Lighten Up!
Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he went away, weeping bitterly. Matthew 26:75 (New Living Translation, NLT)
Jesus told Peter that he would deny Him three times, and Peter said he would never do it. Yet Jesus told him when he came back to Him to strengthen and feed His sheep.
Wow, Peter denied the Lord three times. And notice that Jesus was in the grave three days. After His resurrection, Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him. Peter confessed his love for the Lord three times. This allowed Peter to override his denial with his statements of love for Jesus. This shows us that no matter how we mess things up, Jesus still loves and believes in us.
After Peter denied the Lord, he wept bitterly. He felt such sorrow over what he did and I’m sure he was hard on himself. After all, he confessed that Jesus was the Christ, then he turned around and disowned Him as if he had never even known Him.
Before we ever make a mistake or commit a sin, God already has a miracle restoration in store for us, just waiting for us to receive it. When Jesus rose the third day, He trumped Peter’s denial this way: He asked Peter three times if he loved Him. Jesus was restoring Peter back to Himself and calling him back into the ministry.
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.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep. John 21:17 (New Living Translation, NLT)
You are not too far gone or have done too much wrong for Jesus to heal and restore. The number three that is prominent in this situation speaks of the triune Godhead, of the divine, of completeness, and a perfect testimony. God restores us completely, where we can testify of His perfect love, mercy and care for us. So the next time you mess up, don’t be hard on yourself. Just repent and lighten up. Remember that Jesus was raised up to raise you up again!
