Built Over Troubled Water

by Kaji Douša | published on Sep 8, 2025

Discussion Questions 

  1. Read John 21:4-17. Then read the devotional, “Built Over Troubled Water.”    
  1. When have your failures (actual or perceived) discouraged you from trying the next thing, the new thing, the ongoing thing? 
  1. How have you experienced Jesus’s grace? How have you extended grace to yourself? 
  1. Do you feel inadequate to show up for others? How is it helpful to remember that you are not alone in the work of love? 

Devotional 

[Jesus] said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.” – John 21:17 (NRSV) 

Peter knew the kind of failure that keeps you up at night. The kind you think disqualifies you from ever trying again. 

Perhaps his greatest failure was denying even knowing Jesus. Three times. Jesus wasn’t standing outside to hear it. But he knew, anyway. 

Still, Jesus came to him. Not with punishment, but with a meal, warmth and a question. “Do you love me?” 

Peter denied him thrice. Jesus gave him three chances to say yes. I don’t believe Jesus was keeping score. I believe that he was building something powerful: a bridge. A bridge from shame to purpose, guilt to grace, silence to love in action. 

Feed. Tend. Feed again. That’s what the bridge is made of. Not performance, but practice. Not perfection, but love that keeps showing up. 

If you’re stuck in the story of what you got wrong, hear this: Jesus is already on the shore. He’s already fried you up some fish for breakfast. You don’t have to wade through the water alone. 

There’s a bridge now. And on the other side of it? There’s your calling. 

Prayer
God of second chances, build in me a rhythm of love that nourishes others, even as I heal. Show me the bridge. And give me the courage to traverse it. Amen.

Kaji DoušaAbout the Author
Kaji Douša is the Senior Pastor of The Park Avenue Christian Church, a congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ, in New York City.