resurrection Is…pt.2

John 21:1-19

Resurrection is… perfecting your love for Jesus with the purpose Jesus gives you.

The final chapter of John’s Gospel offers us one of the most personal, redemptive, and purpose-filled encounters in all of Scripture. It’s not flashy or loud—just a morning by the sea, a charcoal fire, some fish, and a conversation that would change everything.

John tells us this was the third time Jesus appeared to His disciples after the resurrection (John 21). It’s early morning. Jesus is waiting on the shore with breakfast prepared. For most of the disciples, it must have felt like a reunion. But for Peter—it must have felt like déjà vu.

There was another morning not too long before. Another charcoal fire. Another moment burned into Peter’s memory. That time, Peter had stood just outside the high priest’s courtyard while Jesus was on trial. He warmed himself by a fire, trying to stay close but out of sight. And when asked three times if he was one of Jesus’ disciples, Peter denied it. Three denials. Then the rooster crowed.

So when Peter swims to shore and sees Jesus by another charcoal fire, how could he not be taken back to that moment of shame and failure?

After breakfast, Jesus invites Peter to walk with Him along the beach. He breaks the silence with a simple but profound question:

“Peter, do you love me?”

He asks it not once, but three times. Each time Peter answers, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” But it’s that third time that breaks him. It brings him face to face with the memory he’s tried to forget. And in his grief, he says, “Lord, you know all things. You know that I love you.”

What’s remarkable is that Jesus never denies Peter’s love. He doesn’t doubt it. He doesn’t shame him. Jesus isn’t asking because He doesn’t know—He’s asking because Peter needs to know. Peter needs to say it, to own it, and to move forward from it.

Jesus is doing more than forgiving Peter. He’s restoring him to purpose.

Each time Peter affirms his love, Jesus commissions him: “Feed my lambs… Tend my sheep… Feed my sheep.” Jesus is giving Peter back his calling. But more than that—He’s inviting Peter to let his love mature, to grow, to be perfected. Not through feelings or intentions, but through action. Through living a life of purpose and love for Christ.

And that’s the lesson for us.

Resurrection isn’t just the end of death. It’s the beginning of purpose. Jesus didn’t rise from the grave so we could simply believe in Him. He rose so we could live for Him. Resurrection gives us a calling—a way to live out our love for Christ in tangible, sacrificial, faithful ways.

Maybe your relationship with Jesus has been rocky. Maybe you’ve had ups and downs. You love Him—but your love hasn’t always shown in the way you live. Here’s the good news: Jesus knows. He knows your heart. He knows your love. And just like He did for Peter, Jesus invites you now—not to go back to the beginning, but to move forward into your calling.

Because love is only perfected when it’s lived out.

We love because He first loved us. But that love matures, deepens, and is perfected when we live into the life Jesus gave His life to give us.

So dive in. Dive into the deep end of love for Jesus. Live a life of purpose, intention, and worship. Let His resurrection lead you—not just to belief, but to calling. Let your love be perfected in the living.

The resurrection of Christ leaves no room for excuses. He has provided the call, the power, and the Spirit. Now the question remains: will we love him with our lives?

Peace Be With You,

Pastor Bruce