Read: John 21:15–19
The shame Peter felt after denying Jesus three times must have been unbearable. He had chosen to hide his faith when Jesus needed him most. Could such a betrayal ever be forgiven? Would he still want anything to do with him? Could someone who had denied the Son of God ever be trusted again?
But Jesus wasn’t done with Peter. He asked him one question three times: “Do you love me?”
It wasn’t to shame Peter. It was to restore him—to give him an opportunity to step back into grace, one chance for every denial.
But notice when Jesus gave Peter his calling—after his failure. Not before. Not when Peter was confident and proud. It was when Peter was broken, humbled, and unsure of himself that Jesus instructed him to “Feed my sheep.” Jesus didn’t just forgive Peter—he entrusted him with responsibility, purpose, and influence.
We often think our failures disqualify us. If we messed up too badly, we lose our chance to ever be used by God. But Jesus meets us right in that place—where the shame runs deep and the confidence is gone—and he offers us restoration.
Your failure isn’t the end. Today, hear Jesus asking you the same question: “Do you love me?” That’s what matters most. Bring him your “yes,” even if it’s a shaky one. He’s not finished with you. In fact, he might just be getting started!