What does it actually look like to follow Jesus when your strength runs out, your past still haunts you, and someone else’s life makes you question your own?

In John 21, the risen Jesus meets His disciples after a night of empty nets and shows them that all their experience, effort, and resources become fruitful only when they are ordered around His word. When they finally reach the shore, Jesus has already prepared breakfast for them—reminding us that before we ever bring anything to Christ, He has already provided what we need. Grace means Jesus can accomplish His work without us, yet in His kindness He chooses to involve us in what He is doing. 

Then Jesus meets Peter beside a charcoal fire—the same kind of fire where Peter had denied Him three times. But Jesus does not bring Peter back to the place of failure to humiliate him; He brings him there to restore him. Peter’s failure is real, but it does not get to become his final identity. Grace does not merely forgive Peter’s past; grace gives Peter a future.

Finally, after Jesus tells Peter, “Follow Me,” Peter turns toward John and asks, “What about this man?” Jesus answers with words every generation needs to hear: “What is that to you? You follow Me.” Comparison distracts us from discipleship, and another person’s calling was never meant to become the measuring stick for God’s faithfulness in our own lives. 

The Gospel of John begins with “In the beginning was the Word” and ends with that same risen Lord still calling ordinary, imperfect people to follow Him. Through empty nets, painful failures, different assignments, and uncertain futures, the invitation remains the same:

Follow Jesus.

He is the Word who became flesh.
He is the Lamb who died for our sin.
He is the King who walked out of the grave.
And He is the Lord who still says, “Follow Me.”

Scripture: John 21:1–25
Big Idea: Follow Jesus.

Let's get ready to find hope in Jesus, by listening to this message. 

YOUR NEXT STEP: If you don't have a home church, then your next step of faith is to click this link and fill out the digital connect card. We would love to connect with you: https://bit.ly/4g9b4Gm

If this message encouraged you and inspired you to boldly follow Jesus, we ask that you share it with a friend by sending them this message! We help YOU find hope in Jesus. We can't wait to see you in person at Forward Church in Irvine, every Sunday at 11 am! 

CONNECT WITH FORWARD: For more information, please visit: www.forwardchurchirvine.com and follow us on Instagram: @forwardirvine.