Beyond the Weekend

July 7 | Fireside Chat

July 7, 2022

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

When they had finished eating, 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.” John 21:15

Read: John 21:15-17
Listen: 
John 21

TODAY’S MESSAGE

The disciples have to be exhausted and frustrated. They’ve been fishing all night. Nets out, nets in, no fish. Repeat. Then a man on the shore tells them to cast on the other side of the boat. The nets begin to strain at the catch. They immediately know it’s Jesus. Peter doesn’t wait, he jumps into the water to get to shore.

There’s Jesus inviting them to “come and have breakfast.” This moment is warm but perhaps a bit surreal. They really hadn’t been the best disciples. For the past three years, they couldn’t ever seem to understand what Jesus was saying. But that wasn’t the worst of it. The disciples fled for their own safety when soldiers came to arrest Jesus. Then there was Peter. He’d denied Jesus three times (John 18:17-18, 25-27).

Jesus has a fireside chat with Peter. Instead of yelling at him or condemning him, it’s an incredibly restorative moment. Denying Jesus has to be eating Peter up. Jesus gives Peter three opportunities to express his love and devotion. It’s a conversation to make things right so Peter can experience his forgiveness and restoration. Jesus offers us the same thing today. He doesn’t ignore our mistakes or overlook them. But he does give us a chance to be restored into a relationship with him. It’s what happens when we admit we are wrong and ask for forgiveness.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Have a “fireside chat” with Jesus. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you where you have messed up. Then, say a prayer like this, “Jesus, I’m sorry for what I’ve done and want our relationship restored. Please forgive me for ____________. Please give me the strength and wisdom to make a better choice in the future. Thank you for loving me and wanting me back. Amen.”


2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE

Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.

JEREMIAH 31:33

“This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.”


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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