Anglican Devotional 3 October 2026 by The Daily Fountain of the Church Of Nigeria

TOPIC – When Failure Meets Forgiveness.

READ: John 21:15-25 (KJV)

15 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.

16 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.

17 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.

18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?

21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?

22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

23 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?

24 This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.

25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

THE MESSAGE:

In today’s Bible passage, Jesus restores Peter to leadership after his triple denial. Their memorable conversation begins with Jesus’ triple affirmation: “Do you love me?” (verses 15-17). Peter’s affirmations prompted Jesus’ commission: “Feed my sheep,” signifying Peter’s renewed role. Jesus foresaw Peter’s future martyrdom (verses 18-19), redeeming his past failure. The call to “Follow me” (verse 19) emphasised discipleship’s essence: Surrendering plans to Jesus’ will. The discussion about John’s fate (verses 20-23) highlights unique callings. Jesus’ response cautions against comparing paths. John’s eyewitness testimony (verses 24-25) affirms Scripture’s reliability and personal experience’s significance. Key themes emerge as follow—Redemption: Jesus forgave Peter. Humility: Peter’s commission required acknowledging Jesus’ sovereignty. Unique callings: Jesus highlighted distinct paths. This passage encourages believers struggling with past failures or uncertain callings. Jesus’ words resonate: “Follow me.” Surrendering to His will brings redemption, restored purpose, and deepened faith.

This conversation reminds us that our past does not define us; our future is shaped by Jesus’ love. By following Him, we experience forgiveness, renewed purpose, and transformed lives. Jesus’ restoration of Peter demonstrates His power to redeem and forgive, offering hope to all believers. His words echo through the ages: “Follow me.”

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, restore me like Peter, forgiving our past failures. Help us follow You, feeding Your sheep, and surrendering our plans to Your sovereign will. Amen.