A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you” 19 … Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.” – John 21:17-19
Peter’s story offers profound hope for anyone who has failed God. After boasting that he would never deny Jesus, Peter did exactly that—three times. It was his greatest failure, a moment that could have defined and destroyed him. But what happened next reveals the heart of God. After the resurrection, when Peter heard Jesus was on the shore, he didn’t hide in shame. Instead, he jumped into the water and swam toward Jesus as fast as he could. What made the difference? Peter had come to understand God’s heart of restoration rather than rejection. Many of us, after failing God, run away in shame. We believe the lie that we’ve gone too far, that God is done with us. But the truth is that no matter what you’ve done, you’re not done—and more importantly, God is not done with you. Jesus doesn’t stand at the shoreline of your life with an interrogation but with an invitation. He calls you by name, not to shame you but to restore you. The question isn’t whether God will receive you back—it’s whether you’ll run toward Him.
Reflection
What failure or shame has been keeping you from running toward Jesus, and how might your perspective change if you truly believed He’s waiting to restore, not reject you?
Quote
No matter what you’ve done, you’re not done. And more importantly today, God’s not done with you.
Prayer
Jesus, thank You that You’re not done with me. Forgive me for hiding in shame rather than running to Your grace. Help me to see Your invitation rather than imagining Your condemnation. I choose today to swim toward You, not away. Amen.