To Forgive and to Follow

This is an edited version of an AWANA message at FCBC Walnut.

How does Jesus restore those who have failed him? We just celebrated Easter, and we learned about Jesus’ death and resurrection. But we still sin against him. We still fail him. How do we move on as Christians?

I remember one time when I hurt someone with my words. I remember thinking, is my friend mad at me? Will my friend forgive me? How will we move on from this?  

We can look at an example from the life of Peter. He sinned against Jesus by denying him in the Garden of Gethsemane. When Jesus came back to life again, he sought out Peter to make things right between them. This story serves as an example to us, showing two ways that Jesus restores Peter:

1. Extending Forgiveness

The first way Jesus restores Peter is by extending forgiveness. 

15 When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John,[a] do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said to him, “you know that I love you.” “Feed my lambs,” he told him. 16 A second time he asked him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” he said to him, “you know that I love you.” “Shepherd my sheep,” he told him. 17 He asked him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved that he asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” “Feed my sheep,” Jesus said. (John 21:15-17)

Jesus did already forgive Peter’s sins on the cross, but he continues to extend forgiveness to him by sharing a meal together, communing with him. It’s interesting that Jesus does not flat out say, “Peter, I forgive.” Instead, Jesus initiates a conversation – communicating with him. He chooses to engage in dialogue. He allows Peter to declare his love for Jesus three times - the exact same amount of times that Peter denied. And Jesus recomissions him, essentially saying that he can continue the work of ministry. Jesus extends forgiveness to Peter.

Application

Jesus continues to extend his forgiveness to us. Every time you confess your sins, you have the opportunity to experience God’s forgiveness, because “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” We do not have to pretend we are perfect people. We can confess our sins to God, knowing that he is willing to restore us. You can always trust that God will forgive if you go to him truly repentant. We must also be willing to extend forgiveness to others who have wronged us, even if they don’t want it or acknowledge it. We must be like Christ, freely extending forgiving others.

2. Encouragement to Follow

The second way that Jesus restores Peter is with encouragement to follow him.

18 “Truly I tell you, when you were younger, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don’t want to go.” 19 He said this to indicate by what kind of death Peter would glorify God. After saying this, he told him, “Follow me.” (John 21:18-19)

Jesus tells Peter that he knows he will follow him - even to his death. Jesus tells Peter, you can do this, I know you’re going to follow me. And Jesus gives him the command to follow him. Jesus was equipping Peter with future faith.

Application

When we sin against God, we might feel guilt and shame, thinking that we cannot approach him anymore. God has given us his word so we can always look at his words, and the constant call that God has for his children. God uses his word to encourage us to follow him. He reminds us that “no one will snatch [us] out of [his] hand.” When we have broken relationships, we can copy Christ by telling others that we are going to commit to loving them still as much as we can. Christians don’t burn bridges – we build bridges.

Jesus Restores

When Jesus died on the cross for our sins, he didn't just say you’re forgiven and leave us. He resurrects us, restores our broken relationship, and actually puts us in a better position than before. This verse is about suffering, and you see how Peter really believes God restores not just our relationships, but everything we have ever lost or suffered for his sake:

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. (1 Peter 5:10)

When I hurt my friend with my words, it broke our relationship. But our relationship ended up being restored. My friend extended forgiveness to me. And he encouraged me by saying that we’re still friends and we will always be friends. This is the type of restoration that Jesus gives us. And it’s the kind that we must offer to others.