Day 153 · Day 153
Kids Corner — Day 153
2 Samuel 19:11–20:13 · John 21:1–25 · Psalm 120:1–7 · Proverbs 16:16–17
The story in children’s words
King David crossed back over the Jordan River to go home. Shimei, who had once cursed David, begged for mercy, and David promised he would not die. Old Barzillai, who had fed the king, walked with him a little way, but he was eighty years old and wanted to go back home. Then a man named Sheba led Israel away from David again, and Joab killed Amasa and chased after Sheba. By the Sea of Galilee, Jesus showed Himself alive once more. His friends had caught no fish all night, but at His word their net filled with one hundred fifty-three big fish, and Jesus gave them breakfast on the shore. Three times Jesus asked Peter, "Do you love me?" and three times He said, "Feed my sheep." Then Jesus said, "Follow me." Jesus forgives His friends and gives them work to do for Him.
It points to Jesus
In 2 Samuel 19, David returns to Jerusalem and his kingdom is restored. Shimei, who had cursed the king, begs for mercy — and David forgives him. The fallen king is lifted up again; grace wins. Then John 21, on a Galilean shore at dawn: Jesus cooks breakfast for His friends. Three times He asks Peter, "Do you love me?" — once for every denial in the courtyard. And three times He restores him: "Feed my lambs... Tend my sheep... Feed my sheep" (John 21:15–17). Then the commission: "Follow me." Peter the denier becomes Peter the shepherd. David's restoration points to a greater one: the risen Christ does not discard the fallen — He recommissions them. "In my distress, I cried to the LORD. He answered me" (Psalm 120:1). Failure is never final with Jesus. It ALL points to Jesus.
Talk about it
Talk with someone about this: Jesus gave Peter a job — "Feed my sheep" — not just forgiveness. What might Jesus be trusting you with, even after your failures?