One of Jesus’ closest followers was Peter.

He was bold, passionate, and confident. At one point, he even told Jesus, “Even if everyone else leaves you, I never will.”

But everything changed after Jesus was arrested.

Peter followed at a distance—close enough to see what was happening, but far enough to stay unnoticed. Eventually, he found himself standing around a charcoal fire while Jesus was being questioned nearby.

Then someone recognized him.

“Weren’t you with Him?”

Peter quickly responded, “No. I don’t know Him.”

A little while later, another person spoke up:

“I’m sure I saw you with Jesus.”

Again, Peter denied it.

“No, I don’t know that man.”

Then a third voice pressed in:

“You must be one of His followers.”

For the third time, Peter said it:

“I don’t know Him.”

And in that moment, a rooster crowed.

Suddenly, Peter remembered what Jesus had told him:

“Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.”

It’s easy to read that story and wonder how Peter could fail so completely.

But if we’re honest, we’ve had our own moments.

Moments when it felt easier to stay quiet about our faith.

Moments when blending in seemed safer than standing out.

Moments when we distanced ourselves instead of stepping forward.

But here’s the good news:

Peter’s story doesn’t end with failure.

After the resurrection, Jesus sought Peter out again. And once more, they found themselves around a charcoal fire.

This time, Jesus asked him three simple but powerful questions:

“Peter, do you love me?”

Three times Peter said yes.

And three times, Jesus restored him—and gave him a mission.

That’s the grace of Jesus.

Even when we fail, He doesn’t walk away.

Even when we fall short, He doesn’t give up.

Even when we turn away, He is ready to restore.

And that is very good news for all of us.