Second chances are very hard to come by. Sure, people might give us another opportunity to prove ourselves, but there are always the lingering suspicions: “Have they really changed? Did they learn their lesson or is this just a temporary thing and they’re going to hurt me again? Can I trust them?” Once those bridge burning words have been spoken, a fresh start toward a renewed relationship is rare, very rare.
In his heart, Peter must have felt the same about his future with Jesus. Yes, he had seen Jesus several times since his resurrection, but something was missing. Peter needed to get past that awful night before Jesus’ death when in panic and fear he denied knowing Christ three times. Jesus had called Peter “the rock”, but that rock had crumbled. What would Jesus do with this shattered man?
Jesus would give Peter a second chance, the freshest of all fresh starts. In a moving, yet gritty conversation on a beach, Jesus told Peter, “You blew it, but my forgiveness is bigger than your mistake. Start over. Get working on what matters. Follow me!” Jesus didn’t coddle Peter, but he did fully restore him to a position of great responsibility. He put Peter on the path to a meaningful and eternally significant life. It all began with a resurrection second chance.
If you are in need of a second chance with Jesus, join us for one of our weekend worship services. He wants to give you a fresh start as much as he did Peter.
Weekend worship service time: Saturday: 6:00 pm &
Sunday: 10:00 am
