Restored and Commissioned--John 21:1-24

This is a sermon I preached a few years ago on the topic of the restoration of Peter I hope it is a blessing to you!  

Restored and Commissioned, John 21:1-24

Big Idea: By the Sea of Galilee, Jesus meets His disciples—not with condemnation, but with grace. He restores Peter after his greatest failure and calls him to a renewed purpose: 'Feed My sheep.' This story reminds us that no failure is final with God. When we fall short, Jesus meets us where we are, restores us in love, and calls us to follow Him with purpose.

Key Takeaway: Jesus restores our failures and calls us to serve Him with love.

Intro: Today, we turn to a disciple who had his own crisis—not of doubt, but of failure. Peter, one of Jesus’ closest followers, had made bold promises. And yet, on the night of Jesus’ arrest, Peter denied Him—not once, but three times.

Can you imagine how heavy that must have weighed on Peter’s heart? After all the miracles he had witnessed, after walking on water, after declaring that Jesus was the Messiah… in the moment of crisis, Peter failed. Maybe you know that feeling. Maybe there have been moments in your life where you’ve come up short—where fear, shame, or regret have made you wonder if God could still use you. Maybe you’ve asked yourself, “Is my failure too big for God’s grace?”

The good news is that Jesus does not leave us in our failures. This morning, we’ll see how Jesus goes after Peter—not to condemn him, but to restore him. By the shore of the Sea of Galilee, in the very place where Peter first followed Him, Jesus extends an invitation once again: “Follow me.” This is a story of grace that redeems, love that restores, and purpose that remains—even after failure. So if you’ve ever wondered if God still has a place for you, if you’ve ever felt unworthy of His calling, this passage is for you. Because Jesus is not finished with you yet. Let’s look at our passage in John 21 and see what happens when the risen Messiah meets Peter in his moment of shame—and restores him to a life of love and purpose.

Point 1) Learn from the Past, But Don’t Live There—Returning to the Familiar (John 21:1-3): Peter convinces 6 of the disciples to go fishing. While there is nothing wrong with fishing per se, in this instance Peter is returning to his “old way,” to his “old job,” to something familiar. The resurrection has happened, Jesus has given the disciples the Spirit, they have been commissioned and called to go and to minister to others in that same Spirit—to do “greater things”—to forgive sins—to bring people to Jesus. Yet, here, after all the amazing events in John’s Gospel, Peter returns to the familiar, to the old habits, to his old job.

Isn’t that typical? This moment speaks to a deep human tendency: when we feel lost, when we are unsure of our purpose, or when we feel like we’ve failed, we often retreat to what is familiar. We go back to old habits, old ways of thinking, and sometimes even to places we once left behind. Have you ever felt like a failure and wanted to go back to what was safe and comfortable? That’s exactly where Peter was. He may have thought, "I blew it. I denied Jesus. Maybe I’m not cut out for this disciple thing after all." Yet, even in this moment of uncertainty, Jesus met him in a powerful way. And this is an important truth for all of us: Jesus does not wait for us to get everything figured out—He comes to us, even when we retreat to the familiar.

Too often we pine away for the “way things used to be,” but the promise of God is almost always forward looking. It is future tense. Yes, we need to learn from the past, but we should not try to live there. God has called us to faithfulness today (“Today, if you hear his voice” . . . “Encourage one another as long as it is called ‘Today’” etc.). Learn from the past, but don’t live there. Move forward with God. But how do we do that? Pay attention to Jesus—Look to Jesus. He will meet with and provide for us.

Point 2) Look to Jesus—Meet with him: Jesus Provides and Reveals Himself (John 21:4-14) The disciples had spent the entire night fishing but caught nothing. For experienced fishermen, this would have been discouraging and frustrating. They had returned to what they knew best, yet even in their own expertise, they came up empty. This next moment of failure set the stage for Jesus to reveal His power and presence. 

They fished all through the night! How frustrating that must have been to catch nothing? Jesus tells them to try the other side, but why bother? I mean, they haven’t caught anything all night, right? Nonetheless, they did what the “stranger” told them to do, and they caught a bunch of fish. Then John realized who the “stranger” was: It was Jesus! Jesus shows up! 

Peter plunges in and swims to Jesus! When the rest of the disciples reached the shore, they found Jesus had already prepared a meal for them (John 21:9-13). What a beautiful picture of Christ’s love: He wasn’t just providing for their physical needs--He was welcoming them back into relationship with Him. Even before Peter could say a word, Jesus had already invited him to sit and eat.

Isn’t that always the best part of a story—when Jesus shows up and provides? Note here, however, that Peter and the disciples see Jesus “at daybreak.” In John’s Gospel, darkness and light carry chronological and spiritual meanings. Those “in the dark” usually don’t see Jesus or understand Jesus—Nicodemus, Judas, etc. Those “in the light” usually see and understand Jesus—Samaritan woman at the well, the disciples in the closed room, the disciples here, etc. 

The words “at daybreak” are important. They represent a “new day” and “light to see.” Are we in the light or in the dark? Remember, the “sun of righteousness” will rise with healing in its wings and “you will go out and playfully jump like calves from the stall” (Mal 4:2). God is the God of times and seasons, and his light is shining in Jesus today. Where do we need his light?

Note also that this “daybreak” brings a meal--a time of repose and relationship. Have you ever noticed how often it is that Jesus makes himself known in a meal? Emmaus road, disciples in hiding, Lord’s Supper, etc. The idea here is relationship around shared experience. We need time with Jesus and time with others in shared experiences. It could be a meal, a cup of coffee, face time, a phone conversation. There is something about relationship around a shared experience that can make Jesus known. Where can we be the light of Jesus in relationships this week? Where do we need time around the table with Jesus?

Just as Jesus met Peter and the disciples in their ordinary routine, He meets us in our everyday lives. He calls to us, provides for us, and reveals Himself in ways we may not expect.

The question is—will we recognize Him when He calls? And maybe a further question… Will we be able to humble ourselves and receive the Father’s healing and love? We need to learn from the past but not to live there. We need to meet with Jesus and others. And this meeting with others brings us to the next few verses where Jesus encourages Peter to tend his sheep.

Point 3) Tend the Sheep Jesus Gives You—Peter’s Restoration (John 21:15-19) The question of the hour is: “How do we face that which is uncomfortable to face and restore that relationship that has been broken?” Peter had denied Jesus three times, now three times Jesus asks him if he really loves Jesus. Here is the setting: Peter’s sense of failure was all consuming. Peter, the rock, had been crushed and crumbled under pressure Fast forward to the resurrection Peter saw the risen Christ and heard the words “Peace be with you” But how could he be at peace? Had he not disqualified himself? So, he went fishing instead. Jesus meets him there and cooks him breakfast. Now he will address the elephant in the room.

Let’s listen in on the conversation. Jesus does three things for Peter: 1. He pursues; 2. He focuses on relationship; and 3. He restores.

Jesus comes looking for Peter and the disciples because God takes the initiative. Sometimes we talk about people being seekers but the Bible portrays God as the original seeker. He pursues us. No matter what you’ve done or what’s in your past, the great God of the universe pursues you. 

John 14:16-18—Jesus doesn’t abandon his own—he sends another Comforter (i.e., another of the same kind as Jesus). Jesus will never forsake his people. The Spirit “comes alongside” of us to provide help for our spiritual journey. Jesus is our advocate. Is there somebody that we have a broken relationship with that we need to pursue? 

Jesus didn’t wait for Peter to come to him and seek to restore the relationship. Jesus tracks down Peter. Jesus pursues Peter because he is focused on relationship. We need to learn to be like Jesus in pursuing those he has given us to tend.

Note that Jesus doesn’t drag up the past. He prepares a meal and eats with Peter, but he doesn’t drag up Peter’s past failure. There is not one word of rebuke. Jesus is in the grace business, not the guilt business. As we pursue others (tending the sheep God gives us), we need to be sure that we focus on relationship with them and NOT trying to “fix” them. 

Romans 8:1, 34--If any could condemn us, it would be Jesus, but he chose to die for us rather than to condemn us (John 3:16-19). We should treat others the same way (Eph 4). What are some practical ways that we can follow Jesus here? How can we “make allowance for each other’s faults”? 

Jesus asks Peter three questions. Why three? Because three times Peter had denied Jesus (John 18:15-27). This was not a coincidence—it was grace in action. With each question, Jesus was undoing Peter’s failure and reaffirming his calling. Peter’s denial had been public, and now, so was his restoration. He doesn’t ask questions to condemn Peter, but to check on the relationship. He asks these questions to see where Peter’s heart was regarding their relationship. 

Matthew 26:31-35—Peter promised to stay with Jesus until death, even if no one else did. Of course, Peter not only denied Jesus, he pronounced curses on himself if he even “knew” Jesus. Jesus didn’t recount Peter’s promises, he went right to the heart “Peter, are you still with me? Do you love me?” Jesus sought to restore the relationship. Jesus focuses on relationship because he wants to restore Peter to service/ministry. Jesus was making it clear—Peter’s story was not over. His failure did not define him; his calling did. Our story is not over, and our failures do not define us either.

Peter’s story reminds us of three key truths: 1. Jesus does not give up on us. Even when we fall short, He calls us back. (Lamentations 3:22-23) 2. Love for Jesus leads to action. If we love Him, we are called to serve others. (1 John 3:18) 3. God uses our failures for His glory. 

Peter went on to become a pillar of the early church, not in spite of his past but because of God’s redemption in it. (Acts 2:14-41) Have you ever felt like you’ve messed up too badly for God to use you? Peter must have felt that way. But Jesus is in the business of restoration. He does not define us by our worst moments—He calls us forward in love.

Jesus restores Peter. Where do we need restoration today? Who do we know that needs restoration? Three times Jesus asks Peter about their relationship, and three times he requests that Peter look after Jesus’ sheep or lambs. The most precious thing to Jesus is people. People created in God’s image need a witness of God. Jesus asks Peter to be that witness, to shepherd the flock with the same love he received.

What relationship needs to be restored or re-instated? Peter moves from resigned to re-instated. It is interesting that the ministry Jesus offered to Peter was “take care of my sheep”. It wasn’t to build a great church or launch a world-wide ministry. It was to shepherd people. God was not through with Peter, and he is not through with us. Jesus wants to see broken relationships restored and re-instated. He wants all of us to act as reconcilers—those who forgive and restore one another (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). He has done it for us, now he wants us to do it for others. Where do you need to look for reconciliation? Who needs restoration in your life? Jesus seeks reconciliation, should we do any less?

We can learn from the past, but we shouldn’t live there. We need to see and to meet with Jesus. We need to tend to the relationships he has given us. Finally, we need to avoid comparing ourselves with others.

Point 4) Let Jesus tell your story, don’t compare it to others (John 21:20-24) At the end of our conversation, Peter turns and sees John (the “beloved” disciple). He asks Jesus, “Given what you’ve told me to do. Given that you’ve told me to die for you and to die to serve others. What should John do?”

Jesus replies, “I’m telling you your story and not his story. I have plans for him, you focus on obeying me and not on what he is doing.”

The word here is simple—focus on what God is telling you. Don’t compare yourself to others. God is working in your life, in the life of the church, and comparison tends to create more harm than benefit.

We don’t need to “measure up” to anyone but Jesus. Obedience to him is success. Like Peter, we may fail, but like Peter we can also learn to put into action what Jesus restores us to do. Will we?

Conclusion: Lamentations 3:22-23

After restoring Peter, Jesus gave him a glimpse of his future. It would not be easy—Peter would one day give his life for the gospel. But Jesus’ final words to him were simple and powerful: "Follow Me."

Peter’s story is our story. We have all failed in some way. We have all doubted, stumbled, or turned away. But Jesus does not cast us aside. He restores us. And He calls us to serve Him, not out of duty, but out of love.

Our failures do not disqualify us from God’s mission. Instead, Jesus meets us where we are, transforms our brokenness with His grace, and calls us forward in love.

Today’s passage reminds us that Jesus does not need perfect people to build His kingdom—He calls those who are willing to follow Him, even after failure. He calls those who will say, "Yes, Lord, You know that I love You," and then go and feed His sheep.

And this commission wasn’t just for Peter—it’s for all of us. Each of us has been restored by the grace of Jesus, not just for our own sake, but so that we can be a part of His greater purpose. Peter’s calling is our calling—to love Jesus and to show that love by caring for others, by sharing the gospel, by being His hands and feet in a world that desperately needs Him. 

Like Peter, we all have hurts, we all have failed, we all have needed forgiveness, release, and restoration at one time or another. We sometimes go back to the past and try to live there, or we forget that Jesus is willing and ready to meet with us and to empower us to some new ministry or opportunity. Those of us who follow Messiah have experienced his restoration firsthand in our salvation—God forgave our sin, released us from past guilt, and put us in a position of service and ministry for him.

And Jesus’ final words to Peter? They are the same words He spoke to him at the very beginning: "Follow Me." This is the call that continues today. Jesus meets us, restores us, and calls us to follow Him. 

So the question we must ask ourselves is this: How will we respond? Will we go back to what is familiar, or will we step into the purpose Jesus has given us? What would that look like this week?

1. First, spend some time thinking about Peter’s situation. Spend some time in Jesus’ presence. Read the book of 1 Peter to hear his take on “feeding” and “caring for” Jesus’ flock, for the people God has given him. How can you be like Peter this week? What people need the care God has taught to you? 

2. Second, pursue those who need God’s forgiveness. Make time to share the good news of salvation with those who are estranged from God. While you are at it, pursue those in your own life who need grace, forgiveness, relationship, help, etc. from you. Face the elephant in the room. Pursue reconciliation and seek to restore relationships that have been broken. If there are those in your life who you need to forgive, then do it. Do what you can to restore relationship. Tend the people God has put in your life.

3. Finally, look for opportunities to serve out of love for Christ. If we want to forgive others, we must follow Jesus’ example. Tend the flock. Love like Jesus loves.

Thanks for reading! 

The Baptism of Jesus: Identity and Assignment, Matthew 3:13-17; Isaiah 42:6-9

 Earlier this year I was given the opportunity to preach on Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist. The key thought of the sermon was simple: Identity comes before assignment. What God says is more important than any other word. Below are the notes for my sermon. The material comes from my own research and from others who have treated this topic. I hope this is a blessing to you! 

Baptism of the Lord Sunday (January 11, 2026)

The Baptism of Jesus: Identity and Assignment, Matthew 3:13-17; Isaiah 42:6-9 (supplementary—Acts 10:34-43; Psalm 29)

Jesus’ baptism marks the beginning of God’s kingdom on earth. This story reminds us that God provides our identity and from that identity God gives us our call. Identity comes before assignment. What God says is more important than any other word. We have to know who we are in order to accomplish best the service to which God calls us.

Introduction: On the first day of school, a parent walks their child to the door. The child is nervous—new teacher, new classmates, unfamiliar hallways. Before the child steps inside, the parent kneels down, looks her in the eye, and says something like this: “Remember who you are. I love you. I’m proud of you. You’ve got this.” The child doesn’t yet know the schedule, the expectations, or what challenges might come. But she walks in carrying something far more important: She knows she is loved.

Something similar happens at the baptism of Jesus. Before Jesus preaches a sermon. Before he heals a sick person. Before he casts out a demon. Before he walks the road to the cross. Before he begins his “official” ministry.

God speaks. God calls him “beloved.”

Baptism of the Lord Sunday invites us to stand with Jesus at the Jordan River and to listen—to hear who Jesus is, and to remember who we are. This story reflects a conflict of cultures between how God sees things and how humans often respond to those things. For now, let’s recognize that at Jesus’ Baptism, God speaks. What God says is more important than any word. More than a parent’s affirmation, more than a spouse’s declaration of love, more even than the kind words of a friend—God’s speech reveals who we are and directs us to what we should do. What God says is more important than any word.

Read Matthew 3:13-17. Let’s address the hard question. Why is Jesus baptized? Baptism is about washing your sins away—but Jesus had no sin! John the Baptist had said, “I baptize with water for repentance”—but Jesus didn’t need to repent! Why would Jesus receive baptism? The answer in Matthew’s narrative is: Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of what God had promised. He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He did it for us. His baptism was God ordained.

Two things happen at Jesus’ baptism: God made a claim, and God issued a call. At Jesus’ baptism, the kingdom of God invades the earth, and when God shows up, people respond. Let’s see some responses to this event in Matthew.

Point 1) The first response is identity. Jesus identifies with sinners even though he is sinless (note John’s question—“I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”). John’s baptism was a call to repentance because “the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Many people came out of a sincere desire to produce fruit of repentance because of their sins. Jesus identifies with those who come to God honestly, and God declares that Jesus is his beloved. God claims Jesus, and in Jesus he claims us. Are we willing to be his people?

Jesus identifies with sinners, but God declares Jesus to be his “beloved son.” In Isaiah 42:1, 4 (read), God identifies Jesus as his servant, his chosen one, the one through whom justice/righteousness comes to the earth. This servant is upheld by God, chosen by God, and—this is important—delighted in by God. God does not merely tolerate his servant. God does not reluctantly approve. God delights in him. He is favored by God!

This favored servant brings justice not by crushing the weak, but by preserving them (even identifying with them!). God’s salvation comes gently, faithfully, patiently. God’s holiness does not trample wounded people. It heals them. Some may intentionally resist God’s will, but we should embrace it.

Jesus identifies with humanity. He willingly stands where sinners stand. He enters the waters where sinners identify as broken. He begins his ministry not from a throne but from the river. This is the shape of God’s salvation, the beloved servant. God does not save us from a distance. God intentionally steps into the waters with us.

Jesus is the source of our true identity. Read Isiah 42:6-7. In Jesus, we are God’s covenant bearers, we are called to bring his light to others because Jesus brought us out of darkness to light; from bondage to belonging. Are we willing?

Jesus’ obedience identifies how God wants every human to be. In Jesus, God has claimed us for his own, but we must return that claim by accepting the identity God has given us in Jesus. God has claimed us; now we need to claim God. 

Jesus identifies with us in his baptism, so also we need to find our identity in him as we face a culture and a world that resists or opposes him. Like Jesus, we must identify with the weak and the broken to bring them the salvation of God. People may not understand our message, they may question our motives, but we must obey God and bear his message. All who trust in God’s Beloved Son can be beloved! What God says is more important than any word.

Point 2) The second issue revolves around understanding. Jesus acts out of obedience to God: “It is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” John is confused by Jesus’ request. He isn’t quite clear on what is happening, but he defers to Jesus. This is a reminder to us that obedience should be our response to God even when others do not quite understand it. John was confused, Jesus obeyed. God spoke into John’s confusion, and God’s word affirmed Jesus’ work and identity. What God says is more important than any other word.

Obedience to God’s Word does not always remove confusion, but it provides identity and direction. God acknowledges Jesus as his Son, and in Jesus God calls us his children. We must remember this truth. Of course, this truth is quickly tested. We juggle many different names and roles. Some of them fit in well with the idea of being a child of God, while others may not. And sometimes, instead of letting God proclaim who we are, we allow the world around us to define us. 

Patricia J. Calahan writes:

“…as we grow, we sometimes forget the heavenly voice, and we begin to listen to other voices that confuse us. Perhaps we hear voices…that tell us that we are not smart enough.…we hear voices…who tell us that we are not cool enough…we hear voices that tell us we are not successful enough…Somehow, as God’s voice gets drowned out, we listen to these other voices, and we are tempted to forget who we are. We are tempted to forget that God…claimed us as beloved children.”

We need reminders of this divine claim. We need to hear God, claiming us not just in moments of our obedience but throughout our lives. When others express confusion at our obedience, or even confusion at our commitment to hear and to follow God, we must return to what God claims, to what God says. Remember, What God says is more important than any word. Jesus is his final Word, and we must find our identity in him. We must also learn to walk in humble service as Jesus walked. He is our example.

Point 3) Jesus give us an example to follow. Humility (read Phil 2:5-8)—Even though he is God, Jesus does not use his equality with God to benefit himself. He humbles himself. He gets baptized. He hears the Spirit and obeys. He does not immediately start a ministry, he waits on God’s guidance.

Many Jewish leaders came to see what was happening at the Jordan. They apparently wanted to be a part of the action. Earlier in Matthew 3, John chastises them and warns them of their lack of repentance. The Jewish leaders may be trying to manipulate John’s ministry or to get in on the “newest” trend, but they are not responding with humility. They are working contrary to God’s kingdom. They are trying to improve their situation on their own terms. They want to use God for their own advantage.

But God issues a different call—a call to humble service. The coming of the Spirit on Jesus is a reminder to us that God has called us by his Spirit to imitate the example of Jesus. Like our Lord, we have a call to serve. As Christians, we are called to become like Christ in word and in deed. We know we can’t do it alone, so it makes sense that God would reach out to us through his Spirit, to help us be the kind of servants that are described. We can reject the call if we want. God has given us free will (think of Jonah or Moses). There are all kinds of calls, but if you’re a follower of Jesus, you’ve got one.

So, you say, “How am I supposed to know what God is calling me to do? How do I find my call?” A theologian named Frederick Beuchner said, “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” 

Think of it this way: Take your two hands. With one hand, get a grip on how God has made you. What are your gifts, your talents, your abilities, your passions? And then with the other hand, get a grip on the world around you. What do you see going on? What are the needs out there? What problems in the world keep you awake at night? And then bring your two hands together in prayer and your call will emerge. God will make it clear. Hear his voice, obey him, let his Word identify you: What God says is more important than any word.

Isaiah (42:6-7) describes what God’s servant will do: “I…will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.”

Jesus’ baptism launches a mission of restoration and liberation. This event marks not an ending but a beginning. In Acts 10:37, Peter later reflects on this truth, saying that Jesus’ ministry began “after the baptism that John preached.” From that moment forward, Jesus goes about “doing good and healing all who were oppressed.”

What begins at the Jesus’ baptism continues through the life of Christ—and through the life of the church. We are now called to humble service and obedience like Jesus. Paul says: “Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus.” Will we lower ourselves to serve when our culture encourages us to exalt ourselves? Will we die so that others may live? Will we obey even when others are confused about God’s declaration? Will we be immersed in Jesus and in his identity, obedience, and humility? Will we accept God’s call and the identity and assignment he provides? What God says is more important than any word.

How will we respond?

1. Remember Your Identity

In Jesus, God claims us. In Jesus, God names us. In Jesus, God sends us.

As a follower of Jesus, your life should be grounded in grace not achievement. You are not defined by your failures. You are not reduced to your fears. You are beloved. Read the following passages and learn from them what God says about you and what he wants you to do: Exodus 3; Isaiah 49; Psalm 40; 1 Corinthians 1; John 1.

2. Live Gently and Faithfully

Jesus’ way is marked by compassion, patience, and faithfulness. In a harsh world, the church is called to reflect the gentle strength of Christ. In divided times, we bear witness through love. In weakness, we trust God’s sustaining power.

Holiness is about God and about relationships. In his holiness, Jesus surrendered his life and died for human sin. Holiness requires relationship: with God and with others. Holding on to selfish desires does NOT promote relationship. Holiness is not selfish, it is humble and selfless; it is dialogue instead of monologue.

Holiness is not withdrawal—it is love made visible.

3. Step Into God’s Mission

Jesus’ baptism sends him into the wilderness, into ministry, into the world. In Jesus, God sends us too: To serve quietly. To love faithfully. To bear witness to God’s grace in ordinary places.

We are not sent because we are perfect—we are sent because we are loved.

Returning to the Voice of God

Remember the child in our earlier story. The identity of the child was in the voice and authority of the parent. The parent defined the child as loved, accepted, and capable. The voice of the parent was the strong foundation for the child’s life and action. So also, God’s voice provides these things for his children. Those who are followers of Jesus must remember that before they had answers, before they had clarity, before they had strength, God had already called them “beloved.”

Today, we may not stand physically in the Jordan River hearing the literal voice of God—but spiritually, we return to the voice that thundered over the waters. What God says is more important than any word.

We remember who Jesus is. We remember who we are. And we listen again for the voice that says, “You are my beloved child.”

Invitation

Today, I invite you to respond in one of several ways:

• Take a moment to renew your commitment to Christ—remember God’s grace and your calling.
• If you are longing to hear again that you are loved, come forward for prayer.
• If you are sensing a call into deeper obedience or service, offer yourself anew to God.
• And if you have never been saved or baptized, hear this invitation as an open door—God’s grace is already reaching toward you.

The heavens are still open. The Spirit is still moving. And God is still speaking love over his people. What God says is more important than any word. Amen.