Religion is not a matter of learning how to think about God, but of actually encountering Him. – Brennan Manning
I used to struggle to grasp the story of Peter’s encounter with Jesus on the shore after His resurrection. It was a tale filled with profound layers of meaning that often eluded my understanding. However, throughout my own life journey, I could always relate to Peter’s feelings of regret and shame.
Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, had boldly proclaimed that he would never deny his Lord, even if faced with the gravest of circumstances. But when the moment of truth arrived, he faltered, denying Jesus not once, but three times. This must have weighed heavily on Peter’s conscience, knowing that he had done precisely what he had vowed not to do.
Despite his failures, what stood out to me was Jesus’ boundless grace and forgiveness. In the midst of Peter’s shame and guilt, Jesus extended a hand of mercy and reconciliation. This was a pivotal point in the story, but it took me some time to appreciate its depth.
As I delved deeper into the narrative, I realized that Jesus had a way of speaking that was never superficial. Every word He uttered seemed to carry a backstory, a side story, and a profound meaning beneath the surface. The significance of Jesus asking Peter three times if he loved Him was not a mere coincidence. It mirrored the three times Peter had denied Him. It was as if Jesus was giving Peter an opportunity to redeem himself in the presence of his Master.
Initially, Peter may not have fully comprehended the intricate layers of this encounter, but he was undeniably eager for another chance. And isn’t that a sentiment that resonates with many of us? We all have moments in our past that we’re ashamed of, choices we wish we could undo. Yet, the beauty of knowing God is that He allows us to take those painful experiences and turn them into sources of strength and empathy.
The darkest chapters of our lives can be transformed into beautiful gardens where the seeds of our own struggles and redemption from sin are sown. Jesus, in His boundless kindness, offers us another chance at renewal and transformation. He has the incredible ability to turn our graves of despair into flourishing gardens of hope and renewal. This is the remarkable power of His grace and forgiveness.