HIStory: A Six Week Study of the Gospel of JohnSample

“A Second Chance" John concludes his narrative of Jesus’ ministry by showing us the saving grace of Jesus. Peter decides he is going back to his old profession of fishing. Peter carried his guilt of betrayal with him, even after Jesus appeared to him after His resurrection. Peter figured that Jesus was done with him. But in this closing chapter, Jesus restores Peter to his purpose. Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him. Although Peter gets offended by this repetitive inquiry, it seems that Jesus wants to completely remove the guilt of Peter’s repetitive denial. In this moment, Jesus not only forgives Peter, but he restores him to the ministry of leading his people (feeding his sheep). Aren’t you thankful that Jesus offers us a second chance…and a third and a fourth and so on? All of us have fallen short, but God’s love is so great and His grace is so deep that He isn’t done with us. No matter what you have done, God’s grace is bigger. All you need to do is answer Jesus' question, “Do you love me?” As you have read through the entire HIStory that John records for us, you have been exposed to the beauty and majesty of Jesus. Perhaps now you are ready to confess Him as your Savior and begin a life with Him as your Lord. If you are ready to begin this journey, pray this prayer... Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God, who came and died for my sin. I do love you and thank you for your grace. I ask you to forgive me of my sin and to give me a new life. I turn my life over to you and by faith receive you as my Savior! Amen!