SERMON NOTES

There are moments in our spiritual journey when talent, knowledge, or personal perfection are not what move us forward. Some callings and assignments can only be stepped into through love — specifically, our love for Jesus.

One of the most powerful examples of this is Jesus’ restoration of Peter. After Peter’s denial, his shame, and his attempts to distance himself from failure, Jesus meets him again in John 21. Their conversation is not simply a moment between Jesus and His disciple; it reflects God’s heart for anyone who has ever believed their mistakes disqualified them from being used again.

Scripture Focus

"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.” 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

Jesus asks Peter the same question three times. This repetition is purposeful — not because Jesus needed reassurance, but because Peter needed restoration. Jesus is undoing Peter’s three denials with three affirmations, pulling Peter out of shame and into renewed identity, not by demanding perfection but by calling him into deeper love.

Notice what Jesus does not ask. He does not ask if Peter feels ready, worthy, or able to guarantee he’ll never fail again. He asks one thing: “Do you love Me?” This leads to the central truth of this message.

The Release Requires Relinquishing

There are things God cannot release to us until we’re willing to release certain things from us. The calling Jesus gives Peter requires Peter to let go of the shame, guilt, and self-perception that kept him bound to failure. What you refuse to relinquish, God cannot release.

Peter could not step into his purpose while holding onto the version of himself that crumbled under pressure. This principle is seen earlier in Peter’s journey, when Jesus speaks prophetically before Peter ever fails.

“Peter, my dear friend… Satan has obtained permission to come and sift you all like wheat and test your faith. But I have prayed for you… that you would stay faithful to me. After you have turned back to me and have been restored, make it your life mission to strengthen the faith of your brothers.” Luke 22:31–32 (TPT)

Jesus speaks purpose before Peter’s collapse. Failure did not derail the assignment — but the assignment required Peter to let go of who he believed himself to be after he failed.

A Picture of Resetting Identity

Consider the illustration of a hotel keycard that won’t open the door because it has been demagnetized. The door isn’t broken, and the card isn’t permanently damaged — it simply needs to be reset at the front desk. Many believers stand in front of doors God has prepared for them, trying repeatedly to enter using a “demagnetized” identity. They keep swiping shame, guilt, insecurity, and the belief that God can’t use them anymore. The door isn’t locked; the identity simply needs restoration.

Jesus restores Peter not by asking him to try harder, feel better, or prove himself. His instruction is simple:

“Love Me… then lead My people.”

A New Identity for a New Calling

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old is gone, the new has come.”

However, the old can be “gone” in God’s sight long before we stop clinging to it. Forgiveness can be complete while a person still carries the weight of their past. Peter was restored before he felt restored. He was called before he felt qualified.

We don’t step into calling when we feel ready — we step into calling when we surrender what holds us back.

Every time Jesus asked, “Do you love Me?” He was pushing out the failure to make room for the future.

No Condemnation, No Disqualification

Romans 8:1 declares: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Not reduced condemnation. Not occasional condemnation. No condemnation.

If a person still feels bound, the lock isn’t the issue — the chain is simply being held onto. On the shore that morning, Jesus wasn’t restoring the old Peter. He was releasing a new one. The fisherman gave way to the shepherd. The man defined by regret made room for the man called to lead. Peter relinquished the old identity, and Jesus released the new assignment.

Letting Go to Move Forward

This message points toward a simple but life-changing truth: Your past is a chapter, not the entire story. Your mistake was a moment, not your mission. Your failure was an event, not your identity.

Jesus restores in order to release. He removes shame so purpose can rise again. He heals so calling can be activated. Walking into God’s purpose always begins the same way Peter’s restoration did — with love that is willing to surrender the old self and receive the new one.