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After the resurrection, one of Jesus’ most tender and powerful encounters was not with a crowd, but with a broken man—Peter. The disciple who once declared his undying loyalty had denied the Lord three times before the rooster crowed. Guilt and shame must have weighed heavily on his heart, even after hearing the news that Jesus was alive. Could he still be used? Could grace reach that far? In John 21, we see the risen Christ go after the fallen disciple—not to condemn him, but to restore him.

Peter had gone back to fishing—returning to the familiar, perhaps unsure of his place in the mission. But Jesus met him there, just as He had at the beginning. After a miraculous catch of fish, Peter recognized the Lord and leapt into the water to reach Him. And there, on the shore, Jesus had a meal prepared. He didn’t demand explanations first—He invited fellowship. Around a fire, the very setting where Peter once denied Him, Jesus now gently asked three questions: “Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?” (John 21:15). Not once, but three times—one for each denial. It was not to shame him, but to heal him.

With each answer of love, Jesus responded, “Feed my sheep.” The call had not been revoked. The failure had not disqualified him. Grace had the final word. Peter, who once crumbled under fear, would now stand in boldness to preach the gospel to thousands. The risen Savior didn’t just forgive Peter—He restored him and reaffirmed his calling. This is what resurrection grace looks like: not just pardon, but purpose. Not just mercy, but mission.

Maybe you’ve failed, too. Maybe you've denied Him with your silence, your fear, your sin. Take heart—your story is not over. Jesus still meets His people on the shore of their regret with grace in His hands and restoration in His voice. He does not discard the broken. He redeems them. Today, hear His gentle question in your soul: “Lovest thou me?” If your answer is yes, no matter how faltering, He still says, “Follow me.” Let grace write your next chapter, just as it did for Peter. The risen Christ is in the business of restoring the fallen—because He is not done with you yet.