Feed My Sheep
Series: The Gospel of John
July 21, 2025
Pastor Mike
This episode explores John 21, focusing on Jesus' post-resurrection appearance to his disciples and the powerful restoration of Peter. It emphasizes God's boundless grace, the possibility of redemption despite past failures, and the divine call to service. The episode highlights how Jesus lovingly reinstates Peter, demonstrating that our mistakes do not define us, and that God can use us powerfully even after we've fallen short.
Episode Notes
Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide
Day 1: Restoration and New Beginnings
Reading: John 21:1-14
Devotional: Just as Jesus appeared to his disciples on the shore, offering them a miraculous catch of fish, He often shows up in our lives when we least expect it. Peter, burdened by guilt and shame, had returned to his old life of fishing.
Yet Jesus met him there, demonstrating that no matter how far we may feel we've strayed, God's grace can find us.
Yet Jesus met him there, demonstrating that no matter how far we may feel we've strayed, God's grace can find us.
Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How did He reveal His presence to you? Remember that God's restoration is not just about making us feel better, but about renewing our purpose. Consider how God might be calling you to a new beginning or a fresh start in your faith journey today.
Day 2: The Power of God's Forgiveness
Reading: John 21:15-19
Devotional: The poignant exchange between Jesus and Peter on the shore is a beautiful illustration of God's forgiveness and restoration.
Three times Peter had denied Jesus, and three times Jesus asks him, "Do you love me?"
With each affirmation, Jesus entrusts Peter with a mission - to feed His sheep.
Three times Peter had denied Jesus, and three times Jesus asks him, "Do you love me?"
With each affirmation, Jesus entrusts Peter with a mission - to feed His sheep.
This interaction reminds us that God's forgiveness is not passive; it is active and purposeful. It doesn't just absolve us of past mistakes but propels us forward into our calling.
Reflect on areas in your life where you may be holding onto guilt or shame. How might embracing God's forgiveness free you to serve Him more fully?
Ask God to reveal any lingering areas of unforgiveness and to help you accept His complete restoration.
Reflect on areas in your life where you may be holding onto guilt or shame. How might embracing God's forgiveness free you to serve Him more fully?
Ask God to reveal any lingering areas of unforgiveness and to help you accept His complete restoration.
Day 3: Following Christ Amidst Uncertainty
Reading: John 21:18-22
Devotional: Jesus tells Peter about the challenges he will face in the future, yet simply says, "Follow me." Even when faced with an uncertain and potentially difficult path, our call remains the same - to follow Christ.
Peter's response of looking to John and asking, "What about him?" is all too human. We often compare our journey to others or question why our path seems harder.
Peter's response of looking to John and asking, "What about him?" is all too human. We often compare our journey to others or question why our path seems harder.
Jesus' reply, "What is that to you? You follow me," is a powerful reminder to focus on our own relationship with Christ.
In what areas of your life are you prone to comparison or questioning God's plan? How can you redirect that energy into simply following Jesus more closely?
Ask for the grace to trust God's unique path for your life, even when it's challenging or doesn't make sense.
In what areas of your life are you prone to comparison or questioning God's plan? How can you redirect that energy into simply following Jesus more closely?
Ask for the grace to trust God's unique path for your life, even when it's challenging or doesn't make sense.
Day 4: The Vastness of God's Work
Reading: John 21:25
Devotional: John concludes his gospel by stating that the world could not contain the books that could be written about all Jesus did. This verse hints at the immensity of God's work in our world and in our lives.
Often, we see only a small fraction of what God is doing.
Often, we see only a small fraction of what God is doing.
This should both humble us and fill us with wonder. We serve a God whose works are too numerous to count, whose love is too vast to fully comprehend. How does this perspective change the way you view your daily life and struggles?
Take time to praise God for His immeasurable works and ask for eyes to see glimpses of His activity around you today.
Take time to praise God for His immeasurable works and ask for eyes to see glimpses of His activity around you today.
Day 5: Living with Eternal Purpose
Reading: John 20:30-31
Devotional: John states that his account was written "so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name."
This reminds us that our faith is not just about personal comfort or understanding, but about a transformative belief that gives us true life.
This reminds us that our faith is not just about personal comfort or understanding, but about a transformative belief that gives us true life.
As you reflect on the story of Jesus and the disciples, consider how your belief in Christ is shaping your life.
Are you living with the eternal perspective that comes from knowing Jesus as the Son of God? How can you share this life-giving truth with others?
Ask God to deepen your faith and to use you as a witness to His transformative power.
Are you living with the eternal perspective that comes from knowing Jesus as the Son of God? How can you share this life-giving truth with others?
Ask God to deepen your faith and to use you as a witness to His transformative power.
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