Transformative Power of the Resurrection and Forgiveness
Summary
The resurrection of Jesus is the event that changes everything—not just for the world, but for each of us personally. In the story of Peter, we see a man who, despite his failures and denials, is pursued by the relentless love of God. Peter’s journey reminds us that God does not abandon us in our moments of despair or failure. Instead, He comes after us, offering forgiveness, restoring relationship, and inviting us into a life of purpose and fulfillment. The resurrection is not just a historical event to be celebrated once a year; it is the ongoing reality that makes forgiveness possible, friendship with God real, and a life of meaning available to all who respond in faith.
Peter’s transformation—from a fisherman who denied Jesus to a leader restored by Christ’s love—shows that our past mistakes do not disqualify us from God’s calling. Jesus meets Peter in his failure, not to condemn, but to restore and recommission him. The question Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?” is the central question for all of us. Christianity is not primarily about rules or rituals, but about a relationship with the living God who desires our love and friendship.
Forgiveness is at the heart of the resurrection. In a world that often encourages revenge and harbors bitterness, Jesus offers a different way—the way of radical forgiveness. This forgiveness is not just for us to receive, but also to extend to others, empowered by the same grace that has been shown to us.
Fulfillment comes not from possessions or achievements, but from living out the purpose for which we were created. Just as a retriever finds joy in swimming, we find true satisfaction when we embrace the unique calling God has placed on our lives. The resurrection assures us that our lives have meaning, and that God’s plans for us are good.
Ultimately, all of this calls for a response of faith. To follow Jesus is to trust Him, even when the path is uncertain or difficult. The resurrection proves that Jesus is trustworthy, and that even death is not the end for those who put their faith in Him. Today, the invitation is open: receive forgiveness, enter into friendship with God, discover your purpose, and respond in faith.
Key Takeaways
- Forgiveness is made possible by the resurrection. No matter how far we have wandered or how deeply we have failed, God’s love pursues us and offers restoration. The story of Peter’s denial and Jesus’ repeated invitation to him shows that God’s forgiveness is persistent and complete, breaking the cycle of shame and regret. We are called not only to receive this forgiveness, but also to extend it to others, even when it seems impossible. [44:29]
- Relationship, not religion, is at the heart of following Jesus. The central question Jesus asks is not about our knowledge or performance, but about our love for Him. God desires friendship with us—a closeness that transforms our lives and redefines our identity. This invitation to intimacy with the Creator is both humbling and empowering, reminding us that we are known and loved by God Himself. [48:52]
- Fulfillment is found in living out our God-given purpose. Like Peter, we may try to return to old patterns or seek satisfaction in lesser things, but true joy comes from embracing the unique calling God has for us. We are not accidents; each of us is handcrafted by God for a reason, and our deepest satisfaction is found in serving Him and others with the gifts He has given us. [56:29]
- Faith is the response that unlocks all that God offers. Jesus calls us to trust Him, even when the future is uncertain or the cost is high. Faith is not a one-time decision, but a daily choice to follow where He leads, believing that He is good and His plans are trustworthy—even when they lead us through difficulty or sacrifice. [58:08]
- The resurrection is not just about the future, but about transformation now. It is easy to think of resurrection as only relevant for life after death, but Jesus’ victory over the grave brings new life, hope, and power into our present circumstances. The same power that raised Christ is available to us today, enabling us to live as forgiven, loved, and purposeful people in a broken world. [01:00:50]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[23:35] - Opening Prayer
[24:11] - Announcements and Community Life
[25:42] - Children’s Dismissal and Easter Activities
[27:08] - Introduction to the Miracles Series
[28:02] - Reading John 20:1-10
[30:52] - The Surprise and Power of the Resurrection
[34:04] - Peter’s Journey: Before and After
[36:53] - Peter’s Denial and Despair
[38:03] - God’s Relentless Pursuit
[41:21] - Jesus Restores Peter
[44:14] - Forgiveness Through the Resurrection
[48:09] - Friendship with God
[50:34] - Fulfillment in God’s Purpose
[57:54] - Responding in Faith
[59:50] - Personal Response and Invitation
[01:01:10] - Living as a Church Family
[01:02:24] - Closing Worship and Offering
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Resurrection Changes Everything
---
### Bible Reading
- John 20:1-10 (The empty tomb and the discovery of Jesus’ resurrection)
- John 21:15-19 (Jesus restores Peter and calls him to “Feed my sheep”)
- Luke 5:1-11 (Jesus calls Peter the first time, after a miraculous catch of fish)
---
### Observation Questions
1. In John 20:1-10, what details stand out about how Peter and John respond to the empty tomb? What do they see, and how do they react?
2. When Jesus meets Peter in John 21:15-19, what question does He ask Peter repeatedly, and how does Peter respond each time?
3. According to the sermon, what was Peter doing when Jesus first called him in Luke 5, and what was he doing when Jesus restored him after the resurrection? [[45:10]]
4. The sermon mentions that Peter denied Jesus three times before the resurrection. How does Jesus address this failure when He meets Peter after the resurrection? [[43:35]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus asks Peter “Do you love me?” three times instead of just once? What might this repetition mean for Peter and for us? [[43:35]]
2. The sermon says that forgiveness is at the heart of the resurrection. How does Peter’s story show the difference between the world’s way of dealing with failure and Jesus’ way? [[44:29]]
3. The pastor said that Christianity is not mainly about rules or rituals, but about a relationship with God. How does Jesus’ conversation with Peter in John 21 support this idea? [[48:52]]
4. The sermon compared Peter’s calling to a retriever’s joy in swimming. What does this analogy say about how we find fulfillment in God’s purpose for us? [[56:29]]
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon said that God’s forgiveness is persistent and complete, breaking the cycle of shame and regret. Is there a failure or regret in your life where you need to receive God’s forgiveness? What would it look like to let go of shame and accept restoration? [[44:29]]
2. Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me?” If Jesus asked you that question today, how would you answer? What are some ways you can show your love for Jesus this week? [[48:52]]
3. The pastor said that forgiveness is not just for us to receive, but also to extend to others. Is there someone in your life you are struggling to forgive? What is one step you could take toward forgiveness, even if it feels impossible? [[44:29]]
4. The sermon talked about fulfillment coming from living out our God-given purpose, not from possessions or achievements. Are there “old patterns” or “lesser things” you tend to return to for satisfaction? What is one way you can pursue God’s unique calling for you this month? [[56:29]]
5. Faith is the response that unlocks all that God offers. Is there an area of your life where you feel God is asking you to trust Him, even though the path is uncertain or difficult? What would it look like to take a step of faith this week? [[58:08]]
6. The resurrection is not just about the future, but about transformation now. Where do you need to experience the power of the resurrection in your life today? How can you invite Jesus into that area? [[01:00:50]]
7. The pastor said that God’s love pursues us, no matter how far we have wandered. Can you think of a time when you felt God coming after you? How did you respond, and what difference did it make? [[41:03]]
---
Devotional
Day 1: The Resurrection Makes Forgiveness Possible
The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation for true forgiveness, both from God and for one another. Without the resurrection, forgiveness would be impossible, but because Jesus rose from the dead, our sins can be forgiven and we are empowered to forgive those who have hurt us. No matter how far you have wandered or how badly you have failed, God comes after you with persistent love, offering restoration and a new beginning. Forgiveness is not just a nice idea; it is a necessity for those who follow Jesus, and it is only possible because He first forgave us. [44:29]
John 20:1-10 (ESV)
Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes.
Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive today, or do you need to receive God’s forgiveness for yourself? What step can you take right now to move toward forgiveness?
Day 2: God’s Relentless Love Pursues Us
From the very beginning, God has been coming after His people in love, never giving up on them even when they rebel or run away. The story of the Bible is the story of God seeking out Adam and Eve, Abraham, Moses, David, and countless others, always motivated by love and a desire for relationship. No matter how far you have strayed or how unworthy you feel, God’s love is greater, and He is still searching for you, inviting you to return home. [40:32]
John 3:16 (ESV)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel distant from God? How can you respond to His loving pursuit of you today?
Day 3: Friendship with Jesus Is the Heart of Discipleship
The central question of Christianity is not about having all the right answers or following all the right rules, but about loving Jesus and being His friend. Jesus invites us into a relationship, not just servanthood, and He asks each of us, “Do you love me?” This friendship with Jesus is what sets Christianity apart and is the foundation for everything else in our faith. [48:52]
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: How would you answer Jesus if He asked you, “Do you love me?” What does friendship with Jesus look like in your daily life?
Day 4: Fulfillment Comes from Living Out God’s Purpose
God has created each person with a unique purpose and calling, and true fulfillment is found not in possessions or comfort, but in living out that purpose. Like a retriever made to swim, you were handcrafted by God to serve Him and others in a way that brings deep satisfaction and meaning. When you discover and walk in your God-given vocation, you experience the joy and fulfillment you were created for. [56:59]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Reflection: What gifts or passions has God given you, and how can you use them to serve others and fulfill your purpose this week?
Day 5: Faith Means Trusting and Following Jesus Wherever He Leads
The resurrection of Jesus calls us to respond with faith, trusting Him even when the path is uncertain or difficult. Jesus told Peter that following Him would not always be easy, but that He could be trusted with every part of our lives, even our future and our death. Faith is not just belief, but active trust and obedience—choosing to follow Jesus wherever He leads, knowing that He is good and His plans are best. [58:36]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Reflection: What is one area where you need to trust Jesus more fully? What step of obedience can you take today to follow Him, even if it feels risky?
Quotes
The resurrection of Christ and and my job as a pastor involves communication. I'm constantly trying to communicate to people either one-on-one or I'm communicating to people in groups like this. But if if I'm to be effective, I've got to be a clear communicator. And the reality is I don't always communicate as clearly as I would like to. I recently heard a story of another pastor uh who who took a trip to Israel. This trip was sort of his birthday present and he was excited to spend his birthday in Israel. And this pastor's name was Walt and and on the trip he had a great tour guide. [00:30:52]
And as we read through the New Testament, we see many times how Peter sort of steps up as the leader of the disciples who followed Jesus. There were like 12 who were really close to Jesus, the the the inner circle, so to speak. Now, Jesus had other disciples, but but these 12 were were set apart and special. And as we read through, there would be time and time again where where Peter would speak for the group and Peter would step up and and and he would speak out and actually accomplish and do some pretty amazing things. [00:34:47]
And every time that Jesus tried to communicate to his disciples, they didn't seem to fully grasp and understand because, you know, like like with Peter, they had witnessed all these incredible miracles that Jesus had performed and and they had started to put together the fact that, well, maybe maybe this Jesus really is the Messiah that we've been looking for. He really is the king that we've been anticipating. and they were pretty excited about it. And so when he's talking about going to Jerusalem and dying, it didn't all make much sense to them. [00:35:44]
For three years, Peter and the other disciples had walked with Jesus and they'd heard him preach. They heard him teach. They saw these incredible miracles. How he caused the the lame to walk and he caused the blind to see again. He he raised up what looked to be dead little children. And and Lazarus just just before these days of the cross. They saw firsthand Jesus feed a huge crowd of 5,000 men and more with just one little boy's lunch. They were firsthand witnesses of all these amazing acts. [00:36:57]
But God doesn't leave Peter in his despair. Doesn't leave Peter just giving up. God comes after Peter like he comes after everyone who strays away from him. All the Bible scholars remember how when God created the world, he did so in six days and in day one he created this and he he evaluated at the end of the day he said this is good and he said this is good and the next day and the next day this is good. But then when he created Adam and Eve he said now this is very good. [00:38:10]
This is very good because we were created in his very image and we were created with a special vocation, a special responsibility to bear this image in the world that we live in. And we were supposed to be managing his good creation. That was that was our God-given job. But Adam and Eve and all that amazing miraculous creation and they got to witness untainted by sin all the good things that God had created and God put them in charge and yet they didn't listen to what God told them to do. [00:38:41]
They doubted God. They disbelieved God. They went their own way. They rebelled and sin entered the world. And the Bible tells us that this sin separates us from God. It cuts us off from God. But God doesn't leave Adam and Eve separated and all alone from him. He comes after Adam and Eve and he gives them a promise. He says, "I'm not through with you yet. You can run away and you can try to hide, but but I'm searching after you because I don't want to lose you. you are too special to me." [00:39:07]
And we read through the entire Bible, the account of the entire Bible is God coming after Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and God coming after Joseph and God coming after Moses and God coming after Gideon and Samson and David and on and on and on. We read over and over again, God comes after people like you and me because he loves us. John 3:16 maybe one of those most famous scriptures in all of the Bible. For God so loved the world. It's always God's motive is love. [00:39:34]
God loves us and he comes after us. So many times we've heard a false gospel. We we've heard that God's angry with the world. He's angry with us and he's come in his wrath. But that's not what the scriptures tell us. The scriptures tell us because God loves us, he comes after us with this divine love. So if you don't hear anything else from me today, I want you to hear this that God loves you. No matter what you've done, no matter how far you've wandered away from him, no matter how bad it's been, he wants you to return back home. [00:39:58]
He's still coming after people today just like he did in the scriptures 2,000 years ago and before. So Peter after he decides that he's failed at following Jesus. I might as well give up. I've blown it. This is, you know, this is the bridge too far. Jesus comes to Peter. Not once, not twice, but we read in John's gospel chapter 21 that that Jesus comes to Peter even a third time. Even after Peter's given up and gone back to fishing, he was out fishing all night and he didn't catch anything. [00:40:23]
But Jesus comes after him just like he came after him the first time. And Jesus calls out, "Friends, have you caught any fish?" And these experienced professional fishermen say, "Nope, we've not caught anything." And Jesus gives them some instructions. Says, "Throw your net to the other side." And at that point, they caught so many fish, they couldn't bring the catch in the boat. And it's at that time that that Peter looks out at the shore and he begins to recognize that's not just anybody calling me. That is Jesus who's still coming after me and he's called me again. [00:40:47]
And Peter jumps out of the boat and he swims to shore. And they have breakfast together with Jesus on the shore. And we read in John 21 beginning at verse 15, when they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." And Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." And again Jesus said,"Simon, son of John, do you love me?" And he answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." And Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." [00:41:04]
And then the third time he said,"Simon, son of John, do you love me?" At this time Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him a third time, "Do you love me?" And he said, "Lord, you know all things. You know that I love you." And Jesus said,"Feed my sheep." Very truly I tell you, when you were younger, you dressed yourself and you went where you wanted. But when you're old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go. And Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death which Peter would glorify God. [00:41:31]
The resurrection of Jesus makes all the difference. And the first point is it makes a difference in forgiveness. The resurrection of Jesus makes forgiveness possible. The resurrection story vindicates who Jesus claimed to be. The resurrection story vindicates the forgiveness of Jesus to all of us who've wandered off in our sin. All of us who have who have who have rebelled against God, who have outright disobeyed him, who turned our back on him, who've denied him, we've all been separated from God. And we all need the forgiveness of God. [00:44:25]
Forgiveness is not a common commodity in our world that we live in. Our world doesn't teach that you should forgive. Our world doesn't practice forgiving one another. Most of us have been formed by our culture which says you've got to nourish your revenge and mock the forgiveness of God. I think one of the greatest crisis in our world today is vindictiveness. We see it politically for sure, but it's playing out not just in the political world, but it's playing out all throughout our culture. So many people have been hurt in this world. [00:46:22]
But as followers of Jesus, forgiveness is not optional. While it's impossible to forgive without God's help, we must be people of forgiveness. Without forgiveness of Jesus, this forgiveness would be impossible because God forgives us that we're able to forgive others who have hurt us and wronged us. And the scriptures are very clear that we must forgive in the same way that we have been forgiven. So without the resurrection of Jesus, forgiveness would be impossible. [00:47:35]
Jesus asked this question to Peter three times. Do you love me? Now this is sort of a unique question because all the other different religions have practices and habits. They pray and they gather for worship and they give money to the poor and they have studies and teaching on their their scriptures whatever they might be. But Christianity is unique. It's not like all the other religions. The central question of Christianity is a is not do you know the right information? Do you believe the right stuff in your head? [00:48:18]
Do you have the a right grasp of the facts and the knowledge? No. The central question of for Christianity is do you love me? It's a question of relationship. God created us to have a relationship with him. And we read in the scriptures about Abraham and Moses and how they were so close to God that they were called friends of God. And Jesus's last gathering and his last meeting with his disciples before he went to the cross. He said, "I don't call you servants, but I call you my friends." [00:48:38]
Jesus is king. He's the second person of the Trinity. He's God. and yet he wants to be our friend. Those two things are hard to hold together, aren't they? That this God who creates this vast universe, who has all the stars numbered, who knows them by name, who created every single blade of grass, every grain of sand, and holds it all together. This same God wants to know you and you and you and you and you and me. It's amazing. And so Jesus comes to Peter and he asks, "Do you love me? Do you want to be my friend?" [00:49:36]
And Jesus is asking that same question today. Do you love me? He's asking it of everyone who's gathered here. Do you love me? Do you want to be my friend? The third point that I want to make today is that Easter makes a difference. The resurrection makes a difference for forgiveness, for friendship, and for and for fulfillment. Jesus told Peter, "If you love me, then feed my sheep." And after all that Peter's been through, I mean, you just think about it for a minute. [00:50:02]
What Peter needs is a vocation. What Peter needs is to renew his call and the purpose for which God created him. When we lived in Alaska, my family, um, my wife Stephanie and I and and we had five kids, two boys and three girls. And the girls, including Stephanie, they were always on my case. Can we have a dog? Can we have a dog? Can we have a dog? Can we have a dog? Can we have a dog? Can we have a dog? Can we have a dog? Because we we had dogs our whole life and our married life, we had dogs. [00:53:02]
But it it all it all was a piece of cake because that's how she was made by God, to be a retriever, to swim in the water. And that was just her nature. That was who she was. She was created to do that sort of thing. And so anytime you would mention Isabelle, you want to go swimming, boy, she'd bounce up, whatever she's doing, she's ready to go heading to the door and she'd start whining and she'd be excited about it. She loved to swim and you had to stop her from swimming because she'd just wear herself out. [00:54:02]
God's created all of us with a particular purpose. Every one of us here, not there's not one person here who is an accident. Now, you might have been a surprise to your parents, to your mom, or your dad, but you weren't a surprise to God. You were handcrafted by the creator of the universe, and he created you with a divine purpose. And he wants you to experience the fulfillment of knowing what that purpose is and serving him through that purpose. We are made for more than just collecting stuff in this world. [00:54:27]
Some of us have nice house, maybe even a a good bank account, good retirement account. We're set, we think. But I've met person after person who lacks fulfillment because they don't know the purpose for which God has created them and they they don't use their life the way that God wanted them to use their life. Well, I told you I had three points. Forgiveness, friendship, and fulfillment. But the bonus point is this faith. Jesus tells Peter, "If you want forgiveness, if you want friendship, if you want fulfillment, you've got to respond with faith." [00:54:59]
You've got to follow me. You've got to trust me." And Jesus says, "You got to follow me wherever I lead you." And he said, "Peter, you're going to be led at the end of your life to places you don't want to go. And the death that you're going to die is is not the death that you would choose for yourself. But do you trust me, Peter? Do you trust me that I know what's best for you? Do you trust me that I've got your life in my hands? That that death here in this this world isn't the end? That that there's something beyond that? [00:55:22]
The resurrection demonstrates to us that Jesus can be trusted, wherever he leads us, whatever he asks us to do, that he can be trusted, that he is trustworthy, that he knows what's best. Now, you'd like to say that all of our lives are going to end with a big house on the lake or on the on the on the beach with a big fat bank account. And we can jet our life around. We'd all like to say that maybe, but that's not what we're promised. And sometimes some of us are promised even a death that we don't want. But our job is to respond in faith. [00:55:48]
Trust and obey. Trust and obey. Trust and obey. There's no other way to live than to trust and obey. Somebody could write a song and maybe use those lines. too late. So now this is where we make it personal for us. This is where we make the decision for ourselves. If we want to receive the forgiveness of God, if we want the friendship with God, if we want to find the fulfillment of God, we respond with faith. [00:56:13]
The resurrection makes the difference right here and now. It's not just about when we die going to heaven. And we all want to go to heaven, right? Yes. But the resurrection can make a difference in our life right now. Yes. And so I want to invite you to respond prayerfully and then we as a church, this is what we are about. working together as as a family, as Hernando Church of Nazarene, of of trying to to work together to follow Jesus. That's our desire here. [00:57:40]
And that's why we talk about being with Jesus and becoming like Jesus and doing the things that Jesus did because that's what it is to be a disciple of Jesus and and to be a friend of Jesus. And that's what we're called. And so I want that's what we do here when we have these small groups that meet together and these Bible studies that meet together and we gather here on for worship and we we serve together whether it's on Easter for for serving lunch and breakfast or if it's serving during the week, working with children, working in the nursery, serving our next door neighbors. [00:58:08]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Apr 21, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?