Friends, not failures
Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church
February 15th Sermon, Day 2
Imagine the shame Peter must have felt when he saw Jesus on the shore. The last time they were together, Peter had denied even knowing Him. Yet Jesus' first word wasn't condemnation - it was "friends." Not failures, not quitters, not betrayers. Friends. This single word reveals everything about how Jesus sees us, even in our worst moments. When we're drowning in regret, convinced we've disqualified ourselves from God's love, Jesus still calls us friend. He doesn't see us through the lens of our failures but through the lens of His unchanging love.
Jesus then recreated the miracle from their first encounter - nets so full of fish they could barely haul them in. This wasn't just about providing breakfast; it was a powerful reminder that success comes from Christ's presence, not our ability. Peter had spent all night fishing with his own strength and caught nothing. But with Jesus directing, abundance followed.
The same is true for us. Our worst moments don't define us forever because Jesus specializes in restoration. He meets us in our shame and speaks identity over us - not based on what we've done, but on who we are to Him.
Bible Verse
Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, 'Friends, haven't you any fish?' 'No,' they answered. He said, 'Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.' When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. - John 21:4-6
Reflection Question
How does knowing that Jesus calls you 'friend' - not failure - change the way you view your past mistakes?
Quote Notice something here with me. Jesus calls out, “Friends, haven't you any fish?” I love that word. Friends in this scenario. Not failures, not quitters, nothing derogatory. Friends.
Prayer
Jesus, thank You for seeing me as Your friend even when I feel like a failure. Help me receive Your love and remember that my identity comes from You, not my mistakes.
