John’s eye witness account includes the stories of Jesus’ compassion and acceptance of Thomas and Peter. Thomas had doubted. His grumbling and discouragement must have been well known. Peter had really messed up, yet Jesus warmly and firmly welcomed him. Imagine what it would have been like for Peter to look into the eyes of Jesus at the campfire as breakfast was cooking. Peter’s guilt and shame, his self condemnation were huge. But Jesus knew Peter’s heart and what he would become. A great lesson for me is that Jesus wants to become someone new.
“Our season of life — whatever it is — is no barrier to having Christ formed in us. Not in the least. Whatever our season of life, it offers its own opportunities and challenges for spiritual growth. Instead of wishing we were in another season, we ought to find out what this one offers. Life counts — all of it. Every moment is potentially an opportunity to be guided by God into his way of living. Every moment is a chance to learn from Jesus how to live in the kingdom of God.” - John Ortberg Jr., The Life You've Always Wanted
“After breakfast, the Lord Jesus turns His attention to Simon Peter. He calls this faltering, failing, fumbling disciple to service. Three times our Lord interrogates him—one time for each of Peter’s denials. Three questions, three affirmations, three exhortations. Jesus was teaching him the secret of service—it’s loving Him more than anything else! Unless He’s Lord of all, He’s not Lord at all.” - J Vernon McGee
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