Rewind with me for a minute. Earlier during His last week on the earth, Peter had said to Jesus in the upper room, "I will never deny you" (John 13:38). Yet, Jesus told him that he would deny him three times before the cock crew.

True to His word, Peter did that very thing.

Now following the Resurrection, Jesus asked Peter a question that He also asks us, "Do you love me?" In fact, He asked him three times this same question.

Why? Because He wanted to know, and, because He wanted to recall Peter's denial before the Cross.

This was a loving reminder that sometimes our bark is louder than our bite. It was proud boasting on Peter's part.

I am sure he got the point as John said, "He was grieved because Jesus asked him this the third time."

Why are you surprised Peter? Did you not deny Him three times? Point taken!

Focus for a few moments on what Jesus asked Peter and what He asks you and me. "Do you love me?" Really?

There are three words in the New Testament for Love. First, there is Agape love; unselfish, sacrificial, unconditional, total commitment type love. Then, there is Phileo; brotherly love, close friendship type love. Finally, there is eros love; physical love. All three are good and created by God for us to enjoy. But Agape love is the highest form of love, Godly love!

That's what Jesus wanted to know from Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you agapeo (love) me?" But Peter said, "Lord you know I Phileo (love) you." At least, He was not going to make the mistake the second time. He was not going to say that He loved the Lord unconditionally and sacrificially at this point.

At that point He said to Peter, "Follow me." Didn't He tell Peter that from the beginning when He first met Him? Yes, He did, but Peter had failed. So, Jesus told him the second time, "Follow Me." In other words, Jesus gave him another chance. Peter went on to follow Christ and to diefor Him. His love grew into Agape love.

Aren't we all glad that God gives us another chance?

Perhaps you have failed in many areas of your Christian life, but God still loves you and gives all of us a Second Chance. The Bible is filled with people who received "second chances" and more. It's not over until God says it's over.

Thought: You will fail! Will you get up? Our God is the God of "Second Chances!"

Dr. Ken Moore is Pastor of Morgan's Chapel and President of KMEM Ministries, International.