Peter’s Restoration and Ultimate Devotion to Christ

Posted by Yong Joo Park on 19 May 2025 in Acts, John, Luke, Matthew | ∞

John 21:18–19 (NKJV)

¹⁸Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” ¹⁹This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”

Message

I. Peter’s Failure and Bitter Repentance

When Jesus spoke about His coming sacrifice, Peter declared in John 13:37 that he would lay down his life for Jesus. However, Peter was not able to keep his promise and instead denied Jesus three times, as recorded in John 18:17, 25, 26–27.

After this failure, Peter wept bitterly (Matthew 26:75; Luke 22:61–62). This shows how deeply Peter loved Jesus and how much he desired to honour Him by following Him closely.

II. Jesus’ Resurrection and Peter’s Restoration (18-19)

Jesus died, was buried, and rose again. After His resurrection, Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love Me?” three times—matching the number of times Peter had denied Him (John 21:15–17). Each time Peter answered, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You,” and each time Jesus responded by giving him a mission: “Feed My lambs,” “Tend My sheep,” or “Feed My sheep.” Jesus was redirecting Peter’s love into care for His people.

Then, in verse 18, Jesus gave Peter the opportunity to follow Him again:

Verse 19a explains this:

^19aThis He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God.

Peter was later crucified for his faith. According to tradition, he requested to be crucified upside down, not considering himself worthy to die in the same way as Jesus. In this way, Jesus gave Peter the opportunity to recover from his earlier failure and truly follow Him.

Then, Jesus said to him, “Follow Me.” (19^b).

Earlier, Jesus had helped the disciples recover from their failure to catch any fish (Luke 5:1–11 and John 21:1–14). Now, He helped Peter overcome his failure to follow Him.

III. Peter’s Faith Journey and Devotion

Peter was truly thankful for Jesus. He was forgiven by grace (Luke 5:8, 10) and recognized that Jesus had the words of eternal life (John 6:68). Peter showed his trust and desire to be close to Jesus when he walked on water toward Him (Matthew 14:28–33). He boldly confessed his faith by declaring, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). At the same time, Peter rebuked Jesus when He spoke about His suffering and death (Matthew 16:21–22). Peter resisted but then submitted to Jesus washing his feet (John 13:8–9). In a moment of boldness, he cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant to try to prevent Jesus’ arrest (John 18:10). Out of respect and love for Jesus, Peter put on his outer garment before jumping into the water to reach Jesus (John 21:7). Afterward, Peter affirmed his love for Jesus three times (John 21:15–17). Peter boldly preached about Jesus (Acts 2–5).