20/09/2026
THE CHARCOAL FIRE
Where identity was Lost… and Restored.
There is a detail in the Gospel of John
that we might easily miss.
A phrase that appears only twice in the entire New Testament.
“Charcoal fire.”
In Greek "anthrakia" a fire of burning coals.
And both times…Peter was there.
The first time was in John 18.
It was cold. Jesus was being questioned inside.
And Peter?
He stood outside, warming himself beside a charcoal fire.
Then came the questions.
Are you one of His disciples? I am not.
Again. Are you one of His disciples? I am not.
Again. Didn’t I see you with Him? And again I am not.
Three questions.
Three denials.
Peter was trying to stay close enough
to see what would happen to Jesus,
but far enough away
to protect himself.
And sometimes… we do the same.
We stay close enough to look like we belong, but far enough away that following Jesus doesn’t cost us anything.
We warm ourselves by fires that were never meant to define us.
And slowly… we forget who we are. But then...
John 21.
Peter sees another charcoal fire.
Same word. "Anthrakia." But this time… Jesus is there.
The fire that once witnessed Peter’s denial now witnesses his restoration.
Jesus asks, "Do you love Me?”
Peter answers. Again.
Jesus asks. Again.
Three times.
Not because Jesus needed information, but because Peter needed restoration.
Three denials.
Three declarations.
And after every declaration, Feed My sheep.
Jesus didn't say, You failed, so you're finished.
He said, Follow Me.
The place where Peter lost his confidence
became the place where Jesus restored his calling.
The fire that carried his shame
became the fire that carried his purpose.
And maybe that is what Jesus wants to do with your story too.
Maybe there is a place in your past you wish you could erase.
A season you don't talk about.
A failure you still remember.
A version of yourself you are ashamed of.
But what if Jesus isn't asking you
to pretend it never happened?
What if He wants to meet you there?
Because sometimes, Jesus doesn't remove the memory.
He redeems it.
The charcoal fire remained.
But its meaning changed.
And maybe the place where you once said, "I am not.”
will become the place where you finally realize, “I am His.”
So when another fire comes
when fear comes,
when temptation comes,
when shame comes,
when the old you starts speaking again
Remember Peter.
Don't choose the fire that only makes you comfortable.
Choose the fire where Jesus is.
Because with Jesus,
denial can become declaration.
shame can become grace.
failure can become restoration.
distance can become intimacy.
and a broken identity can become a redeemed purpose.
The charcoal fire wasn't the end of Peter's story. And your worst moment isn't the end of yours.
Maybe Jesus is bringing you back to the fire, not to remind you of who you were,
but to remind you who you are in Him. 🤍
