July 12, 2026 | Simon Peter, the Restored Disciple

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Devotional Reading: Isaiah 40:26–31

Background Scripture: Mark 8:27–29; Luke 22:7–38;

John 18:15–18, 25–27; 21:15–17

Introduction

A. Broken Made Beautiful

Kintsugi is a centuries-old Japanese technique of pottery repair. The process involves using a special lacquer mixed with gold, silver, or platinum to repair damages to broken or cracked pieces. Other methods of ceramic restoration aim to hide the damage or make it less noticeable as if the object were “like new.” Kintsugi, however, highlights the imperfections and brokenness of the pottery, transforming them into a new artifact. The restoration process transforms the damaged pottery into something whole, with the lacquered repairs serving as a visual reminder of the item’s history and use. Rather than obscuring the damage, this technique celebrates it, making the once-broken pieces beautiful and usable for many more years.

Similarly, God’s work of salvation brings healing and reconciliation to sinful humanity. Today’s account demonstrates how God restored one of the first apostles, Peter. Through Christ’s forgiveness and restoration, Peter’s story becomes more beautiful than he could have imagined.