Forgiveness and Restoration

A visit to Israel several years ago beautifully illustrated to me the truths of forgiveness and restoration. We spent time at a church called St. Peter Gallicantu (Latin for ‘cock’s crow’). The church stands over the site traditionally thought to be the home of Caiaphas, the high priest. When soldiers brought Jesus here the night of His arrest to be questioned by Caiaphas, the disciple Peter waited in the courtyard to see what would happen. Matthew 26:69-74 tells us servant girls and bystanders asked Peter three times if he was with Christ, and each time Peter denied knowing Him. Immediately a rooster crowed. Verse 75 states: “And Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said, ‘Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.’ And he went out and wept bitterly.”

As I thought about Peter and his denial, the sound of a rooster crowing floated up from the valley. Whoa. Things suddenly got personal. It wasn’t just about Peter anymore. How many times do I deny Christ? Staying silent when I should speak up. Passing by when I should stop to help. Choosing to do other things instead of spending time with Him.

Luke 22:61 tells us that after Peter’s denial “The Lord turned and looked at Peter.” Jesus wasn’t taken by surprise. He knew His disciple would deny Him. Yet He still loved Peter and went to the cross for him. And when we fail Him, He doesn’t stop loving us. He went to the cross for us. Because of His death and resurrection, we can be forgiven.

We can also be restored. I saw a picture of that precious promise at the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter. The church stands along the Sea of Galilee along a fishing spot still used today. It is likely the place where Jesus appeared after His resurrection and cooked breakfast for the disciples. As I stood near the shore and watched fishing boats pass by, I was reminded Peter wasn’t useless because of his failure. According to John 21:15-17, at this time Jesus called Peter to feed His sheep. Because of the saving work of Christ, Peter still had purpose. The same is true for us. Jesus offers forgiveness and restoration. He never gives up on us.

This Easter and beyond, may we fall on our knees in worship and thanksgiving for all that Christ has done for us through His death and resurrection. There is no one like Him!

Now it’s your turn! As you think about this Passion week, what means the most to you?