Introduction:

1. This final portrait of Jesus summarizes the work He came to do.

2. The whole thrust of the gospel of John was producing faith that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God leading to eternal life (John 20:30-31).

3. In this episode, Jesus restores Peter after his painful falling away.

Discussion:

I. Peter’s Bold Assertion

A. Jesus predicted all His disciples would forsake Him (Matthew 26:30-32).

B. Peter boldly asserted he would never, even if others did, though Jesus plainly told him he would (Matthew 26:33-35).

II. Peter’s Heartbreaking Fall

A. As predicted, Peter denied Jesus three different times (Matthew 26:69-74).

B. After realizing his failure, his heart was shattered (Matthew 26:75).

C. Peter meant it when he said he would stand with Jesus, but when the hour of testing came, he folded just as Jesus had said.

III. Jesus: Restorer of the Fallen

A. Multiple passages speak of Jesus’ role as the restorer of the fallen.

1. He came to bring back the straying sheep (Ezekiel 34:15-16).

2. He came to heal the spiritually ill (Matthew 9:12-13; Luke 5:31-34).

3. He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).

4. He came to reconcile us to God (Romans 5:6-11; 2 Corinthians 5:18-19).

B. In John 21:15-19, we see this reality in action with Peter’s restoration.

1. His probing questions brought Peter face to face with his failure.

2. Properly humbled, Peter threw himself at His mercy.

3. The result was full restoration to His grace and service.

1. No matter how far we fall, He is ready to restore us.

2. Have we come face to face with our denial and sought His restoration?