“Breakfast to Restore The Fallen”- John 21:1-19

Picture an athlete who once excelled but faces a severe injury. After months in rehabilitation and setbacks, they finally step back onto the field. The crowd erupts, and that athlete understands the power of resilience and restoration. This mirrors Peter's journey in John 21, where after denying Jesus, he is brought back not just to forgiveness but to leadership. God’s restoration empowers us to rise again and fulfill our calling.

After Jesus’ death and resurrection, they are uncertain, perhaps feeling lost or returning to familiar routines (fishing). This mirrors the human tendency to revert to old habits when faced with grief, failure, or uncertainty—emotions prevalent in a world reeling from division, loss, and despair.

“Have you ever felt like you’ve failed so deeply that you don’t know how to move forward? Or returned to old patterns because the future feels uncertain?” This invites listeners to see themselves in the disciples, especially Peter, who carries the weight of denying Jesus

Back on the boat… this seems familiar..

Point 1: The Reality of Failure (John 21:1-3)

This morning we are going to continue the post-Easter story. We’ll be reminded of the restoration, redemption, and recommissioning, centered on the Apostle Peter’s encounter with the risen Christ. We’ve just experienced the triumphant entry, the despair in the garden, the sham trial which led to a brutal crucifixion, the joy of Easter morning’s evidence of God’s promise—-coming in the light of Jesus’ resurrection.

We’re back at where the disciples started, their former fishing trade on the Sea of Tiberias (Galilee). The first 8 verses take us through another miraculous catch, history repeating itself as Jesus makes it clear that he’s very much in control, and fully capable of providing abundantly in our times of human frailty.

The passage begins with Peter and the disciples returning to fishing, a sign that they may have reverted to their old ways in the wake of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Peter, who once declared, “I will lay down my life for you” (John 13:37), had denied Jesus three times, fulfilling Jesus’ prediction (John 13:38). His failure was not just a momentary lapse but a public betrayal, leaving him burdened with guilt and shame.

We, too, know the sting of failure. Whether it’s a broken promise, a moral stumble, or a moment of weakness, we all have moments when we fall short of God’s calling. Theologically, this reflects the doctrine of human sinfulness (Romans 3:23), which separates us from God and one another. Yet, the good news of John 21 is that failure is not the end of the story. Jesus seeks out Peter, not in judgment, but in love, showing us that God’s grace is greater than our greatest sins.

Point 2: The Process of Restoration (John 21:15-17)

The heart of this passage is Jesus’ threefold question to Peter: “Do you love me?” Each question parallels Peter’s threefold denial, offering him a chance to reaffirm his love and commitment. Notice the tenderness of Jesus’ approach. He doesn’t shame Peter or demand an apology; instead, He invites Peter into a dialogue of love. The shift from agape to phileo in the Greek text shows Jesus meeting Peter where he is, accepting his imperfect love and using it as the foundation for restoration.

Theologically, this mirrors the process of repentance and forgiveness. Repentance is not about wallowing in guilt but about turning back to God’s love. Forgiveness is not a one-time event but a journey of renewal, as God patiently works to heal our wounds and restore our calling. For Peter, this meant being recommissioned to “feed my sheep,” a reminder that God’s restoration always leads to purpose.

Where do you need restoration today? Bring your failures to Jesus, and let Him ask you, “Do you love me?” Respond with honesty, and trust that He will renew your purpose. Consider how you can “feed His sheep” by serving others in your community.

Point 3: The Cost of Following (John 21:18-19)

Jesus’ restoration of Peter comes with a sobering prophecy: Peter will follow Jesus to the cross, dying as a martyr. The command to “Follow me” is both an invitation and a challenge, calling Peter to a life of sacrificial obedience. This reflects the cost of discipleship, a theme Jesus emphasized throughout His ministry (Luke 14:27). Yet, it also reveals the transformative power of grace. The same Peter who denied Jesus out of fear would one day lay down his life for Him, fulfilling his earlier promise (John 13:37).

For us, restoration is not a call to a comfortable life but to a cross-shaped one. Following Jesus means embracing the cost—whether it’s forgiving those who hurt us, serving the marginalized, or standing for truth in a hostile world. Yet, we do so with the assurance of Christ’s presence, who promises to be with us always (Matthew 28:20).

What is the cost of following Jesus in your life? Are there areas where you’re holding back out of fear or comfort?

In John 21, after the disciples had gone back to fishing, they encountered Jesus on the shore. It was a moment of realization and restoration. A lost job, a broken relationship, or a wayward child can feel like we’re netting nothing. But when Jesus asks, 'Have you caught any fish?' it’s an invitation to trust and receive His restoring grace. Like the disciples, we too can be called back to purpose and fulfillment no matter our past.

Engage the Senses: Describe the scene—the exhaustion of a fruitless night, the dawn breaking over the Sea of Galilee, the smell of charcoal and fish, the sound of waves, and Peter’s impulsive leap into the water. Use these details to draw listeners into the story, making it tangible and relatable.

Focus on Jesus’ Compassion: Highlight Jesus’ initiative—He seeks out the disciples, provides a miraculous catch, and prepares a meal. This act of care shows that Jesus meets us in our physical and emotional hunger, offering sustenance and presence.

Dramatize Peter’s Restoration: Present the dialogue between Jesus and Peter as a moment of tender grace. The three questions (“Do you love me?”) parallel Peter’s three denials, not to shame him but to heal him. Each commission (“Feed my sheep”) restores Peter’s identity and purpose. Emphasize the charcoal fire (v. 9), which recalls the fire where Peter denied Jesus (John 18:18), now transformed into a place of reconciliation.

A Story for a Hurting World

Reconciliation in a Divided World:

The world in 2025 is marked by division—political, cultural, and social. John 21 shows Jesus bridging the gap between Himself and Peter, offering a model for reconciliation. Encourage listeners to seek forgiveness and extend grace in their relationships, whether with family, friends, or communities.

Example: “Just as Jesus didn’t hold Peter’s failure against him, we can choose to forgive those who’ve hurt us, fostering healing in our homes and societies.”

Forgiveness for Personal Failures:

Many carry shame or guilt, feeling unworthy of God’s love. Peter’s story shows that no failure is beyond Jesus’ grace. The resurrection means that death—literal and metaphorical—does not have the final word.

Example: “If you feel like your mistakes define you, hear Jesus’ voice asking, ‘Do you love me?’ Your answer, however weak, is enough for Him to restore you.”

New Purpose in Christ:

A hurting world needs purpose. Jesus’ commission to Peter shows that the resurrection empowers believers to serve others. Encourage listeners to find their “Feed my sheep” calling—whether through acts of kindness, advocacy for justice, or sharing the Gospel.

Example: “The resurrection gives us a mission to love and serve a broken world, just as Jesus entrusted Peter to care for His flock.”

Hope Amid Despair:

The resurrection is the ultimate sign of hope. In a world facing crises—poverty, conflict, mental health struggles—Jesus’ presence offers renewal. His provision of fish and food points to His care for both body and soul.

Example: “The empty tomb means that no situation is hopeless. Jesus is with us, providing what we need to move forward.”

 Celebrate the Resurrection’s True Meaning

Victory Over Sin and Death: The resurrection, celebrated just days ago, is God’s triumph over all that separates humanity from Him. John 21 shows this victory in action—Jesus overcomes Peter’s sin and the disciples’ despair, offering new life.

A Call to Follow

Jesus’ final words to Peter, “Follow me,” extend to all believers. The resurrection invites us to live differently, with courage and purpose, trusting Jesus’ presence.

Peter’s life, once shattered by denial, was mended by God’s grace, becoming a testimony to the world of Christ’s redeeming love. The same God who restored Peter is here today, ready to restore you. No failure is too great, no sin too deep, for the love of Jesus to overcome. He stands on the shore, calling you to Himself, inviting you to love Him, to serve Him, and to follow Him.

Emphasize that the resurrection, celebrated on April 20, 2025, is not just a historical event but a living reality. Jesus is alive, meeting people in their struggles, just as He met the disciples by the sea.