John 21

I love Peter. I know I'm not his only fan, but he's got a big fan club for a reason. There are so many stories about him in the gospels that you really get a good picture of who he was. His hang-ups, his big foot in his big mouth, his braggadocio, and later in his letters, his broken humility, gentle teaching, and unswerving boldness. The transformation we see in his life, the before and after photos, makes the most beautiful personal portrait redemption in the New Testament.

But I think it's all because of John 21. I know the last verse of John straight out reminds us that there was a lot that went on with Jesus that isn't written down. I bet there were hundreds of little ways Jesus lovingly changed Peter from selfish Simon to the Rock. But this chapter highlights the moment of change from old to new.

First of all, Peter is the one to speak up and say, "You know what, forget this! I'm going fishing!" He, the last of the old Peter, was ready to throw in the towel after all he'd witnessed in three years and just go back to being a fisherman. But, because Jesus is so cool like that, He came right in and performed the very miracle that first drew Peter in at the beginning. And Peter instantly recognized it. Once again, he dropped his nets. Once again, he climbed out of the boat. Such a fitting summary of their lives together so far.

Then, in a way that always brings tears to my eyes because of its sweetness and tenderness, Jesus gives Peter the greatest gift He could possibly give him. Mercy. Forgiveness. Restoration. Grace. After the hot-headed Peter swore publicly that he would never deny Christ, he had in fact done just that three times. And so, three times, Jesus lovingly offers him a chance to make things new. Simon, do you love me? Do you love me, Simon? Do you really love me?

Giving Peter the opportunity to know, beyond a shadow of doubt, where his personal relationship with Jesus stood was the catalyst for the change from the gospels Peter to the Acts Peter. The next time we see him, we see the powerhouse preacher that he became. The miracle-working minister that the first church in Jerusalem was built upon.

I would love to see that kind of radical transformation in my life and in the lives of all of my friends. But many of us have lingering doubts as to where our personal relationship with Jesus stands. All we can see are the ways we've denied Him. But all He can see is the grace He's given. Like Peter noted, Jesus already knew that Peter loved Him. It was Peter who needed to hear it out loud. If you need to hear it out loud, then say it:

Lord, you know everything I've ever done and said. You know all of my failings and sins. You know the thoughts and intents of my heart, and yet you know, above all of that, that I truly, deeply love you and will give everything I am to show you. I will follow you to death. And I will serve you faithfully in life.