July 12th, 2026: The Restored Disciple | Mark 8:27-29, Luke 22:31-34, John 18:25-27, John 21:15-17

And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. (Matthew 4:19).

There is a phrase used  in Israel that “God created the seven seas but he created the Sea of Galilee for his delight*”  Although the Sea of Galilee is a Lake (often referred to as Lake Kinneret), God’s delight was to choose his disciples from this area.  Peter, well known to all of us for his boldness, quick answers, denial, and restoration, was a fisherman living near the Sea of Galilee.  As we paint a picture in our minds of Simon Peter, consider the years of his livelihood prior to Jesus and the preparation that went into his calling. Then decide for yourself how your life experiences affect  your ministry. What skills has God used to exercise your spiritual muscle for His purpose?

Mark 8: 27-29

And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am? And they answered, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets. And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.

He could maneuver a boat better than most.  He knew the difference between the casting  and the dragging fishing nets. He endured long nights and worked many weary days.  He repaired his own equipment as often as needed. In business we call this being the subject matter expert. There is really nothing about catching fish for a living that Peter does not know. He has been taught from an early age. He has put in the hard work and the long hours.  He has had plenty of failures along with many successes.  Everything depended on Simon Peter’s  skill to provide food for the family, bring home a meager income, and to pay taxes.  Rome, the Temple, and his family were counting on him.  

Then along comes his brother Andrew.  He has been involved with a new prophet by the name of John the Baptist.  John, however, has sent his followers to a man named Jesus.  John declares that Jesus is the promised one.  The Messiah.  The one to free the Jews from the bondage of Rome and restore their status as God’s holy people. To set up God’s  kingdom.   

At the time of our lesson, Simon Peter has been following Jesus for a while.  He has seen multitudes fed.  He has heard many parables and teachings.  He has been an eye witness to illnesses healed and demons cast out.  Before Jesus can tell His disciples more about  the suffering, rejection, death and resurrection to come, He must first hear their understanding of who He is. 

“Who do you say I am?” Jesus asks.  A simple question but one that cuts to the heart of the matter.  Peter’s heart answers, you are the one we have been waiting for - the Messiah.  Jesus is happy with Peter’s answer.  And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 15:17).   This foundation of faith, is  essential.  It is the spiritual tool needed to gather in and to help repair the broken relationship between the Creator God and mankind.  Peter begins his journey to become a fisher of men. 

Luke 22: 31-34

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.

The waves are a bit rough.  The noise suggests a storm approaching. Peter has seen many storms.  He feels confident in his ability to handle the situation.  It is the Passover before the crucifixion. Jesus explains His purpose. At Jesus’ last meal, He institutes a new covenant. There is a new sacrifice for sin.   Jesus speaks of betrayal and deceit.  He speaks of death and resurrection.  Jesus prepares Peter.  Peter has been prayed for by Jesus.  He does not want Peter’s faith to fail.  He does not want the net to break or his boat to sink.  Though Peter thinks he is ready to defend to the death, he will find himself weak in the cause of Christ. He will broken.  Jesus intercedes  for him.  Jesus is an intercessor for us as well.  

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. (Romans 8:34-37).

Satan desires to tear your boat, your witness apart. Don’t be fooled by the distractions Satan provides.  Ask God to hedge you about and protect you from yourself and the evils that surround you.  Jesus will intercede for you as well. 

John 18: 25-27

 And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not. One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him? Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.

It happened. That thing that we fear.  The thing we hoped would never happen to us- happened. It happened to Peter despite his intentions.  It will happen to us. Maybe more than once. Peter could not help but feel immediate shame and remorse. He denied that he even knew Jesus.  He didn’t just deny Him once, he fully, completely denied knowing Him, three different times. He even cursed a little to prove his point. 

Peter forgot that Jesus also said. Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (Matthew 26:41) We have grand intentions yet our actual actions speak louder.  Peter’s net broke. His ship filled with water. He failed. He didn’t bring home any fish this night. This, however,  was not news to Jesus.  Jesus had warned Peter. Jesus’ words are always true.  

John 21:15-17

So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Not that it is of any consolation, but none of the disciples did well at the arrest ofJesus. They all scattered.  They all became afraid. As the soldiers approached to take Jesus…And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me? I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled. And they all forsook him, and fled.(Mark 14:48-50)  The storm was rough.  The damage was done. Jesus was crucified.  He died.  But He didn’t stay dead!  As the disciples mourn they continue to hide.  Then the news comes.  Jesus is not in the tomb.  The Son begins to shine!

As they repair and recover Jesus calls His disciples to a meal.  He speaks specifically to Peter.  He mends Peter’s net for him.  Isn’t that just how God does?  Do you love me? Do you love me? Peter do you love me? Can you feel Peter’s pain as he relives that failure. Three answers for three denials. Three answers to make certain Peter gets the point.  Jesus has not turned away from Peter.  He is drawing Peter back to his career as a fisherman.  Now, however, Peter is to fish for men.  Peter will be important to the first century church.  He will recover, yet never forget, the storm he has survived. Not only the storm, but also the words, the healings, the purpose of the Messiah. He will open the door for the Jews at Pentecost and another door for the gentiles at Cornelius’ house.  He will be  a minister and share with us  God’s love and the  hope in a risen Savior through 1 Peter and 2 Peter in the New Testament.  

What about you?  What are you being prepared to do? What training prepares you in a specific manner to benefit the Kingdom of God?  God wants you to succeed.  He wants you to believe in Him so you can believe in yourself.  Peter shows us that nothing is by accident.  God knows your name.  He knows your failures. He already makes intercession on your behalf.  

Thank you for studying with us! God bless!

*Fishing the Sea of Galilee, First Century Foundation.com.