Everyone fails—but failure doesn’t have to be final. The story of Peter reminds us that no mistake is too great, no fall too deep, for God’s redemption to reach us. Jesus came not to shame us in our failure but to restore us in His grace.
REVIEW: Jesus took the initiative.
- READ: John 21:4–6 –
“When daybreak came, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not know it was Jesus. ‘Friends,’ Jesus called to them, ‘you don’t have any fish, do you?’ ‘No,’ they answered. ‘Cast the net on the right side of the boat,’ he told them, ‘and you’ll find some.’ So they did, and they were unable to haul it in because of the large number of fish.” - DISCUSS: When has Jesus come looking for you instead of waiting for you to come to Him? Who might He be asking you to reach out to this week?
REVIEW: Jesus works in our suffering.
- READ: Romans 8:28 –
“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” - DISCUSS: How has God used pain or disappointment to grow your faith or redirect your life? What might He be teaching you through your current struggle?
REVIEW: Jesus demonstrates His generosity.
- READ: Acts 20:35 –
“Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, because he said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” - DISCUSS: How has God used generosity—yours or someone else’s—to remind you of His provision? How does giving make your work and resources more meaningful?
REVIEW: Jesus is full of grace.
- READ: Luke 15:20 –
“So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him.” - DISCUSS: Why do you think grace is the only path to holiness? How can our church be a place people run to when they’ve failed?
REVIEW: Jesus redeems our failures.
- READ: John 21:15–17 –
“When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he said to him, ‘you know that I love you.’ ‘Feed my lambs,’ he told him. A second time he asked him, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he said to him, ‘you know that I love you.’ ‘Shepherd my sheep,’ he told him. He asked him the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was grieved that he asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ He said, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ ‘Feed my sheep,’ Jesus said.” - DISCUSS: How does Jesus’ grace transform our failures into opportunities for ministry? What does it mean to you that Jesus can still use you after you’ve fallen short?
ASK
Where have you experienced failure recently, and how is Jesus inviting you to experience His redemption in that area?
PRAY
Jesus, thank You for pursuing us when we wander, for working in our pain, and for showing us grace when we fall short. Thank You that Your redemption covers every failure. Teach us to live as people who have been restored by Your love—people who offer that same grace to others. Amen.
INVITATION TO RESPOND
This week, take a step toward restoration and redemption:
- Reach out: Be the person who takes the initiative—show grace to someone who has failed.
- Reflect: Ask God how He might be using your struggle to shape your character and deepen your faith.
- Give with purpose through Build His House: Your generosity is helping others experience redemption by expanding our reach to new communities.
- Serve through Build His House: Pray, volunteer, and use your gifts to help create space where broken people can find hope again.
- Live restored: Believe that your failure isn’t fatal—Jesus has redeemed your life for His glory.
Jesus didn’t wait for Peter to come back—He went looking for him. The same is true for you. No matter what’s behind you, grace is waiting on the shore.