Intro:
Last week, we started our discussion on why sometimes we need to hit the reset button in life, and we recognized that this idea isn’t new; it shows up a lot in scripture. We looked at how the Prophet Jonah needed a reset. It wasn’t an easy process, but in the end, God’s will was done. Today, we’re going to keep that idea going as we dive into some key moments in Simon Peter’s life.
Peter’s story is real. It is personal. Peter is me. Peter is you. Peter is us. That’s what makes his story so personal. It’s a story that involves a calling, absolute risk, mouthiness, richness, fumbles, denial, and even some privilege. Simon Peter’s story is our story. It is the story of grace, of love, of renewal. Having said this, it wouldn’t be possible without the “Resets” of life given through Jesus Christ.
Question:
*Have you ever messed up so bad, or so often, that you felt unworthy to call yourself a disciple of Jesus, unworthy to even show your face in church? This is where we find Simon Peter in today’s story.*
Scripture:
Matthew 26:69-75
69 Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.”
70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.”
71 And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.”
72 But again he denied with an oath, “I do not know the Man!”
73 And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.”
74 Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” Immediately a rooster crowed.
75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.
Recap of Simon Peters Story-
1. In Luke 5, Peter answers the call and becomes a fisher of men.
2. He is given a new name, which means Rock.
3. He takes a risk and walks on the water, but he also fumbles the ball with doubt.
4. He experienced a rich and privileged moment at Jesus’s transfiguration.
Vs. 75 - Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Peter’s Path to A Restoration Reset:
1.
2.
Scripture:
John 21:3-13
3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. 5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”
“No,” they answered. 6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.[c] 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.
10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.
3. Peter
His Need For A Restoration Reset
Scripture
John 21:15-19
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.
18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”
19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
Conclusion -
Just as it was with Peter, if you are broken, desperate, and in need of restoration, Jesus is here calling past your failure, past your shame, past your pain. His message is the same: “Follow Me.”
Response
Are you in need of a Restoration Reset Today?
Does your Marriage need restoration?
Are you in need of restoration in your health today?
Is there a relationship in your life that needs the restorative work of the Lord?