1st May 2025

Dear Friends,

I’m writing this reflection during the nice weather at the beginning of April. Perhaps by the time you read this, the weather will have got even better, and you’ll be able to smell barbeques of an evening throughout Hutton and Locking.

The one post-Easter story we’re not covering in our preaching this year is Jesus preparing a BBQ on the beach for his disciples. So I thought I’d take the opportunity to reflect on this beautiful story. The story is found in John’s Gospel Chapter 21. 

Easter is a story all about forgiveness and this particular story is a picture of how we find one to one forgiveness in our relationship with Jesus.

Jesus has risen. Peter is still reeling from the dismay of Good Friday, followed by the joy and shock of Easter Sunday. He is now feeling ashamed and confused. Ashamed at having denied Jesus, and confused about his role going forward. 

Did Jesus still love him? 

Was Peter still a disciple? 

Would Jesus need to replace him with someone who’d do what they said they were going to do? 

Who wouldn’t deny him and then hide in fear? 

Jesus has a habit of asking questions to show us about ourselves and make sense of a situation. Jesus takes the opportunity to address Peter’s sin and recommissions him at the same time. Jesus asks Peter to say he loves him three times, to correct his words of denial. And as Peter recommits, Jesus recommissions him as leader of the embryonic church.

Jesus said to Simon Peter: “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” 

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 

Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” 

He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” 

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:15-17.) 

In the forgiveness given by Jesus, Peter has a new start. And so do we! 

Peter is now shepherd of the embryonic church. The Good Shepherd’s agent on earth, seeing the flock flourishes and is protected. 

This passage shows us that God uses imperfect broken people to do his work and if we badly let the side down, it doesn’t mean he can no longer use us. In fact, it often means that he can use us better.

As for us, no matter our mistakes, let’s recommit to God’s service. Ask him to guide us to pull in the nets of the abundant catch, to play our part in care of the flock and to live out the hope of resurrection today.

Love, Larissa