Friends, even in failure
by Jane Mueller
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He called out to them, ‘Friends, haven’t you any fish?’ (John 21:5a)
Read John 21:1–19
Simon Peter had failed. He swore he would never deny Jesus. He had promised unwavering loyalty. Yet, when the pressure came, he crumbled. Not once, but three times, he denied Jesus.
After Jesus’ resurrection, Peter was back in a boat, fishing. Was he trying to return to the life he knew before? Was he wondering if he still had a place in Jesus’ mission? Or in Jesus’ heart?
Then, from the shore, Jesus called out, ‘Friends, haven’t you any fish?’
Friends. Not failures, not cowards, not traitors, but friends.
Jesus knew Peter’s denial. He knew Peter’s guilt. And yet, his first words were not of rebuke but of relationship. In that moment, Jesus reminded Peter – and us – that our failures do not define us. His love does.
How often do we, like Peter, fall short? How often do we betray our convictions or turn away when our faith becomes costly? Yet Jesus still calls us his friend. His grace reaches beyond our failures, inviting us back into fellowship with him.
Later in today’s passage, Jesus restores Peter fully, reminding him that his calling was never based on perfection but on love. The same is true for you. Jesus does not abandon you when you fall short. Instead, he calls you back, offering forgiveness, purpose and friendship.
No matter how many times you fail, Jesus still stands on the shore, beckoning to you, his friend. Will you answer?
Lord Jesus, I fail you. Knowingly and unknowingly, time and time again, I fail you. Yet you still call me your friend. Help me to receive your grace and walk in the love you so freely give. Let my life be a reflection of your grace and love. Amen.
Jane is a former Lutheran school principal and now serves as Governance Leadership Director for Lutheran Education SA, NT & WA. Jane has a keen interest in psychology, enjoys hiking and loves learning about and trying new things.
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