Loading summary
Narrator
Casting all your worries on him because he cares for you. Heavenly Father, in the comforting promise of 1 Peter 5:7, we find our refuge and strength. We acknowledge our worries and lay them at your feet, trusting in your unfailing care. Grant us peace that surpasses all understanding. As we cast every anxiety on you. Remind us, Lord, that in your hands our burdens are lightened and our spirits are uplifted. Help us to navigate the challenges of life with faith and courage, knowing that you are always with us, guiding and protecting. Teach us to lean on your everlasting arms, finding rest in your assurance. Love. May our hearts be filled with gratitude for your constant presence and unending grace. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast, Sagas from the Gospel told like never before. Remain here to immerse yourself in the drama and wonder of Christ's story. If you want to partner with us in our mission to bring the Bible to life in new ways, follow this podcast on whatever platform you're listening to. Doing so will keep you updated, but also help us get discovered by more people. That way we can reach the whole world with the story of Jesus. It's him, john said with excited breath.
Jesus
It's the Lord.
Narrator
Peter stood over the bow and squinted for focus on the shore, waving to Peter. Was Jesus, the rays of dawn's light behind him? This was the third time Jesus had appeared to Peter. Was he going to remain stuck in shame for a third time? Peter took a few steps back and paused. He looked down at his feet, thinking about all the times he had missed the opportunity. Embrace Jesus. He looked forward. Jesus was there, smile beaming like the sunrise beckoning him to come. Peter drew a deep breath and tightened his fist. What was the resurrection for if mistakes kept him down? Peter looked ahead, planted his feet and threw away his inhibitions. He sprinted forward, leaping out and diving into the water. He pulled at the water and kicked with his might, desperate to get to Jesus. He wasn't going to hide in shame anymore. He refused to allow regret to anchor him any longer. He needed Jesus. Peter swam with all his might, not wanting to waste another moment.
Home Care Job Advertiser
You can make a difference in someone's life, including your own, with a job in home care. These jobs offer flexible schedules, healthcare, retirement options and free training. They also provide paid time off and opportunities for overtime. Visit oregonhomecarejobs.com to learn more and apply. That's oregonhomecarejobs.com there's nothing like sinking into.
Washable Sofas Advertiser
Luxury at washablesofas.com you'll find the Annabe Sofa which combines ultimate comfort and design at an affordable price. And get this, it's the only sofa that's fully machine washable from top to bottom. Starting at only $699. The stain resistant Performance fabric slipcovers and cloud like frame duvet can go straight into your wash. Perfect for anyone with kids, pets or anyone who loves an easy to clean spotless sofa. With a modular design and changeable slipcovers, you can customize your sofa to fit any space and style. Whether you need a single chair, loveseat or a luxuriously large sectional, Annabe has you covered. Visit washablesofas.com to upgrade your home. Right now you can shop up to 60% off store wide with a 30 day money back guarantee. Shop now@washablesofas.com Add a little to your life. Offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.
Ryan Seacrest
Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. Spooky season is quickly approaching, so time to stock up on all your favorite treats now through October 7th. You can get early savings on your Halloween candy favorites when you shop in store and online. Save on items like Hershey's, Reese's Pumpkins, Knickers Miniatures, Tootsie Rolls, Raw Sugar, Milk Chocolate, Caramel, Jack o', Lanterns, Brock's Candy Corn Charms, Mini Pops and more. Offer ends October 7th. Restrictions apply. Offers may vary. Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details.
Podcast Host/Commentator
To truly move on and embrace the future, you first have to wrestle with your past. You can't run from it. You can't hide away and ignore it. You have to face it. Jesus had to guide Peter through that grueling process. But at the end of it all, Peter found true freedom and strength. This is the Jesus Podcast. Welcome back. We have been leading up to today's episode for quite a while, the moment when Jesus finally restores Peter. Like many of us, Peter feels weighed down by shame and his past. He wrestled with the pain of his sins and the memories of his failures continued to haunt him. But Jesus appeared to Peter twice now, and Peter was shackled to the floor. Unable to embrace him, he was chained to the ground by his guilt. In our last episode, Jesus revealed himself a third time, prompting Peter to finally let go of his inhibitions and dive into the water. What will happen to our sweet friend Peter now? Will he finally embrace Jesus and step into his calling? Or will he continue to let past sins rob him from present joy? Let's find out now in this dramatic retelling of John 21.
Narrator
Peter's strokes were weighed down by his clothes. His companions rode beside him, wondering why Peter felt the need to swim in the first place. Yet there was beauty in the struggle. As Peter desperately swam closer to the shore, the resistance of his clothes, the chill of the water and the current working against him were all symbols of his shame. Peter had let the weight of his shame keep him from pressing forward, but no longer. He swam. With violent determination. He reached the shore. Clawing his way through the sand. He stood up, soaked and cold, and looked around for Jesus.
Jesus
Jesus.
Narrator
Peter shouted with labored breathing. Master, where are you? Peter saw a dark plume of smoke rising from the other side of a small doom. Peter ran and saw Jesus tending to a charcoal fire. Peter smiled, stumbled down the slope and fell at Jesus. Feet sopping wet and shivering, clung to his robes.
Jesus
Will you share a meal with me, Peter?
Narrator
Peter nodded and sat on a log on the other side of the fire. The others secured their boat to the shore and brought back fish to cook over the charcoal. The others ate, but Peter remained silent. He was distracted by the scent of the burning coals. The scent was familiar. The fire burnt from the same charcoal as that night, Peter denied Jesus. The memories of denial came flooding back into his mind. Jesus looked up from across the coals.
Jesus
And said, simon, son of John.
Narrator
Peter looked up. It had been a long time since Jesus called him Simon. Jesus looked deeply into the fisherman's eyes.
Jesus
And asked, do you love me?
Narrator
Peter met the Lord's gaze. The flickering flames reflected in his eyes. Peter didn't hesitate this time in his response. Yes, Lord, you know that I love you, he answered. Jesus nodded and poked the charcoal with a stick. His gaze was intense but still warm. He looked at Peter and replied, then feed my lambs. The black smoke rose high in the air. Peter hated the smell of reminded him of his sins. He could still hear the echoes of the rooster's call in his mind. Jesus, attempting to interrupt Peter's spiraling self.
Jesus
Loathing, asked again, simon, son of John, do you love me?
Narrator
This time Peter paused before answering. He considered the question. Did he truly love Jesus? If so, then why did he fall asleep when Jesus wanted him to pray? If he loved him, why did he deny him three times? Peter sighed and thought deeply. He raised his head and looked at Jesus. Although his actions did not fully express it, Peter knew the answer. Yes Lord, you know that I love you. Jesus gaze did not leave Peter's.
Jesus
Then tend to my sheep, he answered.
Narrator
The tension was Thick enough to run a blade through. The other disciples merely watched and listened silently as Jesus asked Peter a third time. This time, Jesus tone was intense, as if he were drawing something heavy out of Peter.
Jesus
Simon, son of John, do you love me?
Narrator
Peter's jaw quivered and his hands shook. He buried his face in his hands and tightened his grip. Jesus had now asked him three times, the same amount of times he had denied him. The rest of the disciples listened to the sound of Peter's labored sobs and intermixed with the crackling of the fire. Peter finally looked up. He wiped his eyes and straightened back his shoulders. He wasn't going to let shame keep him from Jesus any longer. Lord, you know all things, he said with a cracked voice. He cleared his throat and nodded as if to assure himself that everything would be different from now on. He beat his fist against his chest and said, you know my heart and you know my mind. You have searched me and known me. You know that I love you. Jesus nodded and stood to his feet. He knelt to Peter, placed his hand on his shoulder. Jesus held it firmly and said, then feed my sheep. At that moment, the weight of Peter's shame crumbled under the warm embrace of Jesus. The two of them embraced, and the rugged fisherman wept like a child in Jesus arms. Jesus had restored Peter, although he had denied him. There would be no condemnation for those who loved him. Peter's heart was filled with the spirit of God. His sins were heavy, like an anchor on his soul. But now, because of the grace Christ provided, he was free. Jesus helped Peter to his feet and took him alone to the water. Together they walked on the sand and spoke as friends. They spoke about Jesus, death and what had happened during the trial. They paused and looked out at the water glistening in the afternoon sun. Rays of sunshine bounced in a thousand different directions. They watched as the gulls dove headfirst into the water to snatch up things. Fish. Still looking out, Jesus spoke to Peter.
Jesus
Saying, when you were young, you were used to doing as you pleased. You dressed yourself and walked wherever you wanted. You followed your own desires, whims and passions.
Narrator
Jesus placed a hand on Peter's shoulder.
Jesus
But now you're a man. You no longer have that freedom. I have called you to something greater. You will be taken where you do not wish to go. You will be carried out as I was. Will you still follow me?
Narrator
Peter nodded confidently, ready to receive whatever death awaited him because of Jesus. It was not a vapid confidence like before. This time Peter had the reassurance of Christ's strength, an indwelling power that would help him in times of desperation and insecurity. Peter finally felt like a rock, steady and immovable. Peter turned back to the fire. John and the other disciples were still eating and talking amongst themselves. What about John? Peter asked. What is his fate? Jesus looked back at John. His young smile was infectious. Jesus grinned and patted Peter Peter on the back.
Jesus
My plans for John are none of your concern. He may remain until I return once again. Yet that is not for you to know. You follow me with the gifts and calling I have given you.
Narrator
Peter nodded. John and Peter would both suffer for the sake of Christ. Peter would march up a hill with his cross and hang upside down. John would be exiled to rot away on an island. Yet before these things could happen, they would see the world changed by the power of God's spirit. They would be called shepherds to tend Jesus sheep. Together they would witness and usher in the beginning of Christ's church. These lowly fishermen from the docks of Galilee would be used to usher in the glory of God, God Himself. Yet it all began with following the good Shepherd Jesus.
Home Care Job Advertiser
You can make a difference in someone's life, including your own with a job in home care. These jobs offer flexible schedules, health care, retirement options and free training.
Washable Sofas Advertiser
They also provide paid time off and opportunities for overtime.
Home Care Job Advertiser
Visit oregonhomecarejobs.com to learn more and apply. That's oregonhomecarejobs.com.
Washable Sofas Advertiser
Let'S be real Life happens. Kids spill, pets, shed and accidents are inevitable. Find a sofa that can keep up@washablesofas.com Starting at just $699, our sofas are fully machine washable inside and out so you can say goodbye to stains and hello to worry free living. Made with liquid and stain resistant fabrics, they're kid proof, pet friendly and built for everyday life. Plus, changeable fabric covers let you refresh your sofa whenever you want. Need flexibility? Our Our modular design lets you rearrange your sofa anytime to fit your space whether it's a growing family room or a cozy apartment. Plus, they're earth friendly and trusted by over 200,000 happy customers. It's time to upgrade to a stress free, mess proof sofa. Visit washablesofas.com today and save that's washablesofas.com offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.
Ryan Seacrest
Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway Cough and cold season is coming so make sure you're prepared and stock up on your family's favorite personal Welding Wellness products now through October 7th. Shop in store and online for savings on products like Mucinex Kickstart Combo, Zyrtec Allergy Relief Tablets or Liquid Gels, Halls Cough Drops and Mucinex Fast day and night, so you and your family are armed and ready for the season ahead. Offer ends October 7th. Restrictions apply. Offers may vary. Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details.
Podcast Host/Commentator
Out of all the Senses More than sight, more than touch, more than taste the Olfactory sense the sense of smell is actually linked to our memory the most. Whether it be the smell of your mother's perfume, the smell of the car that you first got, the smell of the flowers blossoming in your hometown, there are certain smells that elicit certain memories, whether they be good memories of our childhood or bad memories of a time where we were dumped or a time where we failed. And that brings us to the charcoal fire. You see, there's only two times in the New Testament where a charcoal fire is mentioned. One is the scene that we just witnessed right now, and two is the scene when Peter is around a fire denying Jesus three times. The setting of the charcoal fire becomes a poignant reminder of Peter's denial, as it was around a similar fire that he had disowned Jesus. The smell of the burning coals brought back memories of that fateful night. For Peter, this signifies how our past actions and failures can often haunt us. We want to run away from it. We want to ignore the past. But Jesus setting this fire is important. Jesus doesn't want Peter to ignore his past mistakes. The fire symbolizes God's desire for you and me to face our past head on and process what we've done. The olfactory sense, our sense of smell, is the sense that is most closely connected to our memories. So by placing this pungent coal before Peter, Jesus is forcing the restoration process. He's forcing Peter to to look at his past and move forward. Just as Jesus recreated the scene from when Peter first believed in him with the catching of fish, he's recreating the scene of when Peter denied him. There are two different camps that people tend to find themselves in. Some people overly dwell on the past. They're stuck in the past and they're stuck in the good old days. Or they're stuck in a mistake that they made and it makes them unable to grow or move forward. Some people like to pretend that the past never happened and that they always need to look to the future and they can never process what's happened to them. But both of these Postures are wrong. Jesus wants us to have an appropriate processing of our past mistakes, but he also wants us to move forward. This is twice now in the restorative process that Jesus is bringing back the past to be relived by Peter. Why? Because there is power in facing the same emotions and hurts of the past. But instead of making the wrong decision, facing them and making the right one, that's what's happening here. And look at all the good that came from it. Jesus asked Peter three times if he loves them, and three times Peter has to respond. There's significance not just in the three times Jesus asked this question, mirroring the three times Peter denied him, but also in the commission that comes afterwards. Jesus is tenderly inviting Peter into an active relationship with him, one that goes past lip service and into action. Peter denied knowing Jesus three times, but now Jesus is inviting Peter to acknowledge him three times while also giving him a mission. You see what Jesus is doing. He's having Peter acknowledge and be restored from his past and then he's giving him something to look forward to. Peter can't stay in the past. He can't keep dwelling on it. He has to process it, move on and step into the glory that awaits him. The greater intimacy we have with someone, the greater our need for action is. The more our lives are intertwined with each other, the greater need for us to put our money where our mouth is. And the same is true with our relationship with Jesus. To attach action to a declaration gives weight and purpose to the relationship. It's not enough for me to tell my wife I love her. I have to show her through my actions. I have to show her through how I pursue her, how I serve her, how I help our family and love our kids. In no other relationship can we get away with making declarations about actions. You can't just tell your boss you're going to do something. You actually have to put your money where your mouth is. So for Jesus to attach action to a relationship brings him in closer. It's not a work based faith. It's inviting him into a fruitful and actionable relationship. And this is the heart behind Jesus words in John 14:15 where he says, if you love me, you will keep my commandments. Jesus isn't creating some standard for Peter to meet. He is completing the restorative process. By commissioning him and entrusting something to him. Jesus is forgiving Peter and then entrusting him with something great. Our faith requires that we run from something and to something. There was an old experiment with rats to see how quickly they can go through a maze. Some rats were placed in a maze where cheese was at the very end of it. The scent of the cheese made the rats go as quickly as they could. Some rats were placed with a cat in the beginning of the maze and so they ran as quickly as they could away from the cat. But then there were rats who had a cat in the beginning of the maze and cheese at the end of it. Those were the rats that went through the maze the quickest. This communicates something about human nature as well. It's not enough for us to run away from something we're afraid of, we have to be pursuing something as well. It's not a matter of just moving on from our past. We have to step into the future. Jesus wants to fully restore Peter by making him acknowledge his past, but also giving him something to look forward to. I would hate to systematize something like restoration into three easy steps, but we do see three things here that Jesus invites us into the restoration process. Step one is being reminded of God's faithfulness and invited back into a relationship with Him. Step two is deeply considering and facing our past sins and shortcomings. And three is being commissioned for something greater, being called up to something instead of just called out for something that we did. Do you need restoration today? Do you desire to be brought back? Hear the voice of Jesus calling you to remember his goodness, Consider your past and step into the future with boldness. Let this be an encouragement for you to stop running from your past, face it, process it, and allow restoration to have its full effect in place of brokenness. As long as you keep it buried, you allow it to have power over you. The resurrection is meant to empower us to move forward, away from the grave and out of our past sins and failures. We don't move on by ignoring the shame. Rather, with humble hearts and willing hands, we submit our lives to Jesus and embrace his grace. Join us for our next episode as Jesus gathers more of his disciples to teach them about the Resurrection way. We're going to conclude this part of the Jesus Podcast as Jesus ascends back into heaven. Then we're going to usher in an entire new season of the Jesus Podcast. Thanks for listening. Be sure to follow, subscribe and share with a friend.
Washable Sofas Advertiser
There's nothing like sinking into luxury. @washablesofas.com you'll find the Annabe Sofa, which combines ultimate comfort and design at an affordable price. And get this, it's the only sofa that's fully machine washable from top to bottom step. Starting at only $699. The stain resistant performance fabric slipcovers and cloud like frame duvet can go straight into your wash. Perfect for anyone with kids, pets or anyone who loves an easy to clean spotless sofa. With a modular design and changeable slipcovers, you can customize your sofa to fit any space and style. Whether you need a single chair, loveseat or a luxuriously large sectional, Annabe has you covered. Visit washablesofas.com to upgrade your home. Right now you can shop up to 60% off store wide with a 30 day money back guarantee. Shop now@washablesofas.com Add a little to your life. Offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.
Fox One Advertiser
Fox 1 is now live. It's the new way to stream all your Fox favorites all in one place. That means NFL Sundays and college football games, breaking news with the Fox voices you trust and your favorite show streamed as they happen happen. So nothing gets spoiled. With Fox one, you get it all live. Edge of your seat plays, jaw dropping moments and that feeling like you're right there in the action. Start your seven day trial today. Offers are subject to change. Go to Fox One for complete terms and conditions. Fox one We Live for Life Streaming.
Home Care Job Advertiser
Now Every business has an ambition. PayPal open is the platform designed to help you grow into yours with business loans so you can expand and access to hundreds of millions of PayPal companies customers worldwide. And your customers can pay all the ways they want with PayPal, Venmo, pay later and all major cards so you can focus on scaling up when it's time to get growing. There's one platform for all business PayPal open grow today at paypalopen.com loans subject to approval in available locations. This is an iHeart podcast.
Episode Date: September 20, 2025
Host: Pray.com
This emotionally charged episode of The Jesus Podcast centers on the restoration of Peter by Jesus after his three denials. It artfully blends scripture, dramatic narration, and theological reflection to explore how Jesus confronts Peter’s shame and initiates true healing and commissioning. Listeners are taken on a journey through the poignant beachside encounter in John 21, unpacking the deep symbolism, emotional weight, and practical application for those seeking restoration from their own past failures.
[01:45 – 06:15]
[07:00 – 12:29]
[12:29 – 13:55]
[16:48 – 23:21]
“Do You Love Me” is a deeply moving retelling of Jesus restoring Peter, interweaving vivid dramatization with reflective teaching. It underscores that healing and restoration only come when we acknowledge our failures, process them, and accept Christ’s invitation to new purpose. The episode challenges listeners to confront their own histories, seek healing with God, and courageously step into the future He has prepared.
For listeners new to the podcast or this biblical story, this episode serves as a powerful narrative on how shame is overcome—not by denying or dwelling in the past, but by allowing Christ’s love and commission to free us for what comes next.