Day 16 - Peter: All In After Failure Through Restored Calling

Devotional Scripture Reading

Primary Passage: John 21:15-17

Supporting Scriptures (as cited in devotional): Luke 22:61-62, John 21:15-17, Second Corinthians 1:4, Acts 2:14-41

 more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Summary: John 21:15-17 — Jesus restored Peter and recommissioned him to love God’s people through faithful service.

Peter’s life teaches that failure does not cancel calling when grace is embraced. Peter denied Jesus three times, and shame could have silenced him permanently (Luke 22:61–62). Yet Jesus restored him with love and an assignment. In John 21, Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love Me?” using the Greek word agapaō (ἀγαπάω), meaning covenant love, sacrificial devotion. Being All In means accepting restoration and returning to your assignment.

First, Peter shows us repentance that leads back to God, not away from God. He wept bitterly, but he did not disappear forever. Psalm 51 indicates that God desires a broken and contrite heart. Peter’s tears were not the end. They were the doorway back.

Second, Peter shows us discipleship through restoration. Jesus did not only forgive him. Jesus re-commissioned him: “Feed My sheep” (John 21:15–17). That teaches that restored people are called to strengthen others. Second Corinthians 1:4 teaches that we comfort others with the comfort we received. Peter was restored to become a restorer.

Third, Peter shows us evangelism through Spirit-empowered boldness. On Pentecost, the same man who feared association with Jesus preached publicly, and thousands were saved (Acts 2:14–41). This shows that the Holy Spirit turns fearful hearts into faithful witnesses. When believers are All In, God uses them to reach crowds and change communities.

Peter reminds us that God specializes in comebacks. During this fast, do not let shame hold you hostage. Receive God’s grace, return to your calling, and let your restoration bless others.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for restoring Peter and proving that failure is not final. Heal any shame in my heart and strengthen me to repent quickly and trust Your grace fully. Lord, renew my calling and use my restored life to strengthen others. Fill me with boldness through the Holy Spirit to share Jesus with courage. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Reflective Questions:

1. What failure or regret do I need to surrender to God’s restoring grace today?

2. How can my story of restoration help strengthen someone else this week?