The Restoring Grace of Christ

Introduction:

Grace and peace to you, beloved in Christ. Today, we reflect on one of the most profound and grace-filled moments in Scripture: the restoration of Peter by the risen Christ in John 21. This event has tremendous personal and historical significance. Not only does it mark the personal restoration of Peter, but it also has far-reaching implications for the leadership and mission of the early church. Christ’s grace toward Peter in this passage is a powerful reminder of God’s forgiveness, healing, and commissioning. As we explore this passage, we will look at the larger biblical narrative, connecting it with the book of Job, which we will begin studying in the weeks to come.

Job’s story, like Peter’s, involves suffering and restoration. Through both their experiences, we see that God’s grace is sufficient even in our greatest failures and darkest moments. We’ll draw upon the wisdom of others, including respected theologians like Tim Keller, John Stott, and D.A. Carson, whose reflections on grace, suffering, and restoration help illuminate these passages.

I. The Context of John 21: The Restoration of Peter

In John 21, we encounter the disciples after the resurrection of Christ. They are back at the Sea of Tiberias, uncertain about the future. Peter, especially, is dealing with the guilt of his threefold denial of Christ, and this provides the historical context for what happens next. The disciples are fishing, perhaps in an attempt to return to their old way of life, but Christ is about to restore their purpose and calling.

The Scene by the Sea (John 21:1-14)

In this miraculous moment, Jesus directs the disciples to cast their nets on the other side of the boat, and they catch a great haul of 153 fish. This event is not just a display of Christ’s power; it is also a reminder of Jesus' previous calling of the disciples. Historically, the Sea of Galilee was a place where Jesus had first called Peter, and now, after His resurrection, it is the site of Peter's restoration.

Tim Keller has written, "The gospel is not just about forgiveness, but about transformation. Christ calls us, restores us, and equips us for His kingdom purposes" (The Prodigal God). This is what happens to Peter in this passage. His restoration is not just about forgiveness of his denial but about the renewal of his mission.

The Restoration of Peter (John 21:15-17)

Here, Jesus asks Peter three times, "Do you love Me?" This is a powerful moment of restoration, mirroring Peter’s threefold denial (John 18:15-27). It is significant that Jesus does not rebuke Peter but gently leads him to affirm his love and devotion. Jesus then commissions Peter to "feed My lambs," "tend My sheep," and "feed My sheep," signaling that despite Peter’s past failure, Christ still trusts him with the care of His people.

The last time we read about people gathered around a charcoal fire it was in John 18 and Peter was denying that he knew Jesus. The only two times a charcoal fire was mentioned in the Bible are in these two stories from John. That provides a narrative link for us between these events, more than that, just as Peter denied knowing Jesus three times so Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Jesus. Each question takes a pattern of Jesus asking “do you love me” and Peter responding with Jesus knowing Peter’s love, followed by a call to action to serve the church as Peter was called to lead. Let’s explore two things we learn in this passage about God’s response towards Christians who’ve sinned. First, it was loving for Jesus to bring up Peter’s past sin. Sometimes we think that it is unloving to cause someone else pain, but here Jesus brought up something that pained Peter and caused Peter to grieve (John 21:17). However, the unloving thing for Jesus to have done would have been to keep Peter wondering if Jesus still held that past sin over his head. We struggle when we do not know we’ve been reconciled and forgiven and without that closure we experience relational distance. Jesus desired for Peter to know that he was fully and wholeheartedly loved in Christ and that his sin had been forgiven on the cross. Even though it pained Peter, Jesus asked him the question “do you love me?” three times to erase his three denials. Likewise Jesus called Peter to care for the flock of God after each affirmation of Peter’s love. Being restored to Christ meant that he could lead he church with a clear conscience, knowing that he had been forgiven much by the Lord. Humble leaders, who understand their sin and need for God’s grace, make the best leaders because they are able to care for the flock of God in love.  Second, failure does not need to be final. Christians today can experience restoration with Christ as the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin or we are held accountable by brothers and sisters in Christ. Those moments are opportunities for us to repent of our sin and to turn towards God because he loves us and has made reconciliation with Christ possible. The worst thing we can do in those moments is to harden our hearts or believe the lie that those sins are not forgivable. Our sin cannot out pace God’s grace. When we experience conviction of sin we should confess, repent and remember God’s love for us in Christ. Do you view any of your past sins as “final,” do you think that there is no hope for someone like you? If so, you are minimizing the grace of God and are struggling to apply the gospel to yourself. The good news is that while we were sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). This is a good moment to pray and ask God to grow your love for him and to help you know the depths of his love (Ephesians 3:14-17).  Finally, Peter was not disqualified from leading. Even though Peter’s denials were a big failure, he was not permanently removed from leading. The process Jesus took him through humbled his heart and showed him the depths of his own need for Christ and enabled Peter to grow in selfless care for the people of God. A humbled Peter was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write 1 Peter 5:1-5, which give us qualifications for elders in the church and among those qualifications were things like “not domineering or greedy and being clothed with humility.” Looking back on your past sins may fill you with a sense of shame, but instead of allowing your heart to go there, remind yourself of God’s grace and allow that to humble you. If you’re called to a place of leadership in the church, you will lead most effectively as you are able to know in the depths of your own life how you have received God’s mercy.  Failure does not need to be final. Christ loves his church and provides opportunity for restoration. 

D.A. Carson, in The Gospel According to John, says, "Jesus does not ask Peter to prove his love by success but by service, by feeding Christ’s sheep. It is a love that is demonstrated in self-sacrificial service to others." Christ’s question is not about Peter’s feelings but about his commitment to follow and serve Christ's flock. The grace of Christ restores Peter not just to personal forgiveness but to leadership and service.

Cross-reference: 1 John 1:9 – "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This reflects the heart of John 21, where Peter is not only forgiven but cleansed and restored.

John Stott, in his commentary on the epistles, writes, "God’s forgiveness is not an excuse to continue in sin, but a call to deeper repentance and to a renewed obedience." Jesus’ grace toward Peter does not merely absolve him; it propels him into a life of service. Christ’s forgiveness is always linked to His commissioning for mission.

II. The Restorative Grace of Christ

Peter’s restoration by Christ exemplifies the nature of God’s grace. It is a grace that covers failure, heals shame, and calls us to fulfill the purposes for which we were created. Christ does not leave us in our sin, but calls us to something greater. His grace is restorative, enabling us to move from guilt to service, from failure to leadership.

Cross-reference: 2 Corinthians 12:9 – "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.'" Christ’s grace is sufficient, even when we feel most unworthy. In Peter’s case, Christ’s grace transformed his failure into a foundation for ministry.

Tim Keller reflects, "The gospel is not just about being forgiven but about being transformed. The grace that saves us also empowers us to live differently" (King's Cross). Peter’s life was forever changed by the grace of Christ, and this transformation is available to all who place their faith in Him.

The Cost of Discipleship (John 21:18–19 )

“Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.””

In John 21:18 Jesus told Peter that he grew up with autonomy and independence as a young man but a day would come where someone would lead him where he did not want to go and stretch out his hands and be dressed by another. John as the narrator let’s us know that this was to show what kind of death Peter would glorify God with (John 21:19). This was a prediction that Peter would also die for his faith and be crucified like Jesus was. It is likely that this prediction was fulfilled by the time of John’s gospel being written. Church history indicates that Peter was likely martyred under Nero in the mid to late AD 60s. For Peter, to follow Jesus, it would mean to also follow Jesus in a death like his. Peter expounded on this idea in his first letter by connecting the idea that just as Christ suffered so too Christians will follow in his steps (1 Peter 2:21). Not every Christian will die for their faith, but even Christian must count the cost of what it means to follow Jesus.  Discipleship (following Jesus) will always be costly. We hold unpopular beliefs in our culture and we use our time in a way that may incur ridicule and hostility from the outside world. Beliefs like there being one way to salvation, holding to a traditional view of marriage or even that we spend our time and money and energy at the church are all views that have been met with hostility and resistance. Truly serving and following Jesus will not be easy and people who consider following Jesus should count the cost (Luke 14:28).

Reject Comparison and Focus on Jesus (John 21:20–25)

“Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?” This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true. Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.”

Jesus and Peter took a walk from the charcoal fire because Peter looked back at the Beloved Disciple who followed after them and that prompted Peter to ask Jesus “what about him?” John 21:21-22 remind us of Peter and the Beloved Disciples close relationship, so we should not read animosity into Peter’s question too quickly. However, there can be a temptation to compete and compare among Christians. Peter just received some hard news about how his following of Jesus would end and it seems like he was curious if Jesus would share about the future that faced the other disciples. Would all of them have the same fate or was it just Peter’s cross to bear? Jesus replied in such a way to remind Peter that Jesus was in control and Peter should focus on following Christ and not worrying about others.  First, Jesus was in control of their future. Jesus replied to Peter “if it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?” At a glance this could seem like John never died, but that is quickly put to rest by John 21:23. A rumor started to circulate saying that John would never die, but that is not what Jesus actually said. Jesus being in control means that we can honor God with whatever future he has for us, whether it is his will for us to have a long life of ministry (John) or for us to glorify him in how we suffer and face persecution and even follow Jesus in our death (Peter). Comparing our path with God opens us up to the temptation to the sin of envy and the possibility of having our joy and fellowship with God diminish. For example, it could be that you desire a certain type of work opportunity, financial freedom or maybe for your family to look a certain way, whether that be marriage or having a certain number of kids. It is even possible you have other Christians around you who have what you wished God would provide you with. Are you inclined to rejoice for what they have or do you have sorrow wishing that God had worked in your life in the same way? One danger of comparison is that we lose sight of what God has actually provided us with and it hinders our ability to genuinely love the people who have what we wished we had. This is the technical definition of “envy.” We often confuse envy with jealousy; however where jealousy seeks to protect what you already have, envy desires to have something that belongs to another. Comparison does not always need to lead to envy, but often it does. Jesus’s wise words to Peter are “trust me, I am in control and you do not need to worry about their future.” This is a good reminder that not everyone’s Christian life will play out the same and God is uniquely involved in each Christian’s life to help them to honor and glorify him.  Second, follow Christ with the life he has given you. Jesus’s last words to Peter were “You follow me!” We’ve each been given unique gifts, families of origin, skills, passions and opportunities to honor God with. Walk in trust for God that he is good and is unfolding a plan for us to glorify him with. Paul helps us understand how God has filled out lives with specific good works in Ephesians 2:10, “you are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in.” Every stage of life you are in contains a blessing whether you’re a child, in your “prime” or trending towards the end of your time on earth. You may have more wisdom, ability, or opportunity depending on what stage you are in. Maybe you wish you were older or younger, you had more money or time or that  things played out differently in your career or family… The question is, “what are you going to do about it?” Wisdom would be to pray and think about what you can do with the now and how you can follow Christ today rather than leaning into regret for what could have been or being caught up in anxiety about what could be. The most faithful thing we can do is to follow Jesus with the life he has given us for he is worthy. 

III. From the Restoration of Peter to the Suffering of Job

The story of Peter's restoration invites us to reflect on the larger biblical theme of God's grace in the midst of suffering and failure. This is where the book of Job becomes so relevant. While Peter’s failure was personal and moral, Job's suffering was different. He was a righteous man, yet he faced unimaginable loss and hardship. Nevertheless, both Job and Peter are examples of God’s work in suffering—whether that suffering is due to our sin or through trials beyond our control.

The historical significance of Job’s story lies in its exploration of the problem of suffering and God’s sovereignty in the midst of it. Job’s story challenges our understanding of God's justice, as he undergoes immense suffering despite living righteously. But like Peter, Job experiences restoration. His suffering leads him to a deeper knowledge of God, and his eventual restoration reminds us that God is sovereign over all suffering.

Cross-reference: James 5:11 – "Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful." Job’s endurance is a testimony to God's purpose in suffering and His ability to bring restoration.

John Stott wisely says, "The Christian life is not about avoiding suffering but about facing it with the assurance of God’s presence and grace in the midst of it." Both Job and Peter experienced restoration, though in different ways. Job’s story reminds us that suffering is not a sign of God’s absence, but of His presence and purposes at work, even when we do not understand them.

Cross-reference: Job 42:10-16 – God restores Job after his trials, and he is blessed even more than he was before. This foreshadows the ultimate restoration found in Christ—both for individuals and for all of creation.

Conclusion: The Grace that Restores

As we conclude, we see that the restoration of Peter and the story of Job highlight the depths of God's restorative grace. Peter’s denial was met with forgiveness, and his failure was used to propel him into service for the Kingdom. Job’s suffering, though deeply painful, led to a deeper understanding of God’s sovereignty and mercy. Both narratives remind us that God's grace is sufficient to restore, even in the most difficult circumstances.

Tim Keller writes, "God’s grace is the most powerful thing in the universe, and it is available to us in our brokenness and need" (The Prodigal God). Whether we are like Peter, who has failed in our discipleship, or like Job, who is suffering without understanding why, God's grace is enough to heal and restore us.

As we study the book of Job in the coming weeks, may we learn to trust in the sovereignty and grace of God, knowing that His ultimate purpose is not to leave us in our pain or failure, but to restore us to Himself and to His purposes for our lives.

Let us pray.

Father, we thank You for the grace You have shown us in Christ Jesus. We thank You for the restoration You brought to Peter and the lessons we learn from his life. We thank You also for the story of Job, which reminds us of Your sovereignty and mercy in times of suffering. Help us to trust in Your grace, knowing that You are at work to restore us, whether in our failures or in our pain. In Jesus' name, Amen.