The Keys to the Kingdom, Peter's Fall and Restoration

When Peter answered Jesus' question, "Who do you say that I am," with "You are the Christ, the son of the living God," Jesus answered, "You are blessed and I will give you the keys to the Kingdom." How encouraging! Peter was far from perfect, just like us... And during Jesus' passion, Peter denies the Lord three times! But Jesus lovingly and painstakingly restores Peter after his fall. Then Peter becomes a mighty leader of the first church! God's grace to restore and use Peter in His Kingdom gives us all hope that we too may be fruitful in His kingdom!