The Question Peter Wasn’t Expecting
Peter was preparing his defense. After denying Jesus three times, watching his Lord die, and running to the empty tomb, Peter went back to fishing. Back to his old life. Back to what he knew before Jesus called him.
Then Jesus appeared on the beach.
Peter’s Internal Dialogue
Peter would have remembered the last time Jesus looked at him—that devastating glance after his third denial. Now, face to face with the resurrected Christ, Peter was ready with excuses:
“But Jesus, You don’t understand—there was so much pressure.”
“But Jesus, look—I ran to the tomb after the women told us.”
“But Jesus, I’ve been trying to make up for my wrongdoing.”
Peter anticipated a question about his failure. But Jesus asked something completely different.
Three Denials, Three Questions
The women at the tomb were asked, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?”
Now Peter faced the only question that matters.
Three times Peter had denied Jesus. Three times Jesus gave him the opportunity for restoration:
“Peter, do you love Me?”
Not “Have you figured everything out?” Not “Are you over your addiction?” Not “Is your family situation fixed?” Not “Have you conquered your depression?”
Just one simple, profound question: “Do you love Me?”
What Jesus Doesn’t Need to Know
At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we understand this truth: Jesus doesn’t need to know if you have everything figured out. He needs to know one thing—do you love Him?
Because if you do, He will take care of every bit of the rest.
Jesus didn’t need to know if Peter had:
- Overcome his impulsiveness
- Fixed his tendency to speak before thinking
- Resolved all his emotionalissues
- Perfected his faith
- Earned back his position
Jesus needed to know Peter’s heart.
The Power of One Question
Peter answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love You.”
And with those words, everything changed. Jesus responded with a commission: “Feed My sheep.” Peter’s purpose was restored. His calling was renewed. His future was secured—not because he had earned it, but because he loved Jesus.
This is the beauty of grace. It doesn’t wait for perfection. It doesn’t demand we clean ourselves up first. Grace meets us in our mess and asks one question: “Do you love Me?”
Living Out Love at Lakeview Christian Church
At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, our mission is to be the change as Jesus has changed us. We do this through “Just 3”:
Study – We study God’s Word to love and know Him better. The more we know Jesus, the more we love Him. The more we love Him, the more we’re transformed.
Share – We share the gospel to know and love others. When we truly love Jesus, we can’t help but share His love with those around us.
Serve – We serve as love in action. Jesus told Peter, “If you love Me, feed My sheep.” Service is the natural overflow of loving Jesus.
What This Means for You Today
Maybe you’re like Peter—carrying the weight of failure, denial, or past mistakes. Maybe you think you’ve disqualified yourself from God’s grace. Maybe you’re trying to make up for what you’ve done wrong.
Stop preparing your defense.
Jesus isn’t asking about your performance. He’s asking about your heart. Do you love Him? That’s the only question that truly matters.
If your answer is yes, then Jesus says: “I’ll take care of the rest. I’ll heal your brokenness. I’ll restore your purpose. I’ll work through your weaknesses. I’ll transform your failures into testimonies. Just love Me, and let Me do what only I can do.”
Your Restoration Begins Today
Peter went from denier to church leader. From failure to faithful. From broken to boldly proclaiming the gospel. Not because he fixed himself, but because he loved Jesus and let Jesus restore him.
The same resurrection power that transformed Peter is available to you today. Jesus is asking you the same question He asked Peter by that seaside fire: “Do you love Me?”
Your answer to that question changes everything.
