4TH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER, SUNDAY 19th MAY 2019
Introduction
You are most welcome for today’s service in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Today we look at the ‘Meaning and the Significance of Reinstating Peter by Jesus Christ’ in the Church in general, and in your life in particular.
We all know that Peter was called by Christ to follow Him (Mark 1:16-17) to fish men, and therefore was among the twelve Apostles of Christ, (Mark 3:16-19). Peter is believed to have been very influential, leader to the twelve, head of the top caucus of the twelve, very intelligent, full of God’s revelation and articulate. His leadership became clearer in Matthew 16:16 when he confesses that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.
Peter, however, disowned Jesus (Matthew 26:69-75) when he denied Jesus three times, which would naturally translate into falling out of fellowship, faith, leadership and trust and to the worst becoming enemies with Christ whom he had promised never to fall out with, even if the rest do (Matthew 26:33)
On the contrary, Jesus reinstated Peter, as the leader of the Church and gave him powers and authority to:
1) “Feed my lambs” (John 21:15)
2) “Take care of my sheep” (John 21:16)
3) “Feed my sheep” (John 21:17)
4) “Follow me” (Matthew 26:33)
Implications to the Church and us all:

• To appreciate human beings and their humanity.
• To forgive those who disown us unexpectedly.
• To repent when we disown our dear ones
• No situation is permanent; there is room for improvement once we fall short of others’ expectations.
• Jesus was truly God (divine) and man (human). When He demonstrated forgiveness and reinstated Peter.
• Our God truly loves and does not judge us by our actions, but by our faith.
  Conclusion
  No situation is permanent. We should therefore always repent, seek forgiveness and improve on our short-comings when we fall short of God’s glory and man’s expectations.
  May the Lord give us humility and contriteness of the heart when we error.

Reverend Grace Lubaale
ASSOCIATE CHAPLAIN
QUESTIONS FOR HOME CELL BIBLE STUDY AND PERSONAL REFLECTION

1. Read Matthew 26: 69-75 carefully and meditate on it.
   a) If you were in Peter’s position, what would you have done?
   b) What lessons do we learn from Peter?
2. In John 21:15-25 Jesus reinstates Peter.
   What lessons do you draw for your personal reflection and share with your Cell members?