Fix It Jesus!: Following Jesus with Restoration

Not the End, But the Beginning

Easter has passed. Christ has indeed risen! He has been victorious over death, Hell, and the grave. Through the cross's great exchange, we can share in His victory—He takes our sin while we receive His righteousness. The gift of undeserved eternal life is truly worth celebrating. Yet, while Resurrection Sunday marks a culmination, it's important to remember it's not the final one. The ultimate culmination lies beyond the cross

The crucifixion's victory marks a pivotal, unrepeatable moment in history, yet it's a means rather than an end. We often forget about the coming era and future phases of God's plan. Jesus' resurrection wasn't a conclusion but an inauguration—the catalyst for God's broader restoration. Now, God's focus extends beyond rescuing His people to repairing everything broken in Creation.

You Break It, You Buy It

In the beginning, Adam and Eve existed in perfect goodness. This flawless state lasted until a single act of rebellion shattered everything God had established. Sin contaminated not just humanity but all creation, and since then, God has been working to redeem and restore what was broken.

As a result of the Fall of Adam, the brokenness of the world includes but is not limited to, the following:

• Death

• Poverty and Economic Disparity

• Hunger

• Sickness and Disease

• Natural Disaster and Climate Volatility

• Injustice

• War

• Addiction

• Love of Self

We must live in the present reality, knowing the world won't be fully restored until a future time. Jesus prepared his followers for this truth—that despite the Messiah's arrival, brokenness would persist. In John 16:33, he said, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." As depicted in "The Chosen," Jesus acknowledges that bones and hearts will still break, yet ultimately light will triumph over darkness. Though we must endure this broken world, Jesus came to fix it.

As God's image-bearers, we were created good and given stewardship over creation. Though we broke what we were entrusted to care for, God chose to redeem us first—not just because He loves us, but likely because we bear responsibility for the damage. As the old Black Baptist gospel song says, "We gotta clean up what we messed up." We retain our purpose as Creation's caretakers, serving as God's representatives to restore what was broken. We're responsible for the world and must help repair it.

Restoration Begins Here

Jesus exemplified restoration and showed us where to begin—with relationships. He restored our connection to God through His sacrifice and, after rising, mended His earthly relationships. He taught His disciples that God desires all things returned to their original state, though this restoration requires deliberate effort and intention.

In His final hours, Jesus faced betrayal from Judas, abandonment by His followers during arrest, and three denials from Peter despite his pledge of loyalty. Even His closest relationships—those with whom He shared daily life—were left damaged and broken.

The first thing Jesus did when He rose from the grave was to get word to those who failed Him that He was alive. He especially named Peter, who had proven to Jesus and himself, that he was not capable of having the unwavering loyalty he professed to have. Jesus’ focus was to fix the bonds that had been broken. To grant forgiveness to not only Peter, but to all who knew in their hearts they were unworthy. So, Jesus appeared to the disciples, minus Thomas, and then he returned once more to make sure that Thomas knew that He had risen and come back just for him. But Jesus knew that His plan for Peter required a third occasion for restoration.

Restored to Restore

Peter claimed to be Jesus' most devoted follower, vowing in Matthew 26:33-35 never to desert him even if it meant death. Jesus predicted Peter would deny him three times. Despite his intentions, Peter succumbed to self-preservation and did what he swore he would never do. He then abandoned his calling as a "fisher of men," and returned to fishing. Yet Jesus still sought him out.

John 21:15-17

15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love (agape) me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love (phileo) you.”

“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.

16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love (agape) me?”

“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love (phileo) you.”

“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.

17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love (phileo) me?”

Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love (phileo) you.”

Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.

Agape is sacrificial love, like Jesus has for us—a mindful choice. Phileo is friendly, affectionate love—a heartfelt connection. When Jesus asked Peter a third time, using "phileo" instead of "agape," Peter was hurt not just by the repetition but perhaps by his own inability to commit to sacrificial love after his failure. Jesus' shift to "phileo" countered Peter's third denial while compassionately meeting Peter where he was, rather than demanding what Peter couldn't yet give—potentially saving their relationship.

What a model of grace and forgiveness! Jesus demonstrates that healing broken relationships means meeting people where they are and elevating them over time. When Jesus charged Peter to feed and tend His sheep and lambs, He gave him divine purpose—to shepherd the church, attend to believers' needs, and ensure spiritual health. Peter's mission was to sustain what Jesus established, and the Church's endurance through millennia proves Peter fulfilled this sacred trust faithfully.

Christ followers have profound purposes in their relationships. Through true discipleship, we experience restoration—of relationships and broken aspects of our world. With healthy communities, the body of Christ's potential is limitless. While complete healing awaits Jesus' return, we're called to embody His presence and counter brokenness now. How can we address poverty, sickness, hunger, and war? How do we combat climate change and disaster effects? How do we become peacemakers, sharing the gospel through both words and actions? How do we amplify our Savior's healing presence?

Here are some steps you can take to begin to repair broken relationships:

• Humble yourself

• Pray and listen for God’s response

• Talk to the person, expressing your hurt so that the other can hear it.

• Attack the problem, not them.

• Acknowledge your part.

• Apologize sincerely (no “buts”).

• Agree to disagree.

• Repent and require repentance of the other.

• Get good and wise advice from others.

• Consider a mediator or a therapist.

Beyond Repair

We know that not every relationship can be restored this side of Heaven. You must preserve your safety and well-being because you are no good to others or the Kingdom of God if you are succumbing to mental stressors brought on by unhealthy relationships.

Here are some signs that a relationship is beyond repair:

• There is current toxicity—abusive and/or controlling behavior persists, you fear the other person

• There are still persistent breaches of trust.

• You are declining mentally and or physically due to the relationship.

We Are God’s Masterpiece

Restoring like Jesus gives us a heart for God's broken world and His redemptive plan. While we can't control all brokenness, we can focus on what's within our control. God equips us with everything needed, especially the Holy Spirit, to fulfill His will. Mending relationships is difficult but possible through Christ's example. Whatever we do in Jesus' name will benefit us, Creation, and glorify God. We're meant to be an integral part of the beautiful, yet broken, world God created.

Like Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold-painted adhesive, we too can transform brokenness into beauty. As followers of Christ, we are the golden repair that makes broken pieces whole. Just as Peter was restored, we are charged to strengthen fractured relationships. Through Christ's grace, we bring renewal wherever we go. Transform your broken relationships into kintsugi masterpieces, becoming a container of refreshment in a hurting world.