Please join Dr. Will this fourth Sunday of Easter, April 21, 2024, as he preaches “A moment of pure grace and unconditional Love.” Psalm 97; John 17:20–26; John 21:1–19.

Howard Thurman, one of the great African American theologians said these words, “No event in your life can imprison you. I shall not allow the events of my life to make me their prisoner. I shall continually believe that God is not through with my life, or with me.”

Thurman’s words remind me of the story of Simon Peter, son of John, whom Jesus renamed Peter or the Rock. Peter failed to live up to his expectations and the expectations of others. He is known to deny Jesus.

Jesus' encounter with Peter after the resurrection is a scene of pure grace and unconditional love. It could have been easy for Jesus to remind Peter that he predicted his denial. Few of us could resist at least a gentle reminder that a terrible betrayal had happened. Yet Jesus keeps it simple, straight, with no reproach or blame, no accusation, not a hint of injured pride, nor a wounded ego. Just simple words “Do you love me? Feed my sheep.” Three times, Jesus said it to Peter.

In this sermon, I make the case that we should not let events that took place in our lives define us. In the very presence of God, there is an abundance of grace and acceptance.

Rev. Dr. Willy L. Mafuta, Ph.D, Th.D