Still Called
In Focus | A Reflection on John 21:1–22
Have you ever disappointed yourself so badly that you began to question whether God could still use you?
Perhaps you made bold commitments to follow Jesus, only to find yourself struggling with the very things you thought you had overcome. You genuinely love the Lord, but your failures have left you questioning your faithfulness, your calling, and even your usefulness.
If you have ever felt this way, you are in good company.
His name was Peter.
When Confidence Gives Way to Failure
Peter was passionate, outspoken, and impulsive. He was the disciple who boldly declared that Jesus was the Christ, yet soon after tried to correct Jesus about His impending suffering. Jesus responded, “Get behind me, Satan!” (Matthew 16:23).
Peter also confidently declared that he would follow Jesus even to death. Yet, when the pressure came, he denied knowing Him three times, even resorting to oaths and curses.
The man who promised to die for Jesus could not bring himself to acknowledge Him before a few people.
Peter discovered something many of us are reluctant to admit: we are not nearly as strong as we think.
When Going Back Feels Easier
In John 21, we encounter Peter after Jesus’ resurrection. Despite having seen the risen Christ, Peter makes an interesting announcement:
“I am going fishing.” (John 21:3)
Why fishing?
Scripture doesn’t explicitly tell us his motive, but I wonder whether Peter was retreating into something familiar.
Fishing was what he knew. Before Jesus called him to become a fisher of men, Peter was a fisherman. He understood boats, nets, and fish. But following Jesus had exposed weaknesses he never imagined he had.
Perhaps Peter thought, I may have failed as a disciple, but at least I know how to fish.
How often do we do the same?
When life becomes difficult, when we fail, or when following Jesus feels overwhelming, we retreat into familiar comforts. We return to the things that make us feel competent and in control.
But our failures may change how we see ourselves; they do not erase the purposes of God.
The Lord Who Controls the Fish
Peter and the other disciples fished all night and caught nothing.
Then a man standing on the shore instructed these experienced fishermen to cast their net on the right side of the boat.
They obeyed, and suddenly their net was filled with 153 large fish! Remarkably, despite the enormous catch, the net remained intact.
Then John recognized the man.
“It is the Lord!” (John 21:7)
What an extraordinary reminder!
The disciples had spent the night relying on their experience and expertise, only to accomplish nothing. Yet one instruction from Jesus changed everything.
The same Lord who had called them to become fishers of men was reminding them that their sufficiency came from Him.
Sometimes God allows our nets to remain empty so that we remember who really controls the fish.
And here is a beautiful detail: when they reached the shore, Jesus already had fish and bread prepared for them.
The Lord who invited them to participate in His work was never dependent upon them to accomplish it.
Neither is He dependent upon us.
Three Denials. Three Questions. One Restoration.
After breakfast, Jesus turned His attention to Peter.
“Simon, son of John, do you love me?” (John 21:15)
Jesus asked Peter this question three times.
Three times Peter affirmed his love.
And three times Jesus entrusted him with responsibility for His sheep.
Notice what Jesus did not ask.
He did not ask Peter whether he would ever fail again. He did not demand another bold promise of unwavering loyalty.
Instead, He asked the question at the heart of Christian discipleship:
“Do you love Me?”
By the third question, Peter was grieved. Jesus drops down to the word Peter was using for love: brotherly love. He responded, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.”
What a difference!
Previously, Peter’s confidence rested in what he believed he could do for Jesus. Now, he appealed to what Jesus knew about him.
Peter knew his love was imperfect, but Jesus knew it was genuine.
That was the basis on which Jesus restored him to service.
This is wonderfully encouraging.
Our love for Jesus will not be perfect on this side of eternity. We will struggle, stumble, and sometimes disappoint ourselves.
But genuine love produces repentance, renewed dependence, and a growing desire to obey.
Jesus did not excuse Peter’s failure, but He also did not let it become his permanent identity.
Grace does not merely forgive us; it restores us and calls us forward.
Love That Follows
Jesus then told Peter that following Him would eventually cost him his life.
And He gave him a simple command:
“Follow me.” (John 21:19)
Genuine love for Jesus is more than an emotional declaration. It expresses itself through obedience, sacrifice, and surrender.
As Jesus taught in Luke 9:23, whoever desires to follow Him must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Him.
Interestingly, after hearing about his own future, Peter immediately turned toward John and asked, “Lord, what about this man?”
Jesus responded:
“If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” (John 21:22)
How often are we distracted by comparing our journey with someone else’s?
Why does their life seem easier? Why do they have opportunities I don’t? Why does following Jesus seem to cost me more?
Jesus’ answer remains the same.
What is that to you? You follow Me.
The Treasure in Fragile Vessels
Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:7 that we carry God’s treasure in jars of clay, showing that the surpassing power belongs to God, not to us.
We are the clay pots.
Fragile. Imperfect. Limited. Prone to failure.
Yet God entrusts us with the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ.
Peter’s story reminds us that our usefulness does not depend upon our own striving for perfection, but upon the grace and power of the One who calls us. Isn’t that sufficient? God thinks so.
Perhaps today you are struggling with regret, inadequacy, or memories of past failures. Perhaps you wonder whether God can still use someone like you.
Remember Peter.
Jesus did not overlook his sin, but He restored him, recommissioned him, and called him to follow.
And perhaps the most important question for us today is the same question Jesus asked Peter:
“Do you love Me?”
Not, “Have you always succeeded?”
Not, “Are you strong enough?”
Not, “Are you better than someone else?”
But, “Do you love Me?”
If the answer is yes, then let that love lead you to repentance, obedience, and faithful service.
Stop allowing your failures to define you. Stop comparing your journey with others. Stop placing your confidence in your own strength.
The treasure was never yours. The power was never yours. And the calling was never dependent upon your perfection.
We may be fragile vessels, but we serve a faithful Saviour.
So let us love Him. Trust Him. Obey Him.
And above all, follow Him.
