How to See Life in 321 - a Guide to John's GospelSample

Is a fresh start really possible?

Sometimes, we struggle to believe that other people can change. Often, we struggle to believe that we can change. But John’s Gospel finishes with the story of Peter and it really is a story of personal transformation.

We first meet Peter in the midst of his fishing business (Luke 5:1-11). Jesus produces a miraculous catch of fish and calls Peter to a different kind of fishing: fishing for people. That career change seemed to go well, for a while. Peter was always impetuous but often loveable with it. In the end, though, when it really mattered, Peter failed Jesus. He had boasted of undying commitment to Christ, right up until the night of Christ’s arrest. He even said he’d die for Jesus (Matthew 26:31-35). But, of course, Peter had gotten it the wrong way around!

While Jesus was held for trial, Peter warmed himself around a fire outside. Three times, he was accused of being a follower of Jesus. The temperature was turned up and Peter melted — denying three times that he even knew Jesus (Matthew 26:69-75). He ends up weeping bitterly at his failure and betrayal.

After the cross came the resurrection, and Peter met the risen Jesus alongside the other disciples. It was a joyful reunion but there remained unfinished business between Jesus and Peter. They had not personally reconciled. And so we come to John chapter 21. Peter begins the chapter heading back out on his fishing boat. He is back in the old job. Perhaps he thinks his “fishing for people” is over, and he must return to the family business. But this is a story of transformation.

As you read John chapter 21, you’ll see the way Jesus meets Peter in the midst of his failure. He performs the same miracle he’d performed back when they’d first met, and afterward, he challenges Peter around a fire — the kind of fire that must have reminded Peter of his betrayal. But he gives Peter the chance to reaffirm his love for Jesus and he does it three times (to mirror the three denials around that other fire). As Jesus reinstates Peter, we’re left understanding that there’s always a way back.

A fresh start is possible. If you allow Jesus to meet you in your weakness and your sin, there’s no telling the transformation he can bring.