“Follow Me.”  Jesus called Simon Peter and his brother Andrew from fishing on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee.  And they did… for about three years.  They learned by being with Jesus and were taught from His example, words and actions.   Matthew 4:18-20

Then came the time Jesus was on trial and Simon Peter denied knowing Jesus; not once, or twice, but three times.  Peter was filled with pain, remorse and regret.    John 18:12-27

After Jesus died on a cross, was buried and on the third day He was raised to life, He appeared a number of times to many people throughout a period of 40 days.

During those days, one early morning, Jesus waited on the shore of the Sea of Galilee for Simon Peter and some of the other disciples to come ashore after fishing all night.  He prepared them breakfast… and after they ate Jesus asked Peter three questions and replied to Peter’s answer each time.  John 21:15

Question #1 – “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?”
Peter’s response: “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”
Statement #1 – “Tend My lambs.”

Question #2 – “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?”
Peter’s response: “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You!”
Statement #2 – “Shepherd My sheep.”

Question #3 – “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?”
Peter’s response with grief: “Lord You know all things; You know I love You.”
Statement #3 – “Tend My sheep.”

Jesus did not leave Simon Peter to flounder and struggle to follow Him.  He took Peter’s anguish and turned it into forgiveness and a teachable moment.  Jesus also takes our mistakes and turns them into teachable moments as we follow Him.

Jesus took Simon Peter deeper and at the same time higher in his commitment to follow Jesus.  He will do the same for you as you follow Him.

~ Take it to heart ~

Jesus knows you!  He will strengthen you to follow Him into situations and circumstances that may be uncomfortable for you… out of your comfort zone.  He will encourage you – through teachable moments when you make mistakes… so your faith will be stronger to follow Him today, tomorrow and into eternity.

(NIV) Jeremiah 29:11 “‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future.’”