Jesus was real. Yeah, it looks like he really did die and he came back. But then they can go further and say, so what? What difference does that make to me 2 ,000 years later? We proclaim in our creed, we'll do it again this morning, that Jesus was crucified, died, and was buried. And on the third day, he rose again. And I just want you to understand that every single demon in hell believes that, right along with you. [00:29:45] (74 seconds)
He ate cold fish and bread. He offered to let them put their finger into the holes in his palms and his side. He gave them every proof that he was real just to overcome their disbelief. And so our story this morning is about the third time that Jesus appears to the disciples. But this appearance is really very, very different than the first two times. Jesus is not trying to prove his resurrection anymore. This time he's letting them know the purpose of the resurrection. In essence, he's saying there's no longer any doubt that I have been raised from the dead. And now it's time to get to the so what. [00:33:00] (44 seconds)
what they were originally created to be and to do. God made each of us with a purpose and a clear plan for our lives. And of course, God's plan for us has been marred by our own sin and our own rebellion. We've lost touch of who we are. We've forgotten who we were called to be. [00:40:25] (26 seconds)
Peter needed to honestly appraise his love for Jesus, to reevaluate his priorities, to remember his call. You see, restoration always starts with evaluating our loyalties and our priorities. Knowing what you want begins by knowing what you'll have to give up to get it. What do you have to give up to be a Christian? What does it cost you? Well, the Bible says it's free, but the truth is it's more complicated than that. It costs you everything because the kingdom of God is like a pearl of great price that's hidden in a field so that you sell everything you have, you can purchase a field and have that pearl. It costs you everything. So you have to reevaluate your priorities. What is it in life that is most important? What would you, to say it another way, would you give in exchange for your eternal soul? What temporal thing is worth that? [00:41:48] (65 seconds)
And he knows what you were going to do. Some of you think, oh, I've somehow sinned and I've sacrificed my salvation. No. When Jesus called you, he knew you were going to do that too. He already knew it. [00:48:16] (15 seconds)
we are saved in order that we can serve and what he calls on us to do is to serve others Jesus asked the question do you love me more than these and three times Jesus responded in an increasingly emphatic way yes yes Lord I love you Lord you know I love you and after each question Jesus responds feed my sheep shepherd my flock and as Peter is being restored it's clear that the undeniable expectation is that he would serve the flock that he would feed the sheep the call to follow Jesus is a call to service and I want you to understand this a non -serving Christian is a contradiction in terms it doesn't exist if you're a Christian you serve [00:49:37] (58 seconds)
When God calls us to follow him in the way that he called Peter to follow him, we have to understand that there's a sacrifice involved. And it's why Jesus said, if you're going to follow me, you must take up your cross daily. [00:56:16] (18 seconds)
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