City Life Starter

I. The Word: Luke 22:56-62 & John 21:15-17 (NLT)

Luke 22:56-62

A servant girl noticed him [Peter] in the firelight and began staring at him. Finally she said, “This man was one of Jesus’ followers!” But Peter denied it. “Woman,” he said, “I don’t even know him!” After a while someone else looked at him and said, “You must be one of them!” “No, man, I’m not!” Peter retorted. About an hour later someone else insisted, “This must be one of them, because he is a Galilean, too.”But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly.

John 21:15-17

After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.

II. Reflection Questions

1. Have you ever been offended or betrayed by someone you were close to?   
2. Have you ever offended or betrayed someone you’re close to?
3. Examine the state of your heart. Could you be harboring bitterness or offense towards someone who has wronged you?

This week, we have been delving into the importance of relationships, particularly discipleship relationships and developing an inner circle of trusted friends whom we can rely on for wise guidance and encouragement.

Today’s bible verses highlight the relationship between Jesus and Peter. Peter is often criticized as being overly impetuous and imprudent, but I really like his authenticity, passion, and leadership.

From the above verses, we see two distinct and pivotal moments of Peter’s life take place.

First, Peter denies Christ three times before the rooster crows, just as the Lord prophesied. What gets me most is the moment Jesus looks at Peter as the rooster crows. Can you imagine how they each felt? Peter, who was always proclaiming his undying love for the Lord, has just vehemently denied the one he loves not one, not two, but three times. Jesus, who foreknew this would happen, looks on after he has just been betrayed and abandoned by His disciples, still completely committed to obeying God and lay down His life.

Peter was shattered. We see this from his response after looking at Jesus: he wept bitterly. I believe this is one of the most humbling moments of Peter’s relationship with Christ. Peter was so broken, he decided to leave the ministry and go back to his previous life as a fisherman.

That brings us to the second pivotal moment in Peter’s life: his affirmation of love to Christ and call to ministry. [If you have not already done so, please take this moment to read the above scriptures from John 21].

In this story, Peter decides to go back to his previous occupation of fishing. After an unsuccessful night of fishing, Jesus enters the scene just as dawn breaks and the disciples haul in a major catch of fish at Jesus’ command. Peter races to shore where he encounters our risen Savior.  

Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him. Three times Peter responds “Yes, Lord. You know I love You.” Christ was giving Peter the opportunity to redeem himself for each time he previously denied the Lord.

What I love most about this story is the grace and love Jesus shows Peter at his lowest point in life. I’m sure we have all experienced moments like Peter which make us ashamed and utterly unable to move forward. We just end up going backward in life when that happens.

Jesus’ response to Peter is a monumental turning point in his life. Instead of living the rest of his life as a washed-up has-been, Peter is given the opportunity to become a shepherd and feed the Lord’s sheep.

I believe the key in all of this is to extend grace and forgiveness to those who have hurt us. While it may seem counterintuitive to be compassionate towards someone who has hurt or betrayed you, doing so can actually forge a bond of friendship and loyalty that didn’t exist before the offense.

What’s more, harboring bitterness and offense towards anyone is contrary to our new nature in Christ and can have very detrimental effects on us spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and even physically.

Although it can almost be second nature to put walls up when someone offends you, we must be proactive about guarding our hearts against the toxicity of offense and let the forgiveness flow.

In Peter’s case, because he experienced grace and redemption, he went on to do amazing things to advance God’s Kingdom and even better, his relationship with the Lord flourished.

One act of grace and forgiveness can change somebody’s life. I think having a “quick to forgive” mentality is vital to discipleship, or any relationship for that matter.

If you are currently struggling with forgiving someone who has offended you, please know that you don’t have to conjure forgiveness on your own. It’s the same forgiveness that Christ forgives us, which we can extend to others. The more you appreciate what God has done for you personally, the easier it’ll be to forgive others.

“Good sense and discretion make a man slow to anger, And it is his honor and glory to overlook a transgression or an offense [without seeking revenge and harboring resentment].” (Proverbs 19:11 AMP).

Prayer

Father, thank You for giving me all things that pertain to life and godliness. Thank You for making me a brand new creation in Christ Jesus. I receive Your free and perfect gift of salvation. I forgive those who have done me wrong in big ways and small. I lay down this offense and lift up these hands to You in praise. In Jesus Name, Amen.